britishwomenolympians final 19-07-2012

7/31/2019 BritishWomenOlympians Final 19-07-2012

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BritishWomenOlympians

andParalympians

PastandPresent

E-BookpresentedbyMaryHoneyballMEP


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Contents

Foreword:

MaryHoneyball

Athletics:

NikkiEmersonJessicaEnnis

TanniGrey-ThompsonSallyGunnell

KellyHolmes

DeniseLewisDorothyManley

LizMcColgan

SharaProctorMaryRand

TessaSandersonGoldieSayers

PerriShakes-Drayton

JodieWilliamsShellyWoods

Canoeing:

FionaPennie

HelenReeves

Cycling:

RachelMorrisSarahStorey

Diving:

MeganSylvester

IsabelleWhite

Dressage:

AnneDunham

Fencing:

GillianSheen

Hockey:

JaneSixsmith

KateWalsh


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ForewordbyMaryHoneyballMEP

Inspirational athletes will always encourage children and young people to

participate in sport. Learning about their experiences, trials and tribulations

inspiresotherstostrivetoachievegreatnessintheirchosensport.

Politiciansandgovernmentsalsohaveadutytoencouragenewtalenttoemerge.

Between 2003 and 2010, under the last Labour government, the number ofsecondaryschoolchildrenplayingsportfortwoormorehoursaweekrosefrom

20%to85%.Labouralsosetupanetworkofschoolsportsco-ordinatorswhowereresponsibleforworkingonaninter-schoolbasistoincreasetherangeand

qualityofsportsavailableforpupils.

In an interviewwith the Guardian, school sports coordinator, JoMarstonhas

calledthesethehalcyondaysonthebasisofapreviouslyunseenbreadthanddepthofcompetitioninschoolsports.

In2010MichaelGoveabolishedthenetworksofschoolsportsco-ordinatorssetupbyLabour inthefaceofmuchoutragefromboth teachersandathletes.He

laterback-trackedandcontinuedtofundthepositions,albeitatareducedrateof

onedayperweek.Hehasalsoendedring-fencingforthepost.

This year the Olympic Games will put the importance and significance of

inspiringyoungpeoplefirmlybackontheagenda.

ItsanexcitingtimeforLondonandforourBritishathletes.Herewecelebratesome of the female athletespast and presentwho will and have represented

GreatBritain.Weshould beproudof theirachievements and supporttheminthisexcitingyear.


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NikkiEmerson-Athletics

NikkiEmersonisoneoftherisingstarsoftheGreatBritainsParalympicsTeam.

ShewasthetopBritishathleteinthisyearsLondonWheelchairmarathon,and

alsocompletedthe100m,200m,400mand800m.InthefutureshehopestotakepartintheParatriathlonataninternationallevel.

Nikki found that her life ambitions suddenly changed in 2008 when shewas

involvedinacaraccidentthatleftherwithabrokenspine.DuringtheBeijing

OlympicsNikkiunderwentintensivephysiotherapyandhydrotherapyaspartofherrecoveryandadaptingtolifeinawheelchair.Shefoundherselfinspiredby

thetalentedParalympicathletesshesawonscreen.TheseParalympicstarsare

themotivationbehindhersportingcareer.HerpotentialsoonledtoherbeingcoachedbyDrIanThompson,thehusbandofTanniGrey-Thompson.Tannilater

advisedhertoconcentrateonwheelchairdistanceracesasopposedtorowing,whereherathleticpotentialwasinitiallyrecognised.

Nikkihas comea longway sinceher firstrace,the SilverstoneHalfMarathon.Her success at Silverstone meant that she qualified for the 2009 London

Marathon.Aftercomingfourthinthe2010LondonMarathon,shewentontowin

fourmedalsduringthe2010Under23sWorldTrackchampionships.

Oneofhermostsignificantachievementssofarhasbeeninthe800mwheresheis world number six. She also ranks 7th in the world for the wheelchair

marathon.

Inadditiontoathletics,Nikkialsovolunteersasacoachforthedisabilitybranch

ofValeofAylesburyAthletics Club.She ispassionateaboutencouraging sport

among people with disabilities both for the positive effect on their fitness,generalwellbeingandenjoyment.


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JessicaEnnis-Athletics

Jessica Ennis trained at the Don Valley stadium in Sheffield, her home town.

MuchcreditshouldgotoSheffieldsCouncilfortheirforethoughtinsupporting

thestadium.

TheDonValleystadiumwasbuiltfortheWorldStudentGames.Whenaccessinglegacy for sports stadia, one should not underestimate the impact quality

infrastructurecanhaveionhelpingproducefuturechampions.Havingaworld

classfacilityhasdefinitelyassistedJessicasdevelopment.

JessicaEnniswasunabletocompeteintheBeijingOlympicsduetoaninjurythatwaspotentiallycareerending.Sincereturningin2009thoughshehaswontwoWorldChampionshipsinarowandaEuropeanChampionship.Jessicahasset

hersightsonthegoldmedalattheLondon2012Olympics.

Jessicascareer inathletics began in2000,progressing throughthejuniorand

youthcompetitions,showingapromisingtalentforthefuture.ShethenwentontodoadegreeinPsychologyfromtheUniversityofSheffield,beforebecominga

professionalathlete.

In2006sheenjoyedherfirstseasonasaseniorathleteandmanagedtosecure

her first evermedal. It was abronzemedal at theCommonwealth Games in

Melbourne,anditmarkedthearrivalofanewstarontheBritishteamwhereshenowranksasoneofBritainsbesteverheptathletes.

In May 2007 Jessica equalled the 25 year old British High Jump record for

womenbyjumping1.95m.ShealsobrokeDeniseLewisBritishunder-23record

for the heptathlonbyscoring6388atthe IAAFCombinedEventsChallenge inDezenzano, Italy. In doing so reached the qualifying standard for the Beijing

OlympicGamesin2008.

SincethenJessicasetanewpersonalbestclockingup6469pointsattheIAAF

WorldChampionshipsheld inOsaka, Japanbefore suffering acruelinjury just

beforethe2008Olympics.


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TanniGrey-Thompson-Athletics

Tanniwas born with spinabifida andhas used awheelchair since the ageof

seven.SheisperhapsBritainsbestknownParalympicathleteandwonherfirstOlympicmedalintheSeoulGamesof1988. InSeoul,attheageof19amere

fouryearsafterthestartofherathleticscareerattheJuniorNationalGamesfor

Wales-Tannitookhomeabronzemedalinthe400mwheelchair.

Tannihasapassionforwheelchairbasketballbutsheismorewidelyknownforhersuccessesinwheelchairracinginwhichsheholdsamassive16Paralympicmedals.

OntopofherParalympicsuccess,Tannihastakenhome13WorldChampionship

medals.ShehasbrokenWorldRecordsinthe100metreand800metresandis

currently the EuropeanandBritishRecordholder for 100m,200m,400mand800m.Tannihas alsowon the LondonWheelchairMarathon onsix occasions.

SheiswithoutdoubtoneofthemostsuccessfulBritishathletesofalltime.

Her sportingprowesshas alsobeenrecognisedoff the track. In1992shewas

selectedastheTimessportswomanoftheyearandin2000shewasrecognisedasBBCsportspersonalityoftheyear.ShehasbeenrecognisedatthePrideof

BritainAwards twice, in2001 for her outstanding sportingachievements and

again in2005 for her part in the successful London2012Olympicsbid team.TannihasalsobeenselectedfortheQueensHonoursseveraltimes,beingmade

anMBE,OBEandDame.In2010shewasappointedtotheHouseofLordsasa

crossbenchpeer.

