Macey calls time on Athletics career..

In light of all the stories concerning Dwain Chambers and his drugs scandal (more on that in a later blog perhaps) - one athletics story has largely went unnoticed in recent days.

It's the story of British Decathlete Dean Macey, and his impending retirement from Athletics.

After failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, with his score falling short by 209 points of the Olympic B standard, and his body unable to cope with the injuries sustained throughout the years, Macey has reluctantly decided to call it a day. And what a shame it is too.

You see, there is much to admire about Dean Macey. His determination and will to win is quite remarkable, and is something that any young sportsman should aspire to. Despite constant injuries, Macey has never gave up. Injuries hampered him in Sydney and Athens, with 4th place finishes in both Olympic games, but Macey finally achieved the gold medal he craved in the 2006 Commonwealth games with a true gutsy display. I had goosebumps when it happened, and it still sends a shiver down my spine when I see it now. It epitomized everything Macey was about. Even when winning the bronze medal in 2001 World Championships, he did so with strapping on his leg, defying the pain barrier once more.

And what's more, Macey was incredibly down to earth, and was not financially motivated. Throughout his career, Macey funded himself and made a lot of sacrifices, through pure love of the sport. Macey loved athletics, it's all he knew. He always participated with a smile on his face, and was a true crowd favourite, such was his tenacity and dedication.

If Macey's body was as strong as his mind, he'd be going to Beijing, and would have won a lot more medals through his career. Unfortunately injuries took their toll on Macey, and his retirement will pave the way for other young athletes to make their mark. 20 year old Daniel Awde is one, and after taking Macey's place in Beijing, he paid tribute to Macey:

"I'm in shock. He's been through so much - the guy was unbreakable. I was at Hexham last weekend and Dean said a couple of words to me. I could tell he was finding it agonising but he kept soldiering on. Watching him in the final event, the 1500m, brought a lump to my throat."

That should tell you just how highly regarded Macey is, not just as an athlete, but as a sportsman. His presense will be missed in the world of sport, at a time where drugs cheats can seemingly prosper, and petulant footballers think they're bigger than the club itself.

Dwain Chambers and Cristiano Ronaldo could learn a lot from Dean Macey. All sportsmen could.