Hurdler goes for glory (From The Oxford Times)

Hurdler goes for glory

9:00am Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Oxfordshire

LAWRENCE Clarke is targeting glory in the Olympic 110m hurdles tonight.

The 22-year-old, from Christmas Common near Watlington, is aiming for a personal best when he competes in the first semi-final at 7.15pm.

He hopes that will be enough to secure him a spot in the final two hours later.

Clarke clocked 13.42 in yesterday’s heat. His best is 13.33. He said: “It was a solid time and I’m really hoping I can build on that.”

Clarke, who attended Eton, is heir to the Baronetcy of Clarke of Dunham Lodge, Norfolk.

His great-grandfather was Admiral Sir Dudley Rawson Stratford de Chair, governor of New South Wales, who laid the foundation stone for the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1925.

He is the first cousin, four times removed from Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the USA, and second cousin, four times removed from Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd president of the USA.