LISTEN: Hammer thrower Dry can relax in Rio after Glasgow pressure

Burghead's Mark Dry says he's prepared for anything after a home Commonwealth Games pushed him to a podium place.

Published 16th Aug 2016

Moray athlete Mark Dry believes the Rio 2016 Games will be a less tense platform for his talents, after the hammer thrower endured the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a home Commonwealth Games.

Dry believes his experiences from two years ago will help his performance in Brazil, he said:

"The most important thing for me was Glasgow 2014. Obviously I was left behind at London 2012, but Glasgow was the biggest and best thing I've ever done"

"The pressure I was under was absolutely phenomenal - maybe pressure put on myself - but the support we give our own people is just a different level, you see it in football, in tennis, in rugby"

"The pressure I felt - even though you could say it was easier to medal - was absolutely off the chart"

Dry collected a bronze from the Commonwealth Games, behind Team GB rival Nick Miller who won silver. Making up the three athletes taking part for GB is Chris Bennett.

Dry feels the challenge of working alongside rival Miller for honours at Glasgow has been a great help going into these games.

"That's prepared me for anything - obviously I know the Olympics are the pinnacle of sport and Rio's a great occasion - but there'll be less expectation and I'll be a lot more comfortable and it'll be easier for me to put in a performance"