Kim Collins celebrates winning the 100m final (© Getty Images)
Sprint ace Kim Collins admits the pressure is on for him to add an Olympic medal to the World Championship 100m gold he won in Paris last year.
The St Kitts and Nevis star says his preparations for Athens are progressing nicely but he is feeling the weight of expectation from the public.
"Definitely there is a lot more pressure. I was home last week and when I am home, all I hear is about is this wonderful Olympic gold that no-one has yet seen,'' he told PA International.
"Everywhere I turn from the drunk on the street to the politicians there is expectation that I will win a gold medal. However, I try not to get involved with the people who put bets on me and say we are depending on you - stating that if I don't win, I should not come home. I try to put that out of my mind and focus on my preparation."
Collins arrived in Jamaica late last week where he linked up with highly-respected track and field coach Glen Mills.
"My preparation for the Olympics has been going quite well," confirmed Collins, who will be competing in both the 100 and 200 metres at the Jamaica International track meeting (7 May) and at the Olympic Games.
"I have been having much better days than previous seasons mainly because I am more comfortable and more relaxed. I took a break from school so there is no pressure of final exams. I am not working, I have more stress-free days. I am just training hard, resting in between and hoping for the best."
