BEN Watson admits just making the plane for a second Commonwealth Games was an achievement in itself.
The 28-year-old has been busy preparing in Brisbane for the last couple of weeks.
And Watson takes centre stage on Monday, April 9, when he competes in the +105kg weightlifting at the Carrara Sports Arena.
But his journey has been far from simple.
A stress fracture in his shin delayed Watson’s preparations and, after winning bronze in the 105kg category in Glasgow four years ago, he has moved up a bodyweight division.
Watson, who trains at St Birinus Weightlifting Club in Didcot, admits he was surprised to be selected for the England team.
“It’s been a bit of a mission to be here,” he said.
“I had trouble with a stress fracture which was not healing, so I only started training hard about a year ago.
“If you had told me then that in a year’s time I would be on a preparation camp for the Commonwealth Games, I would have laughed, so I’m absolutely delighted to be here.”
After his injury struggles and decision to go up a weight category, Watson is under no illusions how difficult it could be to win a medal in Australia.
He said: “I’ve had to move up a bodyweight category to get here.
“So I’m competing against some guys who are quite a lot bigger than I am.
“The main goal is just to enjoy myself and hopefully lift a new personal best.
“If I do that on the platform, I will fly home happy.”
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