If successful, the 34-year-old United States star (pictured top) could go up against South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, at 25 already a track and field legend and multiple gold medallist.

Shirley still holds a 10.91sec world record for single amputees, but he could have to overcome Beijing 2008 100m silver medallist Jerome Singleton if he is to make it to London with only three Americans eligible to qualify.

Shirley, however, boasts the critical experience of having won the 100m title at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

He suffered an injury just before the Paralympics in Beijing four years ago, however, and was unable to make an impression at the Games despite a brave fight.

He collapsed in the 100m final with a ruptured Achilles tendon before dragging himself to the finish line and has said he does not want that to be his last action at the Paralympics.

"I've always considered myself a champion, an entertainer," said  Shirley, also a long-jump competitor.

"Going face down into the track [pictured below, with Pistorius in green winning from Singleton] is not the lasting impression I want to leave on people.

"If I was going to fail I'd rather fail trying – and that's why I decided to go to Beijing."


He continued: "Beijing was going to be my last Paralympics.

"I had been planning that for eight years and everything was geared up for that moment.

"My overall goal was to win back-to-back-to-back gold medals at three Paralympic Games.

"I just do not think there's anybody in the 100m – and I guess I would be comparing myself in my prime condition when I was not beat up and sewn together – who's been close to what I've been able to do."

He added determinedly: "So a part of me still thinks it's still there."

Shirley took part in a practice race recently and hopes to participate in the US Paralympic trials, where he would face Singleton, in Indianapolis from June 29 to July 1.

Shirley is relishing the challenge, however, and his record of winning every Paralympics and World Championships between 2000 and 2008 means that if he makes it to London a showdown with Pistorius could be one of the highlights of the Paralympics in the Olympic Stadium on September 6.

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