SINCE the age of six Tom Lucy has wanted to be a Royal Marine - and the achievement of that dream means he will miss out on potential glory next year at his home Olympic Games.

The 23-year-old lieutenant is currently serving Queen and country in Afghanistan with K-Company of the Plymouth-based 42 Commando Royal Marines.

Just three years ago, he was a member of the Great Britain eight-man rowing crew narrowly beaten into silver medal position by Canada at the Beijing Olympics.

And though he admits that part of him will wish he was back in a boat when the London games come around next summer, he has no regrets about sacrificing his medal ambitions.

"Joining the Royal Marines was always my life-time ambition. Ever since I was six that’s all I’ve wanted to do," said Lieutenant Lucy, who was bought up near Raglan, and is halfway through his first tour of Afghanistan, leading K-Company in Nahr-e Saraj in Helmand Province.

"I started rowing when I was 15. I had a brilliant time and got as far as I’d ever hoped and dreamed I’d get, and after that it was time for a change."

After Beijing, in pursuit of a coveted green beret, he completed the arduous course at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, in Lympstone in Devon.

He says there are similarities and differences between life as an Olympic rower and as a Royal Marine. Staying fit and teamwork are vital, but living in a humble patrol base is light years away from the Olympic spotlight.

Duties in Afghanistan range from patrolling with the Afghan army and police, to providing security for veterinary engagements.

"When I come to watch the 2012 Olympics I will feel a pang of wishing I was there, but I know it’ll only be temporary," said Lieutenant Lucy.

"I really enjoy the job and my team here in Afghanistan is doing a fantastic job.

Tangible progress is being made and I get immense satisfaction from seeing the differences that we are helping to make for the Afghan people. It’s very rewarding.

"It’s very important work and we’re helping to build the capability of the Afghan forces every single day. We’re always out and about, developing our relationship with the local people and deterring insurgents."

PANEL:

'I haven't ruled out a return to rowing'

DESPITE only taking up rowing aged 15 when at Monmouth School, Lieutenant Lucy's fitness and natural aptitude for the sport soon got him noticed.

By 18 he was a part of the Great Britain coxless four that won a gold medal at the world junior championships in Amsterdam, and two years later he earned that Olympic silver.

Even in the aftermath of that Beijing near-miss however, he refused to be tempted by the possibility of going one better at London 2012.

"If I’d carried on rowing for four years it would have made the transition into this career as a Royal Marine a lot more difficult and also there’s no guarantee you’ll get there," he said.

"The four years of an Olympiad is fraught with dangers of illness and injury and on race day there’s no guarantee you’re going to achieve the result you want. So I’m happy to be where I am."

But being only 23, he has not ruled out a return to rowing: "I won’t get back into it too soon as there’s still things I want to achieve in the Royal Marines, but I’ve not written it off.

"If I can get myself back into shape I’ll give it another shot in the near future."