Ok, the canoe slalom athlete's who will compete in Beijing have still to be officially announced by the British Olympic Association. That should happen next month.

But with the British Canoe Union (BCU) selectors having already put forward his name, www.inthewinningzone.com thought it safe to ask Aberdeen born Florence how he feels to have qualified for his first Olympic Games!

"To be honest, I'm just so relieved that the selections are over,"
said the 25 year-old yesterday.

"You spend so long preparing for Beijing and not knowing if you'll actually be going (i.e. get selected) that it's good to be able to now prepare for it."

If ever there was a good omen for the C1 class kayaker, the fact is he'll turn 26 on the 8th of August, the day of the Olympic opening ceremony.

What's more, the graduate of Mathematical Physics (the same degree studied by fellow Olympian Campbell Walsh), aims to leave Beijing with some precious metal round his neck.

"I hope to get a medal. I've been in the top five at almost every major event over the past year and though it's very much an 'on the day' sport I'm well capable of medalling."

Florence is not the only kayaker in his family to have enjoyed success in the sport. Both is father (C2 class) and uncle (K1 class) have been Scottish champions.