Asamemberof theHouseofLords,BaronessGrey-Thompsonhasspokenoutagainst the shocking measures proposed by the coalitions much criticised

Welfare Reform Bill. She has been particularly vocal about the potentially

negative effect that changes to the Disability Living Allowance would bringabout.Sheispassionatelyagainstpeoplewithdisabilitiesbecomingghettoised.

ThroughherspectacularachievementsTanniGrey-Thompsonactsasaguidinglight in the fight against gender and disability stereotyping. Her high profile

success helps tobreakmany of the stigmas associatedwith disability. Tanniretiredfromathleticsin2007.

TodayTanniisinvolvedinanumberofcharitieswhichworktobreakdownthebarriersforchildrenwhowishtotakepartinsportsactivities.SheisChairofthe

CommissionontheFutureofWomensSport,andwasnamedasanInternational

Inspiration Ambassador in 2009. She is also a coach and works as a sportscommentatorfortheBBC.


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SallyGunnell-Athletics

SallyGunnell isoneofBritainsmostpopular femalesportswomenof all time,

andoneofourmostsuccessful.SheremainstheonlywomantoholdtheWorld,

Commonwealth,EuropeanandOlympictitlessimultaneously.

Sally was brought up in Essex and started her career as a long jumper and

pentathlete.ShebecameknownasChigwellsfinestfollowinghertriumphinthe100mhurdlesatthe1986CommonwealthGames.Havingwonthegoldmedalin

Edinburgh, her coach Bruce Longden persuaded Sally that her strength andstaminawouldbebettersuitedtothe400mhurdles.Onlytwoyearslatersheset

aBritishrecordforthatevent.

Sallydisplayedhugetalentinherneweventandwentontowinthegoldmedal

atthe1990CommonwealthGames.Onlytwoyearslateratthe1992GamesSally

wasupagainstSandraFarmer-PatrickoftheUnitedStates,whoatthetimewasequal best in the world. Nevertheless, Gunnells performance in Barcelona

earnedherthegoldinnosmallpartduetohertrainingunderLongden.

Her passion for health and well-being was a key component of her athletics

success.Shetookherknowledgeandexperienceintotheprintedword,writingfourinfluentialbooksonthesubject.


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KellyHolmes-Athletics

KellyHolmes isprobablyone of Britains best knownand best loved athletes.

KellywasborninPembury,Kent.Shestartedtrainingforathleticsattheageof

12, joining Tonbridge Athletics Club, and went on towin the English schools1500metresinhersecondseasonin1983.

HerheroatthetimewasBritishmiddledistancerunnerSebastianCoe,andshewasinspiredbyCoessuccessful1984SummerOlympicsdefenceofhis1500m

crown.

HoweverKellydecidedtojointheBritishArmyattheageof18.Shehadleft

schooltwoyearsearlier,workinginitiallyasashopassistantinasweetshopandlaterasanursingassistantfordisabledpatients.

IntheArmy,shewasinitiallyalorrydriverintheWomensRoyalArmyCorps,laterbecomingabasicPhysicalTrainingInstructor(PTI).

Kellybecame BritishArmy JudoChampion, and inArmyathleticsevents onceevencompetedinthemens800metresatameeting,asitwasconsideredthat

for her torun inthewomenseventwouldbetoo embarrassing for the othercompetitors.

Kellywatchedthe1992SummerOlympicsontelevision,andseeingLisaYorkintheheatsofthe3000metres,anathletewhomshehadcompetedagainst,and

beaten,decidedtoreturntoathletics.

Forseveralyearsshecombinedbothathleticsandheremploymentinthearmy,

untilincreasedfundingallowedhertobecomeafull-timeathletein1997.


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Kellywent on to win the 1500mat the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the

800mbronze at theMunichEuropeanChampionships that year. In2003shetookthesilverinthe1500mattheWorldIndoorChampionshipsandthe800m

silvermedalsattheWorldChampionshipsandfirstWorldAthleticsFinal.

Kellysgreatestachievementcameinherlastmajor championship; theAthensOlympics in 2004. She turned in a double gold medal-winning performance,finishingasthe800mand1500mOlympicChampion.

Sinceher retirementKellywasmadeaDameCommanderof the Orderof theBritish Empire (DBE) in the 2005 New Year Honours in recognition of her

astoundingachievementsinathleticsforBritain.


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DeniseLewis-Athletics

In 2000 Denise Lewis brought home a gold medal for Great Britain from the

SydneyGamescompetingintheheptathlon.Thissuccesswasachieveddespite

sufferingfromaninjurytoherAchillestendon.

Denisebegancompetingintheheptathlonin1989.Elevenyearslater,atameet

inTalence,France,shebroketheBritishheptathlonrecordwithascoreof6831.

Thisrecordhasnotyetbeenbroken.

Denisesathleticachievementswererecognisedin2001whenshewaspresented

withanOBE.In2011DenisewasinductedintotheUKathleticshalloffame.

Theheptathlonisaseriesofeventsinwhichcompetitorscompeteagainsteach

otherin100mhurdles,highjump,shotput,200m,longjump,javelinthrowand

800m.

As well as her goldmedal in Sydney,Denise also wona bronzemedal at the

Atlanta Games and goldmedals at two consecutive Commonwealth Games in

1994 and 1998. She has also won numerous medals at international andEuropeanathleticsmeets.

Shortlyafterthe birth ofher firstchild in2002,Denise enteredaparticularlyturbulentperiodofhercareer.HerlinkswithcontroversialtechnicalcoachDr

Ekkart Arbeit, accused ofdoping athletes in the 1970s, led toher receiving abarrageofhostilemediacoverage.

SheretiredfromathleticsinJune2005.Sincethen,DenisehasgoneontohaveasecondsuccessfulcareerasaBBCsportspundit.ShealsoappearedontheBBCs

StrictlyComeDancingin2004,whereshecamesecond.

Since 2009Denise has been an International InspirationAmbassador.Denise

usesher greatsporting legacy to inspireyoungsters to takepart insportandphysicalactivityaroundtheworld.

Denise was born in West Bromwich in 1972 and was brought up inWolverhampton.Shehassaidthatshewasinspiredtobecomeanathletewhile

watchingthe1980MoscowOlympicsontheTVasachild.


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DorothyManley-Athletics

DorothyManleyistheoneofonlytwoBritishwomentohavewonamedalinthe

100metresattheOlympics.

DorothywasborninManorPark,Londonin1927.Shewasinitiallyintroduced

to athletics by one of her school teachers and worked her way up from theschool, to the district and then to running for her county before the Second

WorldWar.Shewasevacuatedtothecountrysideduringthewar,butreturnedtoLondonin1942.AfterthatDorothyranfortheEssexLadiesAthleticsClub.

ShewasaddedtoanationallistofpotentialOlympiansinlate1947,andassigned

totrainwithSandyDuncan.

Shebeganhertrainingforthe1948SummerOlympicsearlyinMarchof1948,training on the track four times a week, but never using the gym. Dorothydescribedthetrialsasafiasco,havingfinishedfifthattheWomensAmateur

AthleticAssociationChampionships,butwasstillpickedtorepresenttheUnitedKingdom.Shewasworkingfulltimeduring1948fortheSuezCanalCompanyas

atypist,andusedhersummerholidaystoattendthegamesalthoughtheleave

wasunpaidbyheremployer.

Dorothys experience in 1948 was vastly different to what our athletes can

expecttoday.HermothermadeherrunningvestandshortsfortheGames,butshewasgiventheblazerandskirtfortheopeningceremony.WhileattheGames,

she travelled to and fromWembley on the London Underground, as shewassharingaroomwithtwootherathletesnearEcclestonSquareincentralLondon.

