Miller realises she has an Olympic ambition after watching London 2012 firsthand

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

YASMIN Miller received a VIP taste of London 2012 earlier this month and she's vowed to use it as a springboard to experiencing the Olympic atmosphere firsthand as soon as possible.

MILLER TIME: Teenage sprint hurlder Yasmin Miller has got a taste for the Olympics after being invited to watch London 2012

As part of her involvement with the Spar Sprints Stars scheme, Miller was in the Olympic Stadium during the Games to witness the likes of Usain Bolt in action.

For Miller, 17, the moment awoke something inside the sprint hurdler as she it suddenly dawned on her that she could follow in the footsteps of the world's best at Rio 2016 and beyond.

And with the 2017 World Championships to be held in the Olympic Stadium, Miller is hoping the spectator can become the champion soon enough.

"It was really good to have the experience of what a home Olympic Games is like," said Miller.

"It was a really great experience and it was my first time at the stadium and it was huge and just a brilliant atmosphere to be a part of.

"Watching it on TV you think it is good but hearing the roar for yourself is just great. If it was me I think I would just try and blank it out and stay focused and I think the athletes do a really good job of that.

"This has really inspired me because before this I never really thought about being an Olympian - it was never in my mind.

"But this year after what has happened in this country and with the Games and everything I want it to be my goal now and that is what I will start working towards."

Before she can dream of senior glory however Miller admits she has plenty of work to do in the junior ranks.

And with the European Junior Championships taking place in Italy next summer, Miller insists she can see no better platform to highlight her talent.

"The season just gone was good but it could have been a lot better and I think I missed out on some chances to go faster," she added.

"My performances have been OK but I would have liked them to be better and that is what I will be focusing on next season.

"There are the European juniors next season and that is my main goal so I just need to focus on improving and doing my best there."

Brought to you by SPAR, Official Sponsors of UK Athletics. For more information visit www.spar.co.uk

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