Geoff Martinson (Prince George, B.C.) is making a push for the 2012 Olympics at this year's world track and field championships held in Daegu, South Korea.

Martinson finished ninth overall at the worlds. On Sept. 1, competing against favourites from the U.S. and Kenya, he finished with a time of 3:48:83 and will not advance to the finals.

Regardless of the finish, Martinson will leave Daegu with experience representing Canada and racing against world-class competitors, making him only one step closer to qualifying for London 2012.

A personal blog titled Geoff Martinson: Aspiring Canadian Olympian seems to be just what's on the agenda at this year's worlds. Martinson advanced out of the first round of the men's 1,500 metres with a time of 3 minutes and 40.98 seconds, also finishing ninth and qualifying for the Sept. 1 semifinal.

“I'm focused on getting as much enjoyment out of this as I can,” Martinson told the Times Colonist. “I've taken a new approach this year and I'm a lot more relaxed.”

Around the UVic campus, Martinson was known for his several gold-medal finishes within the Canada West and CIS. Leaving the Ring Road campus after completing five seasons, the track champion graduated as the 2008-09 UVic athlete of the year. Despite numerous accolades, the Biochemistry graduate was only just beginning his running career.

"As a UVic alumni, I was proud to be representing not only Canada, but the CIS as well. It shows that young Canadian track athletes can excel in a Canadian program, and don't have to leave for the bigger NCAA system to find success," Martinson said over an e-mail interview. "Being part of team Canada and competing at the World Championships will certainly help take me to a higher level as an athlete."