Dean Macey is adamant he will make his long-awaited decathlon comeback at the end of May following a spell of serious injuries.

The 25-year-old, hampered by a career-threatening hamstring injury, has been unable to undertake the 10-event discipline since his third place at the World Championships in Edmonton in August 2001.

After an operation last November, Macey, who broke into world class when finishing runner-up at the 1999 championships, has been in serious training under coach Greg Richards.

Now the Canvey Island star plans tackling the two-day event at the "Hypo Meeting" in Gotzis beginning on May 31.

A glittering field will be assembled at the meeting where former Olympic champion Daley Thompson set the first of his three world records in 1982.

The current mark of 9,026 points was also achieved there two years ago by the Czech, Roman Sebrle.

At the Austrian venue, Macey will be aiming to better August's World Championships qualifying mark of 8,090 points -- a standard which under normal circumstance is well within in his capabilities.

But Macey, rusty after such a long lay-off from the decathlon, realises he must get everything right.

Macey well remembers when seriously in contention for the European Under-23 Championships gold medal four years ago, he blew his chances when falling in the 110metres hurdles.

"I'm about 80 percent fit at the moment," said Macey.

Published Friday, April 25, 2003

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