Canvey decathlete Dean Macey will join his GB team colleagues for tonight's Olympics opening ceremony anxious to put his three-year injury nightmare behind him.
Macey narrowly missed out on a bronze at the Sydney Games four years ago and is going flat out for bronze in Athens, insisting: "As long as I'm on the line I'm dangerous."
After three years plagued by Achilles and hamstring injuries, Macey only secured his place on the team for Athens when he achieved the 'B' standard of qualifying in a meeting at Hexham last month - the day before the British team was announced.
Macey admitted that, rather than risk hurting his body again, he played it safe and did just enough to get the necessary qualifying mark.
But his medical team have given him the all-clear for the Olympics and he will go out with all guns blazing, even though he has ruled himself out of the gold or silver.
"I am here for myself this year as opposed to being here to win gold," said Macey.
"I honestly think the gold and silver are taken, but if I can score what I believe I am capable of then I think I'll be in the ball-park of getting a bronze medal.
"As long as (American) Tom Pappas and (Czech) Roman Sebrle don't mess up then they are way ahead of the field.
"But there are five or six guys who can score 8,500 points and I believe I am one of them."
Published Friday August 13, 2004
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