BLACKHEATH & Bromley Harrier athlete Michael Skinner is looking for specialist sports psychologist support to secure his place in the Olympics this summer.

The athlete receives no funding from the National Lottery or similar bodies and works full-time at the Richmond & Kingston School Sport Partnership where he helps the athletes of the future.

A grant of £7,500 from Addiscombe and West Wickham-based solicitors MB Allen & Co has helped with the practical costs of kit and travel expenses.

But now Skinner hopes that working with a sports psychologist could help him in the final push to get to Beijing.

He said: "I have had a great winter training programme and performed well in the European and World cross country championships.

"Now I am back on the track and working hard to get the time required to qualify and represent my country this summer.

"I am stepping up from 1,500m to 5,000m this season so really need to get some good times under my belt in time for the trials later this summer.

"Physically I am in better shape than ever and I think working on the mental aspect and focus could really make a difference."

Skinner added: "I hope my case study might interest a sports psychologist who would like the opportunity to work with someone at this level and be part of such as exciting goal.

"I cannot afford any fees but would certainly give any investment in me 100 percent commitment."

A trip to Stamford, USA, might be part of the schedule this month as the race is on to improve his track times over 5,000m.

Skinner explained: "The funding from MB Allen really makes a difference.

"Transport costs getting around the country to compete alone cost nearly £2,000 a year and I spend £200 just on sports drinks.

"My running shoes for track and then cross country will also cost hundreds of pounds. And after I have been putting in the miles on the track and working hard at the gym, a massage and sports physio sessions are crucial to my recovery times.

"These medical costs come in at around £1,500 a year."

He added: "I think some people think runners just pull on their trainers and go for it, but to compete at the highest level is a massive drain.

"It is a 24 hours a day, seven-days-a-week lifestyle with everything I do focused on my running."