"Wrongfully banned" Mark Dry expresses delight at being selected by Scotland for a fourth Commonwealth Games as the Burghead hammer thrower hits out at those who try to derail his athletics career
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Mark Dry dedicated his triumphant Commonwealth Games selection to "those who get knocked down time and time and time again and keep getting up for more."
The Burghead athlete will throw the hammer for Scotland in a Games for the fourth time in Birmingham this summer after his place in the squad was confirmed this week.
Dry immediately expressed his delight on Facebook, speaking about his controversial athletics ban and serious injuries which would have forced many to quit the sport they love - but not him.
The 34-year-old described in an emotional post how he felt "afraid and bullied and hung out to dry" during his turbulent career and was reduced to tears during his lowest points.
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But the man who won bronze medals at the last two Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Gold Coast is back for another shot at a podium place despite incredible adversity.
"I honestly don't know what to say, I don't really expect anyone to understand," he said in his post.
"After the two hip reconstructions before Gold Coast I thought I had no chance. To now come back after a resurfacing/replacement and wrongfully banned and have the laws unjustfully bent, misinterpreted and abused.
"This one is for the people, the grafters, those working their b******* off chasing a dream with everyone on their back telling them they aren't good enough because they're not the silver spoon superstar.
"Those who get knocked down time and time and time again and keep getting up for more.
"For the chance at glory, for the chance to be one of the few. For the chance to do it not for the money but the pride. For those who back the working man/woman, we CAN do it against the odds.
"It may be a harder path but get your damn boots on and get to it. Life can get you down and it's hard and it can seem like there's no way out.
"This was not an easy path, and I can't say I didn't think about throwing in the towel on many occasions.
"I'm a just man nothing special, I cried my eyes out countless times and felt afraid and bullied and hung out to dry. Trying times show you who your mates are.
"Thank you to all my friends and family for the support and everyone that's been a long for the ride!
"Here's to hanging in there and sticking it to the man!"
