HEADING into a home Olympics top of the world rankings for the first time has to be close to perfect preparation.
However, David Florence insists the C1 rankings will count for little in the fickle world that it is top-level canoe slalom at London 2012.
Florence knows only too well what it will take to be on the podium when the Games kick off on Saturday having won C1 silver in Beijing four years ago.
But despite some ideal preparations in his bid to go one better, Florence maintains the battle is only just beginning.
Florence – who will also contest the C2 with Richard Hounslow – believes he is just one of 10 men capable of taking individual gold.
He said: "I'm in good form heading into the Olympics. I moved up to world No.1 after the World Cup series which is something that I have never done before.
"That was a sign that things are going well. I have not been winning every race but generally not everyone does.
"You have maybe got around 10 guys who on their day could win the Olympics and I am up there with the best athletes in the world.
"I have got a good chance if I put in a great performance, but I don't think being world No.1 for the first time will add pressure on me.
"Within the canoeing slalom world, people know who is good and who isn't and sometimes your ranking won't necessarily reflect where you are.
"I was ranked fifth going into Beijing four years ago, but I knew I had a very good chance.
"Getting to No.1 was a great achievement for me aside from the Games but canoe slalom is an on-the-day sport so anything can happen.
"I think to go to London and win a medal at all, let alone go one better than my silver at Beijing, would be very special."