She qualified for the womens 100metres final, and finished in second place,winning the silver medal in her first international athletics event. Dorothy

described her start in the race as the best of her life, having described her

normal starts as notoriously bad. She thought that this may have actuallydistractedher asher startwas sogood that shewas expecting the race tobe

recalled.

Dorothyhasnothadtherecognitionthatshedeservesforherachievements,but

despite that she is a true inspiration to our current generation of Olympichopefuls.


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LizMcColgan-Athletics

LizMcColganisoneofBritainsmostsuccessfulmiddletolongdistancerunners,

enjoyingahugeamountofsuccessoverherlongcareer.

ShewasbornElizabethLynchandgrewupintheWhitfieldareaofDundeeand

wasapupilofStSavioursRCHighSchool.Lizsathleticscareerbeganattheage

12whenshejoinedherlocalathleticsclub,theHawkhillHarriers,ontheadviceofherPEteacher.Lizsoondiscoveredatalentfordistancerunningandwonher

firstUKtitlesattheageof18.Afterthedeathofhercoach,Lizcoachedherselfin

preparationfortheCommonwealthGamesinEdinburghin1986.

ItwasinEdinburghthatLizenjoyedherfirstsuccess,takingthegoldmedalinthe10,000metres,finishingnearly12secondsaheadofthenearestcompetitor

and giving the host country its only gold medal in Athletics. After thisachievementshewentontowina silvermedalatthe1988OlympicsinSeoul,SouthKorea.

Liz became the only Scot to successfully defend a Commonwealth title at the1990gamesinAuckland,NewZealand,whenshe tookthegoldfor the10,000

metresagain,aswellastakingbronzeatthe3,000metres.InAugust1991,shewongoldinthe10,000metresattheWorldChampionshipsinTokyo,Japan.In

NovemberthatyearattheNewYorkCityMarathon,herfirstmarathon,shewon

withatimeof2:27.23,beatingtherecordforadebutmarathonbythreeminutes.

LizfinallyretiredfromcompetinginAugust2001whenshefracturedaboneinher footwhile training for selection for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Shecurrently coaches young athletes, both at the Liz McColgan Health Club and

Physiotherapy Centre in Carnoustie, Angus and at the Institute of Sport andExerciseatDundeeUniversity.

In1991,LizwasvotedBBCSportsPersonalityoftheYear.Thenextyearshewasappointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire and inducted to the

ScottishSportsHallofFame.


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SharaProctor-Athletics

SharaProctorhasgoneonanunsual journeytobepartoftheBritishOlympic

teamastheonlywomantoqualifyforlongjumpforLondon2012.

SharawasbornandraisedinAnguilla,averysmallislandintheCaribbeanwith

a population of 13,600 people. Anguilla is too small to have its ownOlympicCommitteesoisthereforeineligibletoenterateamfortheOlympicGamesitself,

butitscitizensareeligibleforBritishCitizenship.

Sharaleaptat(excusethepun)theopportunitytoclaimherBritishcitizenship

whenthechancetocompetefortheBritishteampresenteditself.

Herfamilybackgroundispoliticalratherthansporting,andhermotheris,rather

fittingly, the current Anguillan minister for sport, and her rather a retiredpermanentsecretaryforeducation.

Sharastartedherathleticscareerasasprinterbutturnedtolongjumpbecause,evenonanislandassmallasAnguilla,thereweretwootherwomenwhowere

fasterthanher.Shesaidrecentlythatshehadtomaketheswitchbecauseshe

simplyhatedlosing;apromisingqualityforTeamGB.

Sharaslifetimebestis6.71metresandherseasonsbestis6.68m,puttingherattheverytopoftheBritishrankings.Shesayssheisjumpingbigintrainingand

hassetatargetof6.9mthisyear,whichwouldputherwellintomedalterritoryatworldandOlympiclevel.

InrecentinterviewsSharahassaidthatifshewinsamedalforTeamGB,inher

heartitwillbeforherhomecountryofAnguilla.Imsurenoneofthecheering

onlookersfromBritainwillmindthisonebit,ifwecanseeamedalinacategorywherewehaventwononcesinceMaryRand.


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MaryRand-Athletics

OnJanuary262012MaryRandwasgrantedthe freedomof the cityofherbirthplaceWells,Somerset.Thislongcalledforrecognitioncamealmost50

yearsafterherastoundingachievementsattheTokyoOlympicsin1964.

InTokyo,MaryRandwasthefirsteverBritishfemaletowinagoldmedalina

trackandfieldevent.Thisachievementcamejusttwoyearsafterthebirthofherfirstdaughter.

Smashingthepreviousworldrecord,Marytookthegoldmedalin the longjumpwithajumpof6.76metres.MarywasthefirstBrittobreakaworld

record at the Olympicssince1932. Thatyear atthe gamesMaryalso tookhomeasilvermedalforthepentathlonandbronzeinthe4100metrerelay.

Maryspathtosuccesswasnotaneasyone.HerrecordinTokyowassetfouryears after massive disappointment at the Rome Olympics where, after

settingaBritishlongjumprecordinthequalifyinground,shefouledtwicein

thefinalandcameninth.

1964wasalsotheyearthatMarywasvotedBBCsportspersonalityofthe

year.GiventhisyearsdisgracefulabsenceofwomenfromtheBBCsshortlistitissurprisingtoberemindedthatinthesixtiesalmosthalfofthewinners

werewomen.

1964wasaparticularhighpointinMarysillustriouscareer,butwasfarfrom

the only success. Mary also broke British records in pentathlon and wonmedalsatthe1958CommonwealthGamesandEuropeanChampionships.

FellowOlympianBrendanFosterhassaidthatMarywasaninspirationtoawholegenerationoffemaleathletes.


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TessaSanderson-Athletics

TessaSandersonwasatruetrailblazer,beingthefirstblackwomantowinagold

medalforBritain.

Sanderson was born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica of Ghanaian ancestry and later

emigratedtotheUK,settlinginWolverhampton.ShewasBritainsleadingjavelinthrower from the mid-1970s, winning silver in the 1978 European

ChampionshipsandgoldintheCommonwealthGamesthreetimes(1978,1986,

1990), but was eclipsed during the 1980s by the up-and-coming FatimaWhitbread,withwhomshesharedalongstandingrivalry.

WhenTessawonthegoldmedalatthe1984SummerOlympicsinthejavelin,hervictorywasquiteunexpected.SheremainstothisdaytheonlyBritishwomanto

havewongoldinthecategory,withFatimaWhitbreadonlyeverachievingsilver.In the end, her career outlasted Whitbreads, and she competed at senior

internationalleveluntil1996.

Shewas appointed aMemberoftheOrderof theBritishEmpire (MBE)inthe

1985NewYearsHonours,followingherOlympicgold,raisedtoOfficer(OBE)in

the1998NewYearsHonoursforhercharitywork,andtoCommander(CBE)inthe2004NewYearsHonoursforherservicestoSportEngland.

Since retiring from athletics, Tessahasworked tirelessly topromote sport inLondon.SheiscurrentlyhelpingtorunanacademyinNewhamthatfindsand

helps train athletes to represent Britain in the Olympics. In September 2009Tessaregisteredherowncharitysportsacademycarryingonherworkalongside

thenowestablishedNewhamSportsAcademy.

ThenameofthecharityisTheTessaSandersonFoundationandAcademy,which

helpsTessatoworkwithyoungpeople,bothdisabled and non-disabled, from

acrossLondon.


