HAMPTON, VA (ANS) -- Although she has a tough race ahead of her, Francena McCorory is ready for the 2012 Olympics in London.

The 23-year-old graduate of Hampton University will compete in the 400-meter dash and the 4 x 400-meter relay, according to Mark Martin, CBN News Reporter.

Martin says the the 400-meter is a grueling race, a near all-out sprint one lap around the track, but with wings on her feet and Christ in her heart, McCrory is ready for the race.

"It's a tough race, but if you have faith in God and faith in yourself and just faith in your training and what you've been working towards, it can be fun," McCorory told CBN News. "It's all about your mindset."

McCrory is definitely focused, says Martin. McCrory currently holds the American indoor 400-meter record.

According to Martin, McRory puts in the work on the track and in the weight room. That training paid off in June, when she placed third at the U.S. Olympic trials to earn a spot on Team U.S.A.

"It was just great to see my dream unfold before my eyes," McCrory recalled.

McCrory already has one gold medal on her resume. She anchored Team U.S.A. to victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay at the 2011 World Championships in South Korea.

 "I can't even describe the feeling. Last year, at World Championships I got the opportunity, and it was so much emotion," McCorory said.

"At first I thought, 'I'm just going to stand up here and get a medal,' but you just feel so proud to see them raise your flag the highest."

McCrory said there's something special about an Olympic gold medal. She said hearing the U.S. national anthem at the London Olympics would be a dream come true.

Ultimately, McCorory wants to win for Jesus Christ. "I tell my friends and family all the time, 'Jesus is the one who gave me this ability,'" the young athlete explained.

"I can't get out here and run on the track by myself. It's all Him," she said.

"He blessed me with this talent, and I just want to use it to glorify Him."

McCorory added that no matter how fast she runs, it's important to not get ahead of God. She said she makes sure He is leading the way on and off the track.

See CBN News’ interview with McCrory here: http://tinyurl.com/ceyp37j  

** Michael Ireland is the Senior International Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International To support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism,' please contact Michael for more information. Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior International Reporter