Olympian Tom Dean admits Strictly Come Dancing training is 'mentally hard' as he compares BBC show to the 'lead up to Paris'

Olympian Tom Dean admits Strictly Come Dancing training is 'mentally hard' as he compares BBC show to the 'lead up to Paris' By Laura Parkin For Mailonline Published: 01:41 BST, 28 September 2024 | Updated: 01:55 BST, 28 September 2024 e-mail View comments Tom Dean has admitted Strictly Come Dancing training is 'mentally hard' as he compared competing on the BBC show to 'the lead up to the Paris Olympics.' The three-time gold medalist, 24, who is partnered with Nadiya Bychkvoa, 35, confessed to being 'drenched in sweat' and 'out of his comfort zone' in training. But despite the physical challenge, sore knees and blisters, he said that he is finding the 'mental challenge' the hardest aspect.

Speaking to The Mirror , Tom admitted: 'It feels like I’m back in that lead-up to Paris. We’re working hard. It feels like I’m back in the pool training, but on land this time.

But it’s the mental challenge I find really hard. 'Learning the steps, getting it wrong, not knowing why you’re getting it wrong. That is almost like a bit of a mental drain.

I’ve never danced in my life, I’m out of my comfort zone.' Tom Dean has admitted Strictly Come Dancing training is 'mentally hard' as he compared competing on the BBC show to 'the lead up to the Paris Olympics' The three-time gold medalist, 24, who is partnered with Nadiya Bychkvoa, 35, confessed to being 'drenched in sweat' and 'out of his comfort zone' in training He added: 'I’ve never had sore knees in my life. And ­blisters.