JUST when he thought he was out, they pulled him back in.
James Millar was not expecting to represent Scotland in the judo team at the Commonwealth Games this summer but a late injury to team-mate James Austin earned him a ticket to the party. Given that the 32-year-old from Invergordon, who competes in the Under-66kg category, was only officially confirmed as part of the team last Monday, it has all been something of a whirlwind.
Millar can now look back on his decision to keep himself "ticking over" after failing to make the team at the end of May with a sense of relief. Having remained in shape and focused, despite the initial disappointment at having missed out, the three-time British champion enters the Games in stellar physical shape and also, he believes, unburdened by the weight of expectation. After all, only a week ago he wasn't expected to be competing at all. "I got called into the squad about 15 days ago because of the injury to James but it was only when we got back from the national team championships down in Walsall that it was confirmed," he revealed. "Me and James are really good friends so I feel for him but, at the same time, I'm delighted for myself.
"I'd still been training. After the cut-off day for qualifications back in May I tapered down my training, thinking I'd not be fighting in the Commonwealth Games, but I told myself, 'I'll keep ticking over, keep myself in shape, and if something happens it happens. If it doesn't, it's an easy transition into coaching'.
"I wasn't an official reserve. It was only after James got injured that my name was put forward. It was always a possibility I'd get called up, but I was never given any guarantees by the selection panel. I was just told 'keep yourself in shape; you never know what might happen'. And lo and behold that's the case now.
"I'd cut back on my training, but I think that's probably better for me. I've got a terrible habit of over-training. Being well rested with no injuries or niggles means I'm in a good position to do well on the day."
Judo is returning to the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 2002 and there is an expectation that the team, many of them Olympians, will deliver the first tranche of Scottish medals.
Millar, though, believes there is not the same level of expectation on himself. "I think there is less pressure, because, two weeks out there's very little expectation for me to get a medal. I'm very much the underdog in the category, but I do think I've got the capability to get a medal and potentially win it as well.
"Who knows? It's a nice potential end to my career: to represent my country. My expectation is to win. I should medal; if I don't medal I'll be highly disappointed with myself."
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