Great Britain trampolinist Luke Strong has claimed that the adversity that he has faced throughout his career has spurred him on to make the European Games in Baku, with a view to making the 2016 Olympics.
Following a training accident six years ago, the 21-year-old was told by doctors that his leg may have had to be amputated, but he recovered to put himself in contention for the London Olympics - only to miss the qualifying standard by a 10th of a point.
Strong then broke the leg that he nearly lost before recovering again to win bronze at last year's European Championship, becoming the first British medallist at the event in 32 years, and making the European Games in Baku.
The Liverpudlian told the Team GB website: "Being so close to making London 2012 was obviously heartbreaking and it's definitely always in the back of my mind.
"It would have been amazing to be at a home Games but everything happens for a reason. It definitely pushes me every day at the gym through the hard days to come back and hopefully make Rio."
"[The training injury] happened ages ago and I'm fit and fine now. I just get on with training and once you're in the air you don't think about it. You're just thinking about your routine."
Strong will be in action in the men's trampoline competition on Wednesday June 17.
Giuseppe Labellarte
