A Croydon man is hoping to swap burgers and fries for medals and world records at the 2012 Olympics.

Curtis May was recently named McDonald's employee of the year and given a holiday in recognition of his efforts.

But his spare time is spent practicing the triple jump and studying for a degree in sports and leisure management. The 23-year-old trains three times a week and is hoping to be selected for the Great Britain team when the world's largest sporting event comes to London.

Originally from Manchester, Curtis now trains with the Herne Hill Harriers. He said: "When I was younger, I started out as a sprinter. Then at a competition I tried the triple jump because when you're younger, you just try your hand at anything."

After winning that contest Curtis told his coach he would like to learn more about the sport - which shot England's Jonathan Edwards to fame.

Curtis' personal best jump is 14.92metres and over the next five years he is hoping to increase this distance by a further three metres.

"I ditched sprinting, which was my forte," he added, "I enjoy it a lot and it keeps me fit. With the Olympics, it's not like they'll just pick anyone. There are a lot of young people out there whose ambition it is to be in the olympics and at the end of the day it is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication to hit over 17 metres."

As an athlete, he tries to ignore the less healthy food at his work place, opting for salads instead, although he admits to eating an occasional McFlurry ice cream.

Curtis has to watch what he eats to make sure he is at the peak of physical fitness but, most importantly, stay injury free if his dreams of being an Olympic athlete are to come to fruition.

He said: "I've got positive people around me. My family believes in me and I've got my faith. "

Speaking about his idol Edwards, Curtis said: "No-one has broken his record of 18.29metres so that would be my aim. He said that he does his sport for God and for his religion and, as a Christian, I feel the same. Somebody is going to break that record soon and, hopefully, it will be me. That would be beautiful."