City of Norwich AC runner Barbara Parker takes on the 5,000m at this weekend's Olympic Trials in Birmingham.

After months of Team GB announcing its London Olympic competitors, the weekend the athletes finally get their chance to secure a berth in Stratford this summer.

James Dasaolu in his 100m heat during the Uk Olympic Trails at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on Friday night.

The UK Athletics Trials started on Friday, with a number of hopefuls from this region in action – from serious medal contenders at the London Games to those looking forward to sampling the experience of the trials atmosphere in Birmingham.

King’s Lynn runner Barbara Parker is certainly in the former camp. The Beijing Olympian will run in Sunday’s 5,000m in a bid to make London – and banking on already having a quick enough time in the bag for the 3,000m steeplechase.

All being well, the City of Norwich athlete – currently based in Atlanta – will get a shot at doubling up in Stratford if allowed by Team GB.

As for 17-year-old Sophie McKinna, the Great Yarmouth shot putter has a terrific chance to show her capabilities in Saturday’s competition.

From there it is all about the City of Norwich Athletic Club competitors.

New York-based Mitch Goose has an exciting few days in front of him, taking on Sunday’s 5,000m – and then competing in the same event at the European Championships in Finland on Wednesday.

Rich Ward and Paul Goodall will get to fight their way through the 800m heats on Saturday afternoon, while Wymondham’s James McLachlan will compete in Saturday’s long jump having travelled back from Chicago.

Holly Rowland will join Parker in the 5,000m, while another USA-based Conac member Iona Lake will test the water in the steeplechase event Parker is missing in Birmingham.

One man already on his way to Olympic qualification is Croydon sprinter James Dasaulo – whose parents Akintola and Abosede run Steve McDonald News in Witard Road, north Norwich.

The 100m man finished safely in his heat’s top two, with the semi-finals and final from Saturday afternoon.