Gaza runner Bahaa al-Farra (L) and his coach Majed Abu Maraheel stretch during a training session on a beach in Gaza City, Jan 30, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Fantasty and reality

Farra, a 400 meters runner, said he could not wait to get to London and dreamt of standing on the winners' podium.

"It's going to be a beautiful feeling to represent Palestine ... like all the other athletes, I dream of winning a medal ... I hope to carry the flag and tell the world that regardless of all the difficulties, we exist", he told Reuters.

But with a personal-best time of 49.04 seconds, almost six seconds slower than Michael Johnson's world record of 43.18, and more than three seconds slower than the Olympic B-standard minimum qualifying time, Farra's medal ambitions will remain a fantasy.

His top time was achieved at last year's IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea where he finished 34th out of 37 starters.