Dale Garland’s fiancee Rachael Carre and daughter Ellie, 22 months, wait for the call that will tell them whether the one-lap star will take to the track in Beijing. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0625148)

AHEAD of Dale Garland’s D-Day, it appears that the pressure isn’t fazing him. But it is affecting those back home.
Fiancee Rachael Carre, who is due to marry the athlete next month, said that whenever she has spoken to Dale he has been extremely relaxed.
‘He didn’t expect to be going to the Olympics, so he is just happy to be there. He is really enjoying himself watching the athletics action because he was getting bored in Macau,’ she said.
Relaxed is not the best word for Miss Carre, though, who has remained home with daughter Ellie.
‘I’ve been really nervous about it and whether or not Dale will be running. Ellie has been really excited as well whenever her dad phones home.’
Miss Carre also dismissed any suggestion that Dale’s diet was strict, considering he is a full-time professional athlete.
‘He is unbelievable. He is like a rubbish bin when it comes to food,’ she said.
She said that not only had Dale received more attention than he expected, but he is a bigger role model than he thinks.
‘I don’t think he realises how much people, especially youngsters, do look up to him.’