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JodieWilliams-Athletics

TalentedJodierepresentsBritainsgreatestchanceoftakingamedalatthe100

and200metresforquitesometime.

JodieWilliamswasborninWelwynGardenCity,Hertfordshiretoparentswho

werebothcountylevelsprinters.Jodiesfatherrecognisedhertalentatayoungageandsaidofhisdaughter:Jodiewouldfinishwhilehernearestrivalwasstill

onlyabouthalfwayupthetrack.

Jodiehasalwaysbeenanultra-consistentcompetitor,winning151consecutive

racesatjuniorlevel.Shewondoublegoldat100mand200minthe2009World

YouthChampionships,beforetakingsilverinthe200matthe2010WorldJuniorChampionshipsinCanada.Shethenwentontotakedoublegoldinthe100mand

200matthe2011EuropeanJuniorChampionshipsdespitebeingtheyoungestwomaninbothraces.

ThishasbeenagreatyearforJodie,withherrunningaseasonsbesttimeof7.29in60mattheAvivaUKIndoorChampionships.Shewassubsequentlychosento

run at the IAAF World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Before the

championshipsbegan,Jodiestatedthatheraimwastomakethesemi-finalsatthechampionships.Intheheat,shecame3rdwithatimeof7.40sandinthe

semi-finalshecame5thwithatimeof7.32sanddidnotadvancetothefinal.

AftertheWorldIndoorChampionships,Jodieannouncedthatshewastofocuson

gettingselectedforthe100mattheLondon2012Games.Shestated,Nowitsonwardsand upwards for theOlympics. Im really concentratingonthe100m

becauseitsalwaysbeenadreamofminetodothe100mattheOlympics.

Jodieputhercareerontemporaryholdearlierin2011soshecouldstudyforher

A-Levelexamsinmathsandpsychology.Shefullyintendstogotouniversityinautumn2012ahomewinintheOlympicsmayseemlikeadoddleafterthe

trialsandtribulationsoftheUCASform.


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ShellyWoodsAthletics

ShellyWoods isone ofBritain's bestathlete's in the longdistancewheelchaircategoryandwillbecompetingthissummerintheLondon2012Paralympics.

Shelly damagedher spinal cord after falling froma tree aged11andwas left

paralysed from the waist down. Having been an incredibly active child, her

parentsencouragedhertofindanewactivitytokeepheroccupied.ShellytriedoutarangeofParalympicsportssuchaswheelchairbasketball,swimmingand

table tennis before settling on athletics. Eventually she was spotted by an

athleticsscoutat15andwasinvitedtotrainatanationallevel.

Shellyhasenjoyedsuccessasawheelchairathletefromtheverybeginning.Shewon the Great North Run in 2005, setting a new British record for the half-

marathon in the process. She is also the national record holder over 5,000metres andwon silvermedals inhervery firstLondonMarathon in2005and

againin2006,butin2007Shellywoninarecordtimeof1:50:41.

Naturally Shellywas called torepresent TeamGBat the 2008Paralympics in

Beijing,andsheenjoyedaverysuccessfultournament.Shewonabronzemedal

inthe5,000metreswheelchairfinal.Havingoriginallybeenawardedsilverforcomingsecondon8September,acontroversialprotestarisingfromamultiple

collision(sixathletescrashed)inthefinalstraightledtotheracebeingre-stagedfourdayslater.Shellylaterwonasilvermedalinthe1500m,andfinishedina

strongposition,beatingSwitzerland'sEdithHunkelerattheline.

This summer will give Shelly the opportunity to improve on her fantastic

achievements in Beijing. I'm sure we will be seeing her on thepodium onceagain.


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FionaPennie-Canoeing

FionaPenniewillbecompetinginhersecondOlympicsthissummerasaBritish

slalom kayaker. She is by far the most experienced woman on the Britishcanoeingteamandhasagoodchanceofbringinghomeamedalthissummer.

Fiona got the taste for kayaking from her mother, an international flatwater

sprintpaddler,whenshewasyoung.Shewastakenonherfirstboatwhenshewas justafewmonthsoldandbeganlearningon flatwaterwhenshewasfive,

competing for the first timeagedeight. Shewas encouragedtotry out slalomracingbyherinstructorandbecamehookedimmediately.

AfterthatFionawonabronzemedalattheJuniorWorldChampionshipsin2000andwontheoverallJuniorWorldCupSeriesinthesameyear.AsanUnder23

athlete,shewonateambronzemedalin2004andanindividualbronzemedalin2005,bothattheEuropeanUnder23Championships.

Fionathenmovedontoadultcompetitionsandenjoyedevenmoresuccess.ShewontwomedalsattheICF(InternationalCanoeFederation)CanoeSlalomWorld

Championshipswithasilver(K-1:2006)andabronze(K-1team:2007).Shealso

wonthreebronzemedalsattheEuropeanChampionships.

Unfortunately for Fiona, she failed toget past the qualifying roundswhenshe

wenttoBeijingin2008.


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HelenReeves-Canoeing

HelenReevesistheonlyBritishwomantohavewonamedalincanoeingattheOlympicssincetheeventwasintroducedin1936.Helenusedtocompeteinthe

kayakslalomevent(K-1).

A canoeist since the age of 10,Helenwas aWorld Junior Championship gold

medalwinnerin1996buthercompetitivecareerwasblightedbyasuccessionof

shoulderinjuriesandshewasforcedtowatchtheSydneyOlympicsin2000fromahospital bed awaitinganoperation.Shewon bronzemedals intheK-1 team

eventatboththe2002and2003WorldChampionshipsandwasplaced inthe

top10oftheindividualK-1onbothoccasions.

Butherbiggestsuccesscameatthe2004AthensOlympics.Helenreceivedthemedal in a very unusual manner. She had originally been placed fourth on

aggregate times but, while being interviewed by a television crew about her

disappointmentatmissingamedal, severalmembersof the crowdshoutedathertolookatthescoreboard.Theofficialresultshadbeenchangedandanextra

penaltyhad been judged againstPeggyDickens.Thiswas enough toliftHelenintothirdbyafractionofapoint.

Sadly for Helen the injuries that have blighted her career returned after thevictoryinAthensandshehasnowretiredfromcompetitivekayaking.Shestill

hasagreatpassionforthesportthough,workingasacommentatorduringthe

2008 Beijing Olympics and as a press officer for GB Canoeing. She will bepresentagaintosupportthenewgenerationofkayakersthissummerinLondon.


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RachelMorris-Cycling

RachelMorris entered the history booksat the Beijing Paralympicswhen she

becameBritain'sfirsteverhandyclisttoenterthecompetition.Notonlydidshetakehomethegold,butshethenwentontobecometheonlyBritishhandcyclist

tobecrowneddoubleWorldChampion.

Rachel was born in Guildford, Surrey, and grew up in Farnham where she

attendedSt.PetersSchool.ShedemonstratedakeeninterestedinsportandalsohelpeddisabledmembersofthelocalcommunityasaGirlGuide.Shecompleted

a Duke of Edinburgh programme with the Royal Yachting Association atFrenshamPondsSailingClub,whichintroducedhertosailing,asportinwhich

shereachedinternationallevel.

On Rachel's 17th birthday in April 1996 she suffered an ankle injury thattriggered theonset ofanextremelyrare andpainful illness,ComplexRegional

PainSyndromeorCRPS.ThisledtoherleftlegbeingamputatedabovethekneeinJanuary2003anda fewyearslater,thediseasehadspreadtoherright leg,

forcingasecondamputation.

