The countdown to the London 2012 Olympics ducked under the three-year mark last week – and Caithness cyclist John Paul’s dream appearance remains firmly on track.

The 16-year-old was handpicked as a future Olympian earlier this year when he was selected to join the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative, scooping a £1000 cash injection in the process to aid his London bid.

Paul has a busy August ahead of him with the National Youth & Junior Track Championships in Newport, South Wales on the 16-21 August followed by the Scottish Championships a week later in Edinburgh.

And with last Monday marking exactly three years until the Olympic torch is lit at a glittering opening ceremony in the capital, former Lybster Primary School pupil Paul is more determined than ever to live the Olympic dream in three years’ time.

“The season has been going well so far but I have just been building up to the two national championships I have got coming up so hopefully I can do well there,” said Paul.

“Everything is going pretty well for me and I have been breaking national records in training so I just hope I can do it when I get up there.

“I’ll be about 19 when London comes around and it will no doubt be difficult to get there at such a young age but that is what I am aiming for.

“I am feeling good ahead of the National Championships. I think I will be competing in five different events in Newport so I will be busy but hopefully it will go well.

“With cycling being an indoor sport there is no real rest for the summer and London seems to be coming round quickly but hopefully I can get there.”