• London 2012 Olympics

I can handle the pressure - Greene

Dai Greene insists being world champion will not change how he approaches London 2012 © Getty Images

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• News: Greene powers to 400m hurdles gold
  
• Profile: Dai Greene

Newly-crowned world champion Dai Greene insists he can cope with the added pressure ahead of London 2012 following his victory in Daegu.

Greene was the picture of cool as he powered to victory in the 400m hurdles to claim Britain's first gold medal of the championships.

The pressure will now be on the Welshman to replicate such a dominant performance in London in less than 12 months' time, but Greene insists his new title will not change the way he approaches the Games.

"If you are world No. 1 then you are expected to win these championships," Greene told Sky Sports News. "Next year I will try to improve again and be as professional as possible and make sure I don't let my preparations slip and there's no reason why I can't come away with it.

"After this result people will think, he's won the world championships there's no reason why he can't win it and hopefully my competitors will think like that as well. It will be a very similar feel to what it was a few nights ago so I am looking forward to it again."

Greene's event boasts a wealth of talent and with big names such as Bershawn Jackson, LJ van Zyl, Felix Sanchez and Javier Culson, the 400m hurdles is one of the most competitive events. Having made his way to the top of the sport, Greene will take a lot of confidence into his winter training.

"I've worked really hard to get to where I am," Greene said. "I remember when I wasn't winning the races so now that I am it's a nice change and I'm not going to shy away from it. Everyone was there in that world championship final so you can't say that I had it easy in any way.

"Last year I had a superb season winning the Commonwealths and the Europeans and that gave me a lot of confidence. I believed that I could improve and get better and throughout this season I have been really competitive with these guys and beating them on a regular basis.

"I've just been putting in the hard work and that's what gives me my confidence - the fact that when I step on the start line I know I have prepared better than anyone else and I will do the best I can to be in the best shape possible."

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