But Rachel's interest in sport continued when she bought a handcycleattachmentforherwheelchair.Shequicklyreachedalevelthatwhereshewas

competing in 2007, Barcelona and becoming the double World Champion,

winningboththetimetrialandroadracecompetition.Itwasthisthatledtoher

receivingformalOlympicfunding,andshewentontowingoldinBeijing2008.

RachelislookingtodefendhertitlethissummerinLondon.


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SarahStorey-Cycling

SarahJoanneStorey,neBailey,hasanimpressivearrayofmedalstohername

inanimpressivearrayofsports.

Sarah began her Paralympic career as a swimmer, winning two golds, three

silversandabronzeinBarcelonain1992at14.Shecontinuedswimminginthe

nextthreeParalympicGamesbeforeswitchingtocyclingin2005.

Atthe2008ParalympicGames,herfifth,Storeywontheindividualpursuitinatimethatwouldhavebeen inthetopeightattheOlympic finalandtheroad

timetrial.Shealsocompetesagainstable-bodiedathletesandwonthe3kmnationaltrack

pursuitchampionshipin2008,eightdaysaftertakingtheParalympictitle,and

defendedhertitlein2009.

She qualified to join the England team for the 2010CommonwealthGames in

Delhi, where shewas the first disabled cyclist to compete for England at theCommonwealth Games, against fully able-bodied cyclists. She was also the

secondParalympicathleteoverallcompetingforEnglandattheGames,following

archerDanielleBrownearlierinDelhi.

Due to her impressive achievements in disabled sport, Sarah was appointedMemberoftheOrderoftheBritishEmpireinthe1998NewYearHonours.And

followinghersuccessattheBeijinggameswaspromotedtoOfficeroftheOrder

oftheBritishEmpire.


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MeganSylvester-Diving

MeganSylvesterisaveryexcitingprospectforTeamGBatLondon2012.

MeganwasborninBarnsleyin1994andtookupdivingattheageofeight.Shewas inspired byherbrotherwhose coachsuggested thatshe trydiving. Until

thenMegansmaininteresthadbeeningymnastics,whichshestillpracticesaswell.

Forsomeonesoyoungshehasaveryimpressiverecord.AsajuniorsheshowedgreatskillsbywinningallthreeplatformeventsattheBritishJuniorNationals.

She has progressed very quickly and won silver at the junior EuropeanChampionshipsplatformfinalin2008followingwithafourthplacefinishatthejunior world championships later that year. In 2009 she teamed up with

MoniqueGladdingandwonsixthplaceattheseniorworldchampionshipsinthesynchro event the same year. Shewas just 15-years-old, making Megan the

youngestathleteatthecompetition.

Megan has drawn huge inspiration from her family, particularly her brother,

another talenteddiver. She has also receiveda lot of advice fromanotherof

Britainsyounghopefuls indiving,TomDaley. Herdreamis totakehomethegoldatLondon2012.


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IsabelleWhite-Diving

IsabelleMaryBelleWhitewasthefirstBritishwomantowinanOlympicmedal

inadivingevent.Fouryearslater,anotherwoman,BeatriceArmstrong,would

claimamedalindiving forBritain.These two remain theonlyBritonsevertohaveclaimedamedalattheOlympicsindiving.

Bellewas born in Muswell Hill, London, in 1894. At the age of 18 shewasselected to represent the United Kingdom in Stockholm. It was her first

Olympicsandturnedouttobehermostsuccessful.

The eventwasquiteunlike themodern diving,beingrathermorechallenging.

Thecompetitionwasactuallyheldfromboth10metreand5metreplatforms.Divers performed a standingplaindive and a running plaindive from the 10

metre platform, a running plain dive and a backward somersault from the 5metreplatform, and threedivesof the competitors choice from the10metre

platform.Fivejudgesscoredeachdiver,givingtworesults.Eachjudgegaveanordinal placing for each diver in a group, with the five scores being addedtogethertogiveatotalordinalpointsscore.The judgesalsogavescoresmore

closelyresemblingthemodernscoringsystem.

The competitionwas dominated bySwedish competitors, with the finalbeing

comprised of seven Swedes and Belle. Despite the advantage the othercompetitorshadplayingathome, Bellestillmanaged toclaimthe bronze ina

toughcompetition.

BellewentontotakethegoldattheEuropeanChampionshipin1927,butnever

enjoyedthesamelevelofsuccess,despitecompetingineveryeventfrom1912until1928,thoughshecamecloseanumberoftimes.


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AnneDunham-Dressage

AnneDunhamisoneofthemostsuccessfulBritishequestrianstohavecompeted

attheParalympics.

Anne's loveofhorses beganwhenshewas very youngandworked ata localstable in her spare time and, by the ageof 16, shewas running a yard of 80

horsesatweekends.Shehad"alwayswantedtocompete"butwhileshewasable

toridethehorsesinthestablesitwastheirownerswhocompetedwiththem.At the age of 27 Anne was diagnosedwith multiple sclerosis and has used a

wheelchairsincetheageof30.

Itwasnotuntilsheturned40,whenherhusbandsoldhisbusiness,thatshewasabletobuyahorseandbegintocompete.

Anne first competed at the Paralympics on her horse Doodlebug in dressage

events atthe 1996AtlantaGames. Shewon abronzemedalin the individualmixedKurtrotgradeII,andgoldintheopenteamevent.Intheindividualmixed

dressagegradeIIshefinishedjustoutsideofthemedalsinfourthposition.

Anne'ssuccesscontinuedatthe2000SummerParalympics,inSydney,Dunham

was part of the team that successfully defended their title in the open teamdressageevent.Intheindividualeventsatthegamesshefinishedfifth.The2004

AthensGameswereAnne'sthirdParalympicappearance.AspartofateamwithLeePearson,DebbieCriddleandNicolaTustainshewonherthirdconsecutive

goldmedalintheteamdressage.

But in her fourth Paralympics in 2008 Anne, then aged 59, won her first

individualgold,competingonherhorseTeddyEdwards. Shealsowonsilverin

freestyle.

InrecognitionofherachievementsAnnewasappointedMemberoftheOrderof

theBritishEmpire(MBE)inthe2009NewYearHonours.


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GillianSheen-Fencing

GillianSheenistheonlyBriton,maleorfemaletohavewonanOlympicgoldin

fencing.Despitethissheremainsoneoftheveryfewgoldmedalistsnottohave

receivedanhonour.

Gillian first took up the sport at North Foreland School in Kent andwon theBritishSchoolgirlstitlein1945,theBritishJuniorChampionshipin1947andher

first British senior title in 1949. On leaving school, she went to University

CollegeLondontostudydentistry.WhilstthereshewontheBritishUniversitiestitleforfiveyearsandagoldmedalattheWorldUniversitiesChampionshipin

1951.

GillianmadeherOlympicdebutin1952,butwaseliminatedinthesecondround.

But fouryearslateratMelbourne in1956,shewas the surprisewinnerof thegold medal. She edged into the final by defeating the world champion, Ldia

Dmlky-SkovicsofHungary,inahardfoughtcontesttodecidethefourthplace

inhersemi-finalpool.

GivenGilliansprofessionasadentist,itwassaidinMelbournethatherflairin

combat was due to the fact that the wrist action used in pulling teethstrengthenedherholdonthefoil.

Now83andlivinginupstateNewYork,Gillianhasspokenofherdisappointmentof never receiving an honour. It does seem rather a strange decision, but

perhapsshecantakesomesolaceinthefactthattheDominicanRepublichavepaidtributetoherbyplacingheronastamp.


