GIANNI Frankis believes switching to compete for Italy has breathed life back into his sprint hurdling career.

The Pitsea based 27-year-old, who represented Great Britain in the 2009 World Championships, has spent the last two seasons nursing a number of niggling injuries.

But the former King John School pupil is now determined to get back to his best and reach this summer’s Olympics in an Italian vest.

“In the last two seasons I’ve been battered mentally but I’m feeling good again now and deciding to compete for Italy is definitely a real breath of fresh air for me,” said Frankis.

“I’ve always had dual nationality and I’m really happy I’ve made this decision.

“My confidence is coming back and I’m really determined to have a good season and do all I can get the Olympics.

“That’s my main aim for the season and it’s why I’ve made the decision when I did.”

Frankis returned from a slight hamstring injury to finish third in the indoor Italian Championships in Ancona last weekend.

But he will now turn his attention towards rediscovering his best form.

And he feels racing for Italy will give him a fairer chance of racing in Rio.

“With Great Britain selection too much is left down to someone’s discretion in a boardroom situation,” said Frankis.

“I don’t want to have qualified and fit the criteria but still be sitting at home.

“With Italy it’s much fairer as they pick the fastest athletes of the season and head to head results.”

However, Frankis insists it will still be tough for him to reach Rio.

“I’ve not changed decided to race for Italy because it will be an easy ride, nothing could be further from the truth in fact,” said Frankis.

“I’ll still have to run 13.47 seconds which is exactly the same mark as I would have needed for Great Britain.

“The Italian record holder has run 13.28 seconds so the standard is high but I have a spring in my step again and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”