IWAN Thomas believes he is unlikely to fall victim of a Roger Black-style snub following the weekend's Olympic Trials.

Although Southampton's European and Commonwealth 400 metres champion has pulled out of the Birmingham showdown to allow himself more time to recuperate from hamstring trouble, he remains optimistic of representing Britain in Sydney.

Two years ago the disgusted Black brought forward his retirement from athletics after being overlooked for individual selection for the European Championships in Budapest.

His standing as Olympic silver medallist counted for nothing when he finished fourth at the Trials, 0.03 of a second behind the unpredicatable Solomon Wariso, who was chosen ahead of him despite an obvious lack of international finesse.

The same thing could conceivably happen to Thomas depending on the whim of the selectors. The first two past the post in Sunday's final are selected automatically, subject to having the 45.80 qualifying time, but a discretionary third place could be left open for Netley's British record holder if he can prove his fitness by August 21.

For all his medals, Black - then GB men's team captain - was not afforded that luxury but, as Thomas points out, there is a crucial difference between then and now.

"When Roger was left out two years ago, three people ran in the mid-44s ahead of him, but I can't see that happening this year," he said.

"Assuming that Mark Richardson and Jamie Baulch come first and second I don't think the third-placed guy will run anything like that time in Sunday's final."

Jared Deacon is the only other Briton to have achieved the qualifying time, but his 45.69 run in Dublin a fortnight ago is way short of Thomas at his best.

Having resumed training yesterday, Thomas plans to run in Leverkusen, Germany on August 20 and possibly squeeze in another overseas race in midweek.

"If three people were to run 44-something on Sunday I'd say, fair enough, they've proved themselves, but I can't see that happening," he said. "It's out of my hands now but I've had a lot encouragment from the selectors and I hope they'll give me a chance to prove myself. There are six weeks left between now and the Olympics and I know I can run a lot faster."

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