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JaneSixsmith-Hockey

JaneSixsmith,isBritainsbestknownhockeyplayer.

Bornon5September1967inSuttonColdfield,Janetookuphockeyattheageoftwelveaftershewastoldthatshecouldnolongerplayforaboysfootballteam.

She went on to play hockey at club level for her hometown was chosen forEnglandsunder-18squad.

Janeplayed asa forwardscoringmanygoals for EnglandandGreatBritain inmanycompetitions.SheistheonlyBritishhockeyplayertoplayforTeamGBin

fourconsecutiveOlympics.Hergreatestachievementcamein1992inBarcelona

whenshecaptainedtheteamtoabronzemedal.

Afterretiringfrominternationalhockeyin2000Janestated:

Sporthasopenedupsomanyopportunities.Ivetravelledtheworld,competed

at everymajor tournament,winningmedals atEuropean, Commonwealth andOlympic level. Ive enjoyed everyminute ofmy sporting career and wouldnt

changeitforanything.Ifyouneverhaveago,youllneverknow!

ShetakesthepromotionofsportveryseriouslyandnowworksforBirmingham

CityCouncilasthehockeydeveloper. Thisinvolvestakinghockeyintoprimary

schools,promotingthesportandtryingto,ignorethelooksofconsternationon

teachers faces at the prospect of excited nine-year-olds chasing each otheraroundwithbigsticks.


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KateWalsh-Hockey

KateWalshwasmadecaptainofBritainshockeyteamin2003.Shewasbornin

1980inWithington,Manchester.

Katesinititalsportofchoicewasswimmingwhichsheregularlytrainedforwell

intoherteens.HermotherwasahockeyplayerandKatevowedtoneverplaythesportasshehatedstandingontheside-linesshiveringwhilstwatchingher.

One day though she tried the sport and loved it. Kate decided then to ditch

swimminginfavourofhockeyasitmeantshecouldavoidthegettingupsoearlyfortraining.

WalshmadebothherEnglandandGreatBritaindebuts in1999andhassince

goneontoplayatthe full rangeof international tournaments the2000and2008Olympics,twoWorldCups,threeEuropeanCups,twoChampionsTrophy,twoCommonwealthGamesandthreeChampionsChallenge.Asadefendershe

has twice won medals at international tournaments at her hometown of

Manchester-silveratthe2002CommonwealthGamesandbronzeatthe2007EuroHockeyNationsChampionships.

InarecentinterviewabouthercaptaincyandtheprospectsoftheBritishteamthisyear,Katesaid:

theOlympicgoldisthedream.WhenIwatchedit[theOlympics]whenIwas

youngIsattherethinkingIwantagoldmedal.Tostandonthatpodiumandhearthenationalanthem.WhenIseepeopleinthatpositionyouwantittobeyouandyourteam.


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KarinaBryant-Judo

One of the great things about the Olympics is the opportunity it provides for

sportswith lessermediacoverage like Judo to take top billing.KarinaBryantbeganpractisingJudoattheageof10inCamberleyJudoClubinSurrey.This

waswheresheearnedherblackbeltandwhereshecontinues totrain tothisday.

Karina enjoyed success in Judo early on taking silver at the Junior EuropeanChampionships in1995before goingontobecome JuniorWorldChampionin

both1996and1998.

Since then, Karina haswon over 20 majormedals including six at theWorld

ChampionshipsandfourEuropeanChampionshipsgolds.

Karinassuccessled,in2003,toherbeingnamedEuropeanJudokaoftheYear.

ThisinturnledtoherbeingnamedintheSundayTimestoptensportswomenoftheyear.Shegainedfurtherrecognitionin2004whenshewasnamedasoneof

thetop100unsunginspirationalheroinesbytheDailyMail.

Karina had less success atthe BeijingOlympics in2008,goingout inthe first

round. Laterthatsameyearshe sufferedaseriousneck injuryand had togothroughagreatdealofrehabilitationtorecover.

She made her triumphant return during the 2009 World Championships inRotterdam, claiming the silver medal. Karina narrowly lost in the final to

ChinesefighterandreigningworldchampionTongWen.Whatmadethiseven

moreextraordinarywasthatitwasconsideredthatshewouldnotevenbeabletocompetein the competitionduetoherinjuryandonly joined the14-strong

Britishteamatthelastminute.

Karinawas Britains onlymedalist inRotterdam and said at the time: I feel

great.IhadagoodyearbecauseIdidnotexpecttobehere.Iamveryhappy.

KarinaBryantisclearlyafavouritetotakehomeamedalatLondon2012.Ihope

to see her in the final against her old rival Tong Wen, the current Olympicchampioninthiscategory.


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NicolaFairbrother-Judo

Nicola Fairbrother took home a silver medal in Judo (56kgweight) from the1992BarcelonaOlympics.Thiswasthefirstyearthatwomenwereofficiallyable

tocompeteformedalsinthesport,18yearsafteritsfirstappearanceduringtheTokyoGamesof1964.

NicolawasoneofthefirstfemaleathletestocompeteinJudoatOlympiclevel.

ParitybetweenmenandwomenintherangeofOlympiceventshasbeena longtimecoming.

AttheBarcelonaGamesof1992,159sportswereopenformentocompete in

whilst there were only 89 in which women could take part. Following theinclusionofwomensboxingintheprogrammeofLondon2012,thisyearwillbe

thefirsteverOlympicsinwhichwomenandmencancompeteinthesamerange

ofsports.

Nicolassilvermedalat the Olympicswas nomean feat but she just narrowly

missedoutonthegold.Thefollowingyear,however,shebecameworldnumber

onewhenshewontheWorldTitleinHamilton,Canada.Overthecourseofher23yearcareershealsowongoldattheEuropeanlevel.

Herperformancewasalsorecognisedoutofthedojo.In1994shewasawarded

an MBE for her contribution to British sport. Shewas also namedEuropeanJudokaoftheyearin1993andwasrunnerupintheSundayTimesSportsAward

severaltimes.

NicolahascommentedonthebenefitsofJudoinallareasoflifefrompromoting

self-confidence to developing respect for others. Nicola has praised theaccessibilityofthesportbecause it is for any sizeorshape.However,she has

alsoraisedtheissueofthesignificantcostsinvolvedintakingpart.


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Likemanyprofessionalsports,Judocanbeexpensivetotakepartin,especially

whenyoungstersarefirststartingout.Thepriceofclassesandequipmentcanactasabarriertopotentiallysuccessfulcompetitorseventryingthesport.

NicolaisastrongsupporterofJudoatgrass-rootslevel,andishelpingtoinspire

awholenewgenerationofjudokasinherroleofownerandeditorofKokaKidsmagazine, aswell as through herworkwith schools, judo clubs and nationalgoverningbodies.

ShealsonowworksasajudocommentatorfortheBBCandreportsonthesportfortheWorldofJudomagazine.


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HeatherFell-ModernPentathlon

HeatherFellisoneofBritainstopmodernpentathletes.

FellgrewupinTavistock,Devon,whereshewastaughttorideandshoot,bothdisciplines in the pentathlon, by the parents of the 2000 Olympic pentathlon

bronzemedallistKateAllenby.Whilsttraining,HeatherearnedherselfadegreeinPhysiotherapyfromBrunelUniversity.

Heatherenjoyedsuccessatjuniorlevel,includingtwogoldandonesilvermedal

inthe2003WorldJuniorChampionshipsinAthens.DespitethisHeathernearly

gaveupthesportshelovedin2006when,duetoaseriesofshinsplintinjuries,herfundingwascutbyUKSport.

