For Sebastian Coe, London 2012 has entered a crucial stretch that will determine whether the Games meet the Olympic gold standard in one year’s time or fall back among the also-rans.

“In terms of an 800 (metre race)…I think this is between 500 and 600 metres, the second lap and in 800 metre running that’s known as the ‘Killing Zone’,” the double 1,500 metre Olympic gold medallist told a Reuters ‘Newsmaker’ event.

Speaking in purely athletic terms, lest anyone be shocked by the expression, the chairman of Games organisers LOCOG said on Thursday that the next 12 months were of critical importance.

“And it’s how you come out of that 100 metres that often determines the order that you finish in.”

London marks the year to go point on Wednesday, the Games opening on July 27 next year with the showcase ceremony in the 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium.

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