PRETTY much every major championship I've ever been to, I've been injured," remarks Andy Turner, ruefully.

It's the story of his life. Andy (pictured) was billed as British athletics' great hurdling hope, following the retirement of Colin Jackson.

Alas, the Hucknall lad has – quite literally – been hamstrung by a series of injuries. In fact, you probably shouldn't mention the word "hamstring" since it did for Andy's 2007 and 2008 seasons and saw him hobble across the finishing line at the Berlin World Championships last year.

"I have an injury right now and the doctor can't even tell me what it is," he says.

Despite this, he remains cheerful, his eyes firmly fixed on London 2012. This is perhaps because, during the spells he's injury-free, Andy's form is exceptional.

Last year, he won two international golds and almost equalled his personal best.

It's a time that could have got him a top-four placing at the Worlds, had it not been for the aforementioned hamstring which he pulled the week before the race.

The former Nottingham High School pupil started hurdling at Nottingham Athletics Club after being encouraged by his dad Malcolm – a former Notts 800 metre runner.

"I think he always felt he gave it up too soon," says Andy. "I hated it at first but grew to love it eventually."

He says he never thought in a million years he would make athletics his career but in 2003, following the retirement of Colin Jackson, he grabbed the number one British hurlers spot and went to the Europa Cup.

Despite his list of injuries, he remains number one.

He now lives in Surrey with his girlfriend Natalie and their two little girls – Jasmin, five, and Carmen, three, but his parents are still Hucknall-based.

He has already competed at two Olympics and, now aged 29, feels 2012 may be his last. His failure to make the final at Beijing – again as a result of injuries – remains a disappointment.

Following that result, UK Athletics decided to cut his £12,000 funding. He spent last year proving it should be reinstated – and it has been.

"I made a point of running really well. I had that extra fire in my belly," he said.

His parents, he says, "wouldn't miss London for the world" – provided he's there, of course.

"All I have to do is keep my number one slot and I'll be there," he says. And stay injury-free, of course.

"But I'm owed a bit of luck."