Dean Macey has started his challenge for Olympic decathlon glory and is seventh after three events.

He also had solid backing from Canvey Football Club.

The Conference side is joining a host of well-wishers from south Essex anxious to see the decathlete achieve his stated aim of a bronze medal in Athens.

The Islander is making a brave challenge for a medal after a three-year spell out injured and Gulls' manager Jeff King said: "We'd all love to see Dean do well.

"He's always sent messages of support when we've had big games and if he could get a medal in Athens it would be a marvellous boost for the island.

"We all know the terrible problems he's had with injuries in recent years and his refusal to pack up and courage in fighting on has been inspirational.

"If he comes out of it all with a medal, whether it's gold, silver or bronze, tomorrow night it will be a superb achievement and great news for the country in general and Canvey in particular."

Macey began the gruelling two-day event with his first five disciplines this morning.

The decathlon started with the 100m where Macey, who finished fourth at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, ran a smooth 10.89 seconds for 885 points.

That left him in 15th place going into the long jump, where he recorded 7.47m in his attempt to earn 927 points.

The 26-year-old passed on his second two attempts as he prepared for the shot put, where he scored 835 points to give him an overall total of 2,647.

Current leader is America's Bryan Clay on 2,843 points.

This afternoon sees Macey in action in the high jump before the day is completed with the 400m sprint this evening.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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