Kristian Thomas is focused on the European Championships
Kristian Thomas today admitted the Olympic heat can become "too much" and insisted Team GB's gymnasts must ignore the hype.
Kristian Thomas today admitted the Olympic heat can become "too much" and insisted Team GB's gymnasts must ignore the hype.
The Lilleshall-based London 2012 hopeful is ready to forget the Games to focus on this month's European Championships in France. A fine display in Montpellier would put him on the brink of reaching the Games.
But he is prepared to shove any thoughts of the Olympics out of his mind – for now.
"All the lads have got to make sure they don't get too carried away with all the Olympic hype going on," said the 23-year-old, who competes at the Euros between May 23 and 27.
"We've got to handle the Europeans first.
"It can get too much and I don't think it'll help the nerves. It'll be a nerve-wracking experience anyway.
"You don't need the added pressure so it's good to be kept away from it all.
"We're not used to it because normally we're at Lilleshall training and it's pretty secluded – there's not much around there. Working towards the Olympics we need that.
"You want to focus on the job but, because the Olympics is on such a big scale, it's hard to get away from.
"You need that break and focus on what you have to do.
"You've also got to have that belief to perform under the pressure."