By Sarah Holt

Macey approaches the Europeans in good condition

Commonwealth champion Dean Macey believes his mental strength will make him a gold-medal contender at the European Championships in Sweden.

The 28-year-old decathlete has built a reputation for overcoming adversity to perform at the major championships.

"I don't think there's anyone in the world who compares with me for mental preparation," Macey told BBC Sport.

"Roman (Sebrle) is the clear favourite in Gothenburg, but if he makes a mistake, then I could win it."

Czech Sebrle is the world-record holder and reigning Olympic and European champion.

Macey admits: "Anyone who is able to finish in front of Roman will win the competition.

I hope I don't curse myself, but I'm very healthy at the moment Dean Macey

"He is the clear favourite because he is a good couple of hundred points ahead of everybody else.

"We all have to stay as close to him as possible - after all, we all start on zero points."

Macey has not competed since winning the first gold medal of his senior career at the Commonwealth Games in March.

He says that victory, which was achieved despite tearing his hamstring three weeks before the start of the event, has given him the belief that he can at least get on the podium in Gothenburg.

"I see my gold as an opportunity to set myself up," he said.

"Unless I'm competing against a robot, I've got a chance. I consider myself one of the favourites to win a medal, but it will be very close."

FIVE LIVE VIEW It would be a surprise if he beat Sebrle, but at least Macey's got a positive attitude SB Five Live: Have your say

Unusually for him, Macey approaches the championships in good condition.

"I hope I don't curse myself, but I'm very healthy at the moment," said the Canvey Islander, who won silver at the 1999 World Championships.

"It took me two months to get over the injuries I picked up in Melbourne, I was a broken man when I finished.