Heatherhad towaituntil2007 toget her firstmajortournamentmedal,with

bronze in Moscow and an individual silver medal at the 2007 EuropeanChampionships inRiga, reaching the Olympic qualifying standard indoing so.Shealsowonagoldmedalaspartoftherelayteam,withKatyLivingstonand

GeorginaHarland.

2008sawHeatherrecordperhapshermostsuccessfulmedalhaultodatewitha

goldattheWorldCupandasilverattheOlympicsinBeijingwhereHeatherwas

catapulted into the public eye. Another silver medal at the 2010 WorldChampionshipshassetHeatherupwithagreatchancetoclaimasecondOlympic

medalattheLondon2012Games,somethingsheiscertainlycapableofdoing.

Hopingtopursueacareerinbroadcastingaftersheretires,HeatheroccasionallyworksforBBCSouthWestasacommentator.ShealsowritesamonthlycolumnfortheTavistockTimesGazetteaboutherlifeonandoffthetrack.


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MaryPeters-ModernPentathlon

DameMaryPeterswasborninLancashirebutmovedtoNorthernIrelandata

veryyoungage,theplacethatshewastobecomemostassociatedwith.

Mary represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games between

1958and1974,whereshewontwogoldmedalsforthepentathlon,plusagold

and silver medal for the shot put. But it was representing Great Britain inMunich1972thatshebroughthomegold.

Itwasevensuggestedthatwhenthetroubleswereattheirworst,MaryPeters

unexpected1972OlympicpentathlonvictorybroughtatemporarycalmnesstoNorthernIrelandwithrivalfactionscelebratingtogethertheProvincesgreatesteversportingsuccess.

MarywasappointedCBE in1990, havingbeenappointedMBEin1972and in2000shewasappointedDameCommanderoftheOrderoftheBritishEmpire.

She has alsobeen honoured inNorthern Ireland,where the premier athleticstrack,ontheoutskirtsofBelfast,iscalledtheMaryPetersTrack.InApril2009,it

was announced that shewill become the next Lord Lieutenant of the City of

Belfast.


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MarionCoakes-ShowJumping

Marion Coakes earned her place in riding history when she and her horseStrollerwonthesilvermedalatthe1968OlympicsinMexicoforshowjumping.

MarionwasborninHampshirein1947.Herfather,Ralph,wasafarmerandher

elderbrothers,JohnandDouglas,werealsokeenshowjumpers.Marionbeganridingattheageofthree,learningonadonkey,butin1960herfatherimported

Stroller, an eight-year-old pony, from Ireland. At the age of 16 Marion was

comingtotheendofherjuniorcareerandherfatherwantedtoreplaceStrollerwithahorse,aswascustomary. Marionwasnotwillingto lethimgothough,

andcontinuedshowingonthepony.

ThisprovedashrewdmoveasherpartnershipwithStrollerprovedtobeagreatsuccess.InhersecondseasonasaseniorMarionwontheQueenElizabethIICup-a former international ladies class event - that took place at the Royal

InternationalHorseShow.ThatyearshewonthreeNationsCupevents,helping

towinthePresidentsCup.

In1964MarionwontheHicksteadDerbyTrialandwasplacedsecondtoSeamus

HayesintheHicksteadDerbyitself.ThefollowingyearMarionrodeStrollertoagoldmedalintheLadiesWorldChampionshipatHickstead.

FromthereMarionwentontocompeteatthe1968SummerOlympicsinboth

theteamandtheindividualjumpingevents.Itwasintheindividualjumpingthatshewonasilvermedal, something thatnotmanyhadexpectedhertodo. Shetriumphantly returned fromMexico towin the BBC Sports Personality of the

Yearfor1968andStrollerbecameacelebrityhimself.


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TinaFletcher-ShowJumping

Tina isone ofBritains leading show jumperswithover30yearscompetition

experienceandwillbepartofTeamGBthissummerinLondon.

Bornon12June1965,she isnowmarried toformerOlympic silvermedallist

GrahamFletcher.Theyhavetwosons,WilliamandOliver,andrunayardnearWantageinOxon.

TinabeganherridingcareerinthePonyClubattheageoffourandwasvery

successfulthroughoutthe1990s,winningtheNationalGradeCChampionshipat

HorseOf The Year Show in 1996with her horse Sparticus II and then had arepeatvictorythefollowingyearwithMcCoist.

HavingregularlyrepresentedBritainintheNationsCupcompetitionsduringhercareer,Tinaisnowbackcompetingatthehighestlevelwithastableoftopclass

horses.

TinahaswonTheQueenElizabethIICup three times(1992, 1993,2007) and

narrowlymissedoutonbecomingthefirstwomantowintheHicksteadJumpingDerbysince1973whenriding PromisedLand ina tensejump-offagainstGuy

Williamsin2010.

She achieved her lifetime ambition in 2011 when Promised Land jumped asecond clear round in the Hickstead Jumping Derby in succession to lift the

famousBoomerangTrophy.

Shemay not go intothis summersevents asthe favouritebut her skills andexperienceshouldgiveeveryonereasontobehopeful.


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AnitaLonsbrough-Swimming

Anita Lonsbrough won gold for Great Britain at the Rome Olympics 1960. It

wouldbeanother 48yearsuntil anotherBritonwouldmatchher spectacularachievement,whenRebeccaAdlingtonswamtovictoryinBeijing.

NotonlydidAnitawingoldinRomeforthe200mbreaststroke,shealsobroke

theworldrecordwithatimeof2min49.5seconds.Herwinwasranked44thby

theDailyMailinitstop50Olympicmoments.HerillustriouscareeralsosawhertakehomemedalsfromseveralEuropeanandCommonwealthChampionships.

Anitawas considered to be oneof the1960s golden girls of sport, alongside

DorothyHyman,AnnePackerandMaryRand.In1962shewasthefirstwoman

tobeawardedtheBBCsportspersonalityoftheyearaward.Ayearlatershewas

awarded an MBE for her services to swimming. At theTokyo games of 1964Anitahadthehonourofbeing the firsteverBritishwomantocarry theUnion

JackatanOlympicopeningceremony.

Anitasstarshone ina timewhenswimmingwasconsideredtobeanamateursport, and before sponsorship deals allowed sports stars to compete

professionally. In order to represent Great Britain, Anita combined her

swimmingcareerwithafulltimejobworkingforHuddersfieldCouncil.TogototheRomegamessheevenhadtosaveupherholidayentitlementinordertotake

timeoffwork.

TodayAnitaisasportswriterfortheDailyTelegraph.


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RebeccaAdlington-Swimming

RebeccaAdlingtonhasachievedsomuchinhercareeralreadyandshegoesintoLondon2012asoneofourgreatesthopesforgold.

Rebecca was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire in 1989. She started her

swimmingcareerwithSherwoodCollierySwimmingClub.RebeccacontinuestocompeteinlocalswimmingleaguesforNottinghamLeanderSwimmingClub,and

tookpartintheNationalSpeedoBFinalinMay2010.

RebeccacompetedinherfirstOlympicsinBeijing2008,swimmingthe400mand

800mfreestyle.Shewasalsochosentoswiminthe4200mfreestylerelayteambutdidnottakepartintheheatasshewasbeingrestedandtheteamfailedto

qualify for the final. Inwhathas tobeone ofthe greatestmoments inBritishOlympichistory,RebeccabeatKatieHoffoftheUS inthelast20metersoftheracetotakethegold.ShewasthefirstwomantowingoldinswimmingforGreat

BritainsinceAnitaLonsbroughin1960.ShewasalsothefirstBritishswimmer

towinmorethanonegoldmedalatasingleOlympicGamessinceHenryTaylor,whowonthreein1908.

