Simon Ayeko's dream of competing at the 2012 Olympics could turn into reality if he doesn't suffer any setbacks.

The 3,000m steeplechase runner has landed a chance to undergo specialised training with 2008 Olympic silver medallist Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad.

"My manager said he will inform me about the venue for the training. It will either be in South Africa or Morocco," Ayeko said shortly after his return from Europe last week. "It's an experience I am looking forward to."

Benabbad caused shock waves by halting the hitherto Kenyan dominance of the water-jump race when he cruised to second place at the Bird's Nest in Beijing.

Ayeko never competed in Beijing but represented Uganda at last year's World Championships in Berlin, Germany. Being his first time to compete at such a level, he was eliminated at the first hurdle after he finished eighth in a time of 8:37.86.

"I was so disappointed after failing to reach the finals in Berlin," the 2006 Africa University 5,000m gold medallist said. "For sure, I want to make a difference this year. I believe I can do better ahead of the 2012 Olympics."

Ayeko skipped the National Cross-country Championships on February 14 but clocked an impressive 5:26.13 at the Toyota Indoor Flanders over 2,000m steeplechase in Brussels on the same day.

Kenyan Paul Koech won the race in Brussels in a record-breaking 5:17.04 time with Ayeko finishing fourth. "Remember I was let down by my speed in Berlin. I believe I am on the right track."

Although Kenyan runners still remain favourites to win steeplechase gold at any event, Ayeko believes lengthy training with Benabbad can put him on the same footing with the East African neighbours. "Frenchmen have proved that Kenyans are beatable." Another Frenchman Bonabdellah Tahri scooped bronze in Berlin.