REACH FOR THE STARS

Nick: When I told people I wanted to be an Olympian they said it was as likely as being an astronaut but now I've made it

- FRASER WILSON

NICK PERCY spent hours travelling by land and sea as a schoolkid just to give him the chance of one day realising his Olympic dream.

Back then the Isle of Wightbased Scot was told he'd be as well fantasising about space shuttles as hed as much chance of becoming an astronaut as an Olympian.

But Percy never let the bitter jibes or brutal journeys stall his route to the top.

The 29-year-old discus ace has come a long way since those mind-numbing eighthour round-trips by ferry and car just to make training in London.

Not getting home until the early hours before having to get up for school would be enough to burst the average teen's bubble. But not Percy who, from the age of 13, has been driven in more ways than one to achieve Olympic fame.