Rebeccaisstrongsupporteroflocalswimmingpoolsandhassaidstillusesthem

regularly.Lastyearshecameoutinsupportofacampaigntostopthembeing

shut, saying: Ive been swimming in local pools since I can remember andtheresnodoubtthosepoolshelpedmewintwoOlympicgoldmedals.

WithouttheaccessIhad,whichwasavailabletoeveryone,IwouldnotbeabletodowhatIdo.Butitsnotjustabouttheelitelevel,itsreallyimportanttohave

asmanypoolsaspossibleforeveryonetouse.Swimmingisnotonlyfun,butagreatway for the whole family toexercise. More andmore pools around the

countryseemtobeclosingdownandwehavetofightitbeforeitstoolate.


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HeatherFrederiksen-Swimming

HeatherisalreadyaverysuccessfulBritishParalympianandisexpectedtocarry

onthatsuccessatthissummersgamesinLondon.

Afteraseriousaccidentin2004thatleftHelenwithlimiteduseofherrightarm

andlegitwasclearthatshewouldneedtouseawheelchair.Atthetime,thedoctors had told Helen that shewould never swim again. Before that point,

HelenhadwonboththeBritish10kmOpenWaterChampionshipand4.5kmBritishGrandPrixonthesameday.

Despitethisin2006,whilewatchingtelevisioncoverageoftheswimmingeventsattheCommonwealthGamesinMelbourne,Helendecidedshewantedtoswim

again. Afterher Paralympic success she said of the experience, I saw Joanne

Jacksonwin the gold in the400m and I just said tomyself, Im not ready tofinish.IllfinishwhenIwanttofinish,notwhensomeoneelsetellsmeto.

Helennow competes in the S8 (backstrokeand freestyle), SB7 (breaststroke)

andSM8(medley)classifications.Herfirstseniorswimmeetcameatthe2007

GermanOpen,inBerlin.

InherfirstappearanceattheBritishChampionshipsin2008Helenwontwogold

andtwosilvermedalsfromhersixeventsandsetanumberofnationalrecords.Atthe 2008SummerParalympics, inBeijing,she competedin fiveevents and

wonfourmedals.Herfirstmedal,asilverinthewomens100mfreestyleS8finalon8September,wasfollowedtwodayslaterbygoldinthewomens100m

backstrokeS8inanewIPCworldrecordtimeofoneminute16.74seconds.

Helenwon bronze in the 200m individual medley and her finalmedal of thegames came with a silver in the 400m freestyle. In her final event, the 50m

freestyle,shereachedthefinalbutfinishedin7thposition.

Helenholdsanumberofdifferentrecordsinadditiontoher100mbackstroke

worldrecord.Sheisalsothecurrentholderofthe50mfreestyleworldrecord,the100mfreestyleworldrecord,the200mfreestyleworldrecordandthe400m

freestyle world record, European records in the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m

freestyle, 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke S8 classifications, and holds the

Britishrecordinatotalofsixdifferentevents.


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NyreeKindred-Swimming

NyreeKindred,neeLewis,isoneofBritain'smostsuccessfulparalympiansand

willbecompetingagainatthissummer'sgames.

Nyreetookupswimmingattheageof5,aftershewastakentoaswimmingpoolbyherauntandencouragedhertogivethesportago.Nyreequicklydevelopeda

tasteforthefast-pacecompetitionandwassoontakingpartinelitelevelraces.

Shewasselectedforthenationalteamin1999.

NyreehasaformofcerebralpalsyandthereforecompetesintheS6(butterfly,

backstroke,freestyle),SM6(medley)andSB5(breaststroke)classifications.

Nyree began her fantastic Paralympic career at the 2000 Games in Sydney,

where she won three medals; two silver and a bronze. She enjoyed further

successatthe2004SummerParalympics,whereshewonthegoldmedalintheS6100mbackstrokeevent,inanewParalympicrecordtimeof1:32.03.

Shefollowedthisupwithanothergoldinthe450mmedley20ptsrelay,silver

medals inboth the 100mbreaststroke SB5 and 200mSM6 individualmedley,

andabronzeinthe400mfreestyleS6.

Unfortunately Nyree didn't enjoy the same level of success at the Beijing

Paralympic games. In the 100metres S6 backstroke she was, surprisingly,beatenintosecondplacebyDutchswimmerMirjamdeKoning-Peper.Shelater

explainedherdefeatbysaying:Mylegswerespasming,buttobehonest,there

are noexcuses for that, ... I should havegonequickerbut it justwasn't theretonight.

InadditiontothismedalwinningperformanceKindredalsoreachedthefinalsof

the 100m breaststroke SB5 (finishing 4th), 200m SM6 individual medley

(finishing6th)and400mfreestyleS6(finishing6th).

Nyree'shusbandisfellowBritishParalympic-thegoldmedalwinningswimmerSascha Kindred.Togetherthe pairare knownasthe golden couple ofBritish

disabilityswimming.


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EleanorSimmonds-Swimming

It seems wrong to call Eleanor Simmonds a hopeful given her achievements

already, which include winning two gold medals in swimming at the BeijingParalympicswhenonly13-years-old.

Eleanorbeganswimmingatagefourandenteredherfirstcompetitionjustfouryears later. Afterwatching the 2004ParalympicGameson television,Eleanor

wasinspiredtotakehersporttoanelitelevelandsteppeduphertrainingwith

theaimofqualifyingforBeijing2008.

Sheachievedthisand,competinginS6disabilitycategory,Eleanorswaminthe

50m, 100mand 400m freestyle, 50m butterfly, and 200m individual medley.DespiteBeijingbeingherfirstgamesand,at13,beingtheyoungestathleteinthe

competition, shewent on to win gold in both the 100m freestyle and 400mfreestyle.

Thisincredibleachievementgainedwiderecognitionandin2008EleanorwasawardedtheBBCYoungSportsPersonalityoftheYear.Notonlythat,butayear

latershemadeaMemberoftheOrderof theBritishEmpire(MBE). At14she

wastheyoungestpersontohaveeverreceivedthishonour.

EleanorhasnotrestedmuchsincewinninginBeijingandhasgoneontotaketengoldmedalsat theInternationalParalympicCommittee(IPC)SwimmingWorld

Championshipsin2009and2010,fivegoldsattheIPCEuropeanChampionships,

andagoldattheParalympicworldcup.

Eleanor might be one of Britain's best hopes of winning not just one but a

numberofgoldmedalsatthissummer'sgames.


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CharlotteCooper-Tennis

CharlotteCoopermaynotbeatall familiartoyou.She is,however, anunsung

BritishOlympiclegendfromtheearlypartofthelastcentury.BorninEalingshe

was a member of the Ealing Tennis Club and won her first WimbledonChampionshipin1895.Shewouldgoontowinfourmore.

CharlottewontheOlympictennistitle(therewerentmedalsin1904)inParisin1900,becomingthefirstwomantowinanythingatanOlympics.Shefollowed

this up with a second gold medal, winning the mixed doubles with partnerReginaldDoherty.

Theseextraordinaryachievementsaremadeallthemoreimpressivewhenyouconsiderthat thekit forfemale tennis inthosedayswasananklelengthdress

andshirt.

On12January1901shemarriedAlfredSterrywithwhoshehadason,Rex,in1903andadaughter,Gwynn,in1905.HerdaughteralsowentontocompeteatWimbledon.ThatyearshecapturedtheWimