CIARAN Williams believes that London 2012 will be his date with destiny.

Ever since taking up handball as a six-year-old, Williams has been waiting for that day to arrive.

He has captained his country and played professionally in one of the world’s toughest leagues – now he is preparing for the ultimate goal.

Not even a worrying foot injury that has hampered him for the best part of a year has dampened his burning desire or ambition.

“This might sound corny but playing in the Olympics is my destiny,” said the former Has-lingden High School pupil. “It is all I have known. When kids in my school wanted to play football and rugby, I had my heart set on handball.

“I even wanted to do a degree in German so that I could play abroad.”

Born in Manchester to parents who both played international handball, Williams moved to East Lancashire when he was 10-years-old. He first played for England when he was 15 and has been a part of the GB set-up from its inception in 2006 – an original member of the world class handball programme.

“There are only two of us left from that original group of players,” added Williams, who also played for the now defunct Haslingden Handball Club. “Ever since then, getting to the Olympics has been what I have been working towards.

“The fact that my chance comes when they are being held in London is just fate.”

Now aged 23, Williams is back playing for Salford - the club he first played for - after a stint with TTIF Tophandball Halden in the Norwegian League.

“That was a great experience and really helped improve my game. But I have decided to move back and play for Salford to be nearer my team-mates and the GB coaching staff.”

Williams, who lives in Edenfield, is enjoying his handball again after a frustrating year wrecked by injury, which ultimately led to him standing down as captain.

“I loved being GB captain and the fact that the players voted for me made it all the more special,” he said. “But I wasn’t able to give my all and felt I was letting the team down.

“I think it was a good decision as I can now concentrate on getting back to full fitness and playing my best.”

While Great Britain go to the Olympics as handball minnows, they will be one of the best prepared nations.

“We’re not going just to get our tracksuits. We have been working and training hard for the last five years and improving all the time,” said Williams, a recent narrow defeat by six points to Brazil proving his point.

“We’re not going to just make up the numbers. I think we are there on merit and hopefully we can cause a few upsets.”