Congratulations to Isle of Wight athlete Nick Percy, for flying the flag for the Isle of Wight when he took part in the Olympics in Paris this week.
It was an amazing achievement for this 29-year-old from Bonchurch to represent Great Britain in Paris and his family and friends are still on a high.
Record-breaker
Having previously broken his Scottish discus record several times and become the number one in Great Britain, Nick’s throws in the qualifying round on Monday morning weren’t far enough to get him through.
Earlier this year, Nick managed a whopping 67.73 metres, when he was competing at the Oklahoma Throws Series in the USA. He needed to reach at least 66 metres in Paris, but it didn’t work out on Monday. However, he did manage a very respectably 61.81 metres, putting him in 20th place.
Percy: I am super proud of my performance
Gladly, we hear that Nick remains in high spirits though, rightly proud of his achievement – as we all are too. Earlier today to said,
“I am super proud of my performance: 20th place with 61.81 metres.
“A life long dream was achieved yesterday, to step out into that arena wearing the Team GB lion with pride and earn those Olympic Rings.”
Percy: This result is very positive
The discus thrower added,
“20th place looks tough on paper but this result is very positive:
• 1.08m off the final
• Second furthest throw by a Male British Discus thrower at the Olympic Games
• Joining the family of Team GB Olympians
• After the struggles of the last few weeks to come out and compete well against this field I am holding my head high”
Percy: I am feeling absolute joy
Nick added,
“I am feeling absolute joy. This is my final, being here at this event. I am really proud.
“It’s the Olympic Games and there is a lot of pressure. You only have three attempts. It is not easy and the last few weeks have been a struggle emotionally.
“I said to my family and coach that if I walk away with a 62m throw, I have done very well. With 61.81m, you are basically there.
“It’s very rare that you can say you have nearly 70,000 clapping for you. It is a real emotional thing and I am taking it all in. I don’t want this to end. It is such a special day, so there is no disappointment.”
Born in Scotland, Nick grew up in Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight. He has previously won a silver medal at the 2013 European Junior Championships and also represented Great Britain at the 2017 World Championships.
He went on to become British champion for the fifth time when winning the discus throw event at the 2022 British Athletics Championships with a throw of 65 metres.
Nick said,
“Thank you to everyone who has been in this journey with me and please do stick around because I am not done yet. The fire is burning brighter then ever and this season isn’t done yet.”
Find out more
You can read about Nick’s sporting journey through OnTheWight’s Nick Percy archive pages – we’ve been celebrating his successes for 15 years.
