Support for instant Brit Davis

Malachi Davis, the American one-lap runner who has created waves by gatecrashing Britain's Olympic trials, today told selectors: "Pick me for Athens and I'll help you win a medal."

And the Californian has a powerful new backer in UK Athletics president Lynn Davies, who told Standard Sport that he would support Davis's presence in the Olympic team.

Davis, who has lived all his life in the US but qualifies for a UK passport because his mother, Ava, was born in Shepherd's Bush, finished fifth in yesterday's 400m final in Manchester just three days after picking up a British passport and 48 hours after stepping on UK soil for the first time.

As the selectors met in Manchester today, Davis, 28, said: "My message to them would be to pick me. They wouldn't regret it. I believe with myself, Tim Benjamin and Daniel Caines in the relay, we've got the potential for a team that would be a medal contender."

Davis, who already possesses the necessary qualifying standard, could still land a place in the individual 400m alongside Benjamin and Caines, the first two past the post yesterday. That, though, will only happen if Sean Baldock, third in yesterday's final but still without the 'A' qualifying standard, fails in his bid to gain the necessary 45.55sec mark within the next week.

Yet Belgrave's Baldock echoed the generous views of Davis's British competitors when he shrugged: "Everyone has dreams and I don't blame Malachi for pursuing his. He would enhance our chances in the relay."

In some quarters, Davis's sudden rush to embrace Britain will be seen as a cynical attempt to gain a passport of convenience, yet former Olympic long jump champion Davies insisted: "I think it's good. It's always good to have someone come along who might shake you out of any complacency you might have.

"If someone is eligible, competing within the rules and beating the best in this country, then fine.''

Denise Lewis, meanwhile, faces Olympic heartbreak after being forced to limp out of the trials in Manchester with a foot problem.

Lewis, the heptathlon gold medallist in Sydney, pulled out during the long jump and there now has to be doubts over her chances of getting through the rigours of the event in Athens.

Darren Campbell must wait to learn if he has secured his Olympic 200m place.

Campbell pulled out of the trials with a rib injury he sustained in the 100m and did not make the start line for the final in his favoured distance.

With only the top two certain of their places at Athens, he will be hoping the selectors retain their faith in him when they finalise their team.