While Alistair Brownlee was crowned world champion earlier this year, with brother Jonathan just behind, Clarke sees no reason why he cannot join them on the podium at the Olympics next year.

"I've still got to qualify and last year opened the selectors eyes," he told insidethegames.

"They want someone who can finish on the podium so I've got to prove to selectors that I can be a medal contender and not just an also ran.

"I proved that last year but need to prove it again."

Clarke certainly showed his ability during the 2011 season, finishing second in Hamburg to show what he was capable of, but he also came 24th in Madrid in an up-and-down season, eventually finishing ninth.

"I took a lot of confidence from Hamburg," Clarke said, adding that he is "very confident and hopeful of having a good winter."

Clarke's training owes in part to his promotion of Multipower's products, whose range of energy drinks and bars he has used for several years, and which he says "Is a big part of his programme."

He will also be hoping that they can help spur him on to break an unwanted record in London next year.

Despite being rated the world's leading triathlon nation at the conclusion of the 2011 World Championship series, Britain has not won a medal in the discipline at the Olympics since it became part of the Games in Sydney 2000.

Can they break that record in style and sweep the board in London next year?


Clarke (pictured) insists they can, but he knows that if no-one convinces the selectors of their ability to finish on the podium, a pacemaker may be selected to help the Brownlees pick up medals.

Having competed in Beijing in 2008, finishing 14th overall, Clarke hopes that his experience will help him achieve selection and glory next year.

"I think I'll know what to expect when it comes around next time - Beijing didn't faze me too much," he said.

"Lots of races we do are against the best in the world so the Olympics shouldn't be too different.

"At the end of the day it's just another race that has a much bigger prize than most so I'm just treating it like that really."

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