Iwan feels for Baulch

Iwan Thomas tells BBC Sport Online about his disappointment for team-mate Jamie Baulch, his views on the Games so far and his final preparations for the 400m relay.

The original selection of Jamie Baulch ahead of Iwan Thomas in the British 400 metres individual Olympics team caused a few ripples.

Baulch's surprise exit in the first round was even more sensational.

But Thomas says there are no hard feelings and he is as frustrated as anyone about Baulch's failure to qualify.

He said: "It was a nightmare for Jamie and Sean Baldock in the heats of the 400m.

"I'm a bit shocked actually. Jamie's a really experienced runner and I don't know what's gone wrong. I need to speak to him.

"He just looked flat all the way round. Whether he's ill or injured I don't know. But either way it's not too good for our relay chances.

"Sean, I think, didn't run his own race. He tried to go with Michael Johnson and you can't afford to do that.

Great

But watching it all on telly is getting me in the mood. The atmosphere is Australia has been sensational

  Iwan Thomas

"Daniel Caines ran well. He's been given a great opportunity to run at the Olympics and he's seized it with both hands.

"He ran a PB and went through to the next round - and you can't ask for better than that.

"At the end of the day, Michael Johnson's going to win it. Alvin Harrison will probably come second with the Mexican Cardenas third.

"It's actually very difficult for me to watch.

"The standard isn't that great this year and the times aren't that quick. Even if the times were great it would be hard.

"But I have to be tough and remember that next season's a new year.

110 per cent

"I've got to concentrate on the relay. I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to give it 110 per cent and try to make sure we can get in the final.

"Traditionally it's a good event for Great Britain, and even if things aren't looking so good this time around I'll do the best I can.

"I must admit it's a bit boring where I am. I'm still at the holding-camp on the Gold Coast, and there's only a few of us left.

Iwan and Jamie prior to the Games

"I decided to stay up here and do some extra training rather than get caught up in all the hustle of Sydney.

Zooming

"I'll go down on Sunday. I've just bought myself one of those scooters and I've been zooming around on that. Excellent.

"I've been training hard. When I first got here the hamstring was still a bit sore, and it took a while to sort that out, but it's all gone really well.

"I've had a couple of excellent sessions which indicates I'm in good shape.

"At the moment it doesn't feel that Olympic-y up here. We're a long way from the action.

Sensational

"But watching it all on telly is getting me in the mood. The atmosphere is Australia has been sensational.

"It's just a shame I couldn't be taking part in the individual 400m. Imagine winning a medal in that stadium with 110,000 people shouting their heads off.

"I've been watching a bit of the swimming - they're so into it over here - and there was a good buzz about the cycling because us Brits did so well.

"I'm looking forward to watching Audley Harrison in the heavyweight boxing, and of course Redgrave and Pinsett and the boys in the coxless fours. Can't wait for that!"