Future Olympic hopefuls meet Sir Steve

Date: 1 June 2007

Steve has been meeting the British talent hoping to make their mark on Olympic history in Beijing and the London Olympics in 2012.

Steve, joined by Tanni Grey Thompson, the recently retired Paralympic wheelchair racer, welcomed the hopefuls to Team Visa, an initiative designed to give the athletes access to the experience and knowledge of those of have been there and done it.

The 16 athletes selected for the programme are divided into two groups, the Œhopefulsı for Beijing and the Œapprenticesı aiming for success in London 2012. Each athlete will benefit from the advice and knowledge both Tanni and Steve have accrued over their amazing careers in the Olympic arena.

Over the coming weeks, Steve will be visiting each of the training venues of the hopefuls and will be in touch with them via the telephone and email.

"We all hope that by offering motivational and practical advice, Team Visa will give these young athletes an edge. One that could really count when it comes to the major competitions.² Steve commented. ³Itıs been a great day. Theyıre a good bunch and weıve all enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone is very excited about the future.²

The athletes all come from different disciplines and each one will partner someone from a different sport. The plan is that they will swap notes and benefit from each otherıs experiences and approach to their sport.

Athletes:
Hopefuls: Mo Farah (athletics); Caitlin McClatchey (swimming); Richard Kruse (fencing); Fiona Pennie (canoeing); John McFall; Libby Clegg (both Paralympic track); Paul Goodison (sailing); Beth Tweddle (gymnastics)
Apprentices: Natasha Baker (Paralympic dressage); Helen Freeman (wheelchair basketball); Darius Knight; Paul Drinkhall (both table tennis); Chris Adcock; Gabby White (both badminton); Aaron Cook (taekwondo); Tom Daley (diving)

Jacqueline Alexander

Click here to return to the diary home page