Glasgow 2014 discus thrower McInroy has to watch for the alpacas!

Angus McInroy is doing everything he can to stay in shape for the Commonwealth Games.

The discus thrower even trains alongside exotic South American animals to help perfect his technique!

Track athletes find it pretty easy to stay fit as they go about their daily lives. There are few places in the world where you can’t stick on a pair of running shoes and hit the road.

But it’s not so easy in a sport like discus, where you need space to throw a metal disc for more than 50 metres.

Angus, from Glasgow, has had to get smart about his training since he finished ninth at the Delhi Games four years ago. And he’s done it with a little help from his friends.

He said: “I’ve gone from being a student to working full-time as an IT consultant during that time. My work sends me all over the place, and I have to make sure I organise my timetable to fit in some training.

“So I have five discuses in the boot of the car all the time. You have to carry them with you and take any opportunity you can to have a throw.

“Generally I will find some track where I can practice, even if it doesn’t have the best throwing circle. I’ve been quite lucky that I have friends all over the country, who advise me on somewhere to go.”

That includes mates in London who have a small herd of alpacas a type of small llama for neighbours.

“They have an access field, with alpacas beside it,” Angus reveals.

“They have a deal with the farmer which allows me to throw into a field with alpacas and sheep on either side. Fortunately, I’ve not come close to hitting any of them!”

Angus is hopeful of finishing closer to the medals in Glasgow next month.

“I think I’m in better shape than I was in 2010,” the 27-year-old continues.

“I feel I’m more consistent and that gives me grounds for optimism. However, these Games are going to be an awful lot tougher because a lot of the Jamaicans have become really strong in discuss.

“I think the standard will be higher than it was in Delhi. Discus throwers tend to peak a lot later than other athletes because it’s such a technical event.

“You still see guys breaking though in their late 20s. So I think I’m still improving and there’s still time for me to progress to European and World Championship level.

“I started off doing shot putt and then moved to discus. I might end up going back to the shot later on.”

He believes throwing in front of a home crowd will give him a boost.

“Adrenaline is massive is but you also have to control that,” says Angus.

“The atmosphere at Hampden Park will be quite incredible, and I might have to start with an easy throw to get going.”