Andrew Riley - File

LONDON, England:

Fast-rising Jamaican sprint hurdler Andrew Riley is a picture of relaxation.

Taking a breather after a training session the other day, the former Calabar High school man decides to chill under a tree and jokes around with a few of his Jamaican teammates.

It's been a whirlwind year for him, becoming the first athlete in the 106-year history of the NCAA to win the 110m hurdles and the 100m events, sealing a deal with German sports goods giant PUMA and sealing a place on Jamaica's Olympic squad after finishing second at trials.

After a long and challenging NCAA season, which saw him completing his senior year in style for the University of Illinois, Riley is taking it easy these days; going slow so that at the appointed time, he will be in the best condition to go fast.

"Since the NCAA, it's mostly about taking as much rest as possible, school is out and of course the NCAA season is very hectic and post-NCAAA it's mostly about taking it easy and ensuring that I stay on top of my health and recover in time for competition," Riley said.

The 110m hurdles is one of the most eagerly anticipated events at the Olympic Games with world leader Aries Meritt, world record holder and defending Olympic champion Dayron Robles and Liu Xiang leading the lines. The young Jamaican, who ran a personal best 13.19 at trials, has not dismissed his chances to make a mark here.

experience

"First of all I am very happy with how things have gone, this is my first Olympics and I'm just taking it all in stride and looking to make the most of this experience," Riley said, while laying out his basic target of making the finals.

"I'm just focused on going in and competing to the best of my ability. I'm definitely looking to compete in all three rounds and that will get me into the finals. In a hurdles race anything can happen so that's the focus," Riley noted. "Anything can happen in a hurdles race, you're facing ten barriers and they are the competitors that I focus on more than anyone else."

Notwithstanding, the 23-year-old, who like national champion Hansle Parchment is leading a line of upcoming Jamaican sprint hurdlers, knows all too well that making the final of itself represents a massive challenge.