Percy ready to throw hat into ring with stars
Nick Percy insists he returns to world champs ready to be a star rather than starstruck.
The Glaswegian will look to survive tonight’s qualifying round to reach Tuesday’s discus final.
Just last month Percy took his Scottish record to 65 metres in landing his fifth British title.
And he’s in Oregon in a different position from London in 2017 when he was handed an invite with 48 hours’ notice.
He said: “People like Dina Asher-Smith and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey who you’ve never seen in person, suddenly boom you’re in a team room sitting next to them for breakfast or just having a chat in the lift.
“It all seems so surreal and not normal – but the experience was incredible. Then you’re aware of these challenges when you actually want to prepare for a championship.
“In 2017 I was not ready. This year I feel very ready, very prepared, knowing I won’t feel nervous going into the call room or being around all these big boys. I’ve done a Diamond League against them this year, competitions abroad, continental tour meets – and beaten a lot of them. So I feel very confident in what I can do.”
Throwing has taken Percy, 27, all over the world, including a fouryear stint in the US when he won his collegiate title in this same stadium.
Having waited six years to top his personal best, he’s upped it four times this summer.
He added: “Many people have said, ‘Why don’t you stop when you have a PB set when you’re 19... why are you still doing this?’
“Well, I love the sport too much. And I know I’ve still got so much more to do. At least this year, things are starting to show more. And there is a lot more to come.”