Richard Hounslow has described the opportunity to compete at London 2012 as the highlight of his career to date as he puts the finishing touches on his Olympic preparations.

The Loughton canoe slalom star begins his quest for a medal on Sunday when he goes in the men’s K1 class at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

The Harrow-born competitor will also compete in the C2 event alongside fellow Loughton resident David Florence.

The canoe slalom competition runs from Sunday through to next Thursday and Hounslow, who will be competing in his first Olympic Games, is eager to sample the atmosphere when the competition gets going.

He explained: “I’m feeling really excited, our training is tapering off now so I’m starting to feel a lot fresher.

“We’re just fine-tuning really, the hard work has been done so we’re all just getting ready to compete now.

“I think the atmosphere here is going to be amazing. We were here when the Olympic Torch went down the course and that was great fun.

“We had about 2,000 people here and when each of us was introduced to the crowd we got a big cheer, and that was pretty amazing.

“This is without a doubt the highlight of my career so far. I’m very lucky that this is my first Olympic Games and also a home Games as well. “Even if it turns out to be my only Olympics I’m just so proud that I’ll be able to compete in front of a home crowd, with my friends and family watching.”