BOURNEMOUTH volleyball player Zara Dampney has vowed to make every second count in her bid to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

Dampney – from Hurn – has suffered mixed fortunes this year despite making her World Championship debut in Norway in June and recording a best FIVB World Tour finish of ninth.

The 23-year-old – alongside partner Shaunna Mullins – were ranked 45th out of the 48 teams entered in Scandinavia and failed to pick up a single win as did fellow Brits Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns.

Britain’s last Olympic appearance was back in 1996 but after qualifying two teams for the World Championships for the first time this year Dampney has vowed to get to 2012 on merit and not sympathy.

“The main aim over the next couple of years is to make sure that we qualify for the Olympics outright rather than having to rely on an invite,” said Dampney – who trains and studies at the University of Bath.

“I know we can definitely do that and I’m confident we’ll be able to achieve everything we want to over the next couple of years.

“We now know that every training session counts if we are to get to London and do well there so we’re all going to work as hard as we can to make sure it happens.”

And with just 1000 (October 31) days to go until the Olympic torch is lit at a glittering opening ceremony in the capital – Dampney admitted she is more determined than ever to get there.

“I went down to see the Olympic village at the start of the month as part of Team 2012 and it was incredible to see how far it’s come along,” she added. “It really brings it to life and makes you realise that it’s actually happening – I really can’t wait.”

• Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to London 2012. LloydsTSB.com/London2012