Quilter became Britain's first visually impaired world champion in 12 years when he claimed the title last year, and has continued his stunning success since, lifting the European Championship title in Crawley last month.

Speaking to insideworldparasport, he said: "I think there is going to be a certain level of expectation out there."

He added that while he was aiming for gold, he would "be happy to go there and win a medal."

Wary of his new status as a heavy medal favourite, he admits getting to grips with the pressure of that expectation has not been easy, but hopes to rise to the challenge with a home Games around the corner.

"We had the European Championships and for me it was expected [that I would do well], but was never guaranteed or nailed on and that's one of the hardest things to deal with," he said.

"Ultimately you have to focus on the performance rather than what everyone else is saying.

"There is definitely going to be more pressure and expectation being a home games but to be honest as an athlete that's one of the things you have to deal with.

"You'll see people who either rise to the top and do really well or it'll be too much."

Quilter was speaking at the launch of the National Lottery's 'Class of 2012', their team of athletes across every Olympic and Paralympic discipline.


He says that without their support he would have had an uphill struggle to reach the lofty heights he has recently enjoyed.

"Without them it would be a real struggle for myself and most athletes.

"The support you get financially allows you to concentrate on what we're doing day in, day out – what is important.

"This is our job – our day to day existence – without the investment they make it just wouldn't be possible."

As part of the British judo team, Quilter has also had to deal with a radical shake up recently, as British Judo released a number of key personnel, including former performance director Margaret Hicks and head coach Patrick Roux.

In has come the former world champion Daniel Lascau as the new performance director, and Quilter is hoping that the changes pay off.

"We've got a new performance director, he has put in some changes and we'll see how they materialise," he said.

"It's got both good and bad – as ever there is never a clear or cut answer and it is too early to say, but all we can do as athletes is focus on the job in hand and put our trust in the people at the top.

"We are training hard, and I learned last year it's about crossing the 'I's and dotting the 'T's, making sure you're sharp and remain injury free and keeping positive."

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