ANDREW Pozzi booked his place on the plane to the Rio Olympics as he stormed to the British title in Birmingham.

The former Alcester Grammar School pupil ran the race of his life as strode to a 13.31s personal best, despite a 1.3m/s headwind, to take his first national Championship 110m hurdles title since 2012.

Lawrence Clark had got away better, but Pozzi wasn’t about to let the defending champion retain his title as he raced all the way to the line to secure gold.

It's a huge moment for the Warwickshire athlete, whose time at the London 2012 Games was hit by injury.

“I am absolutely thrilled with that. I knew it was going to be close after the heats,” said Pozzi.

“I am over the moon to come back and qualify four years after doing it for London 2012, and that was actually the last outdoor trials I ran in.

“With a PB and the same lane I did it in four years ago, I love Birmingham. I grew up just down the road in Stratford upon Avon so it’s always good to come back.”

Pozzi was one of 37 British athletes who booked their spot in the GB squad for thus summer’s celebration of sport.