LAWRENCE Clarke believes he has done his national duty by reaching the 110 metre (m) hurdles semi-finals at the 2012 London Olympic Games - claiming he has banished his World Championship demons in the process.

The 22-year-old eased through his heat in 13.42 seconds (secs) - good enough for second place behind the USA's world champion Jason Richardson - to secure a spot in the semi-finals later today (Wednesday).

Twelve months ago, as Richardson was storming to gold in Daegu, the world stage got the better of 2011 British champion Clarke, who failed to advance through his heat and headed for an early exit.

But in London's Olympic Stadium, Clarke was determined to ensure the same thing did not happen and he revealed a few words of wisdom from coach Malcolm Arnold proved the difference.

"It was emotional out there, I can't believe that Malcolm has pulled me to that start line," said Clarke.

"And he said to me just before I went out on the track, the country expects, everyman will do his duty and hopefully I've done my duty and made it through to the semi.

"I'm so relieved if anything, you come on that start line it's the first round and people won't remember you if you go out.

"In Daegu I went out in the first round and coming through the mixed zone was the worst experience of my life.

"I came out in tears there but I had a good race here, I had a clean race which is what I was determined to do and hopefully I can be more prepared for the semi."

Great Britain's track and field gold rush has somewhat dried up after Saturday's heroics from Jess Ennis, Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford and Clarke's performance was one of the few shining lights on Tuesday morning.

Phillips Idowu and Goldie Sayers both bowed out in their respective qualification rounds while fellow sprint hurdler Andrew Pozzi pulled up with a hamstring injury.

But Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow Athletics Club star Clarke is hoping he can bring a cheer to the home crowd by reaching tonight's final.

"I've dreamt of this moment for the last four years and I was determined not to come to the start line and make a hash of it," he added.

"I was here on Saturday night, and the sound that Mo Farah created in the crowd was just unbelievable.

"Greg Rutherford's a great friend of mine, and I was so glad to see him win gold.

"My dream is just to make the Olympic final. Hopefully 13.3secs will make the final, and I've got to run my best in every race." ** SEE Friday's Observer for all the latest 2012 London Olympic Games news ** ** FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports **