Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell is convinced Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers' Natasha Danvers-Smith can take on her hurdling mantle in Beijing this summer.

The 30-year-old should secure her place on the plane to China at this weekend's Olympic Trials, with the 55.60sec qualifying standard over a second and a half below her all-time best.

Danvers-Smith has endured mixed fortunes at major championships, with her 2002 Commonwealth silver the only major medal of a career that also includes the Sydney Olympics, four World Championships and three European Championships.

But, after watching Danvers-Smith set personal bests in both the 400m and 800m this year, Gunnell, who is the only woman to have simultaneously held the European, World, Commonwealth and Olympic 400m hurdle titles, believes Danvers-Smith can add to her collection this August.

"Natasha is the one all British eyes will be focused on," said Gunnell, who has been working with Norwich Union to help uncover the National School Sport Week Unsung Hero.

"She has got some new PBs recently in the 400 flat as well, so her speed is good and we will be looking for her to kick on. If she can get her stride pattern right and stay healthy for the trials, she will easily qualify for Beijing and then who knows?

"I'm desperate to see someone out there in the hurdles and I really hope Natasha does it. She is in great shape, despite having a few niggles in recent weeks, and hopefully she can go well in Beijing."

And Gunnell had some more good news for Danvers-Smith, with the former 400m hurdles world record holder insisting she can still make an impact when the Olympic torch arrives in London in four years' time.

"Athletics is a sport where you can go on much longer now because of the medical advances, so Natasha's age won't hinder her.

I don't think you can write anyone off at any age, whether you are 20 or 35. So she can look to 2012 as a possibility. With a home crowd behind you and an event where anything can happen, I don't think age comes in to it.

* National School Sport Week is a Government initiative supported by Norwich Union. To vote for your Unsung Hero, simply visit www.joinourteam.com and win a dream day out at the Aviva London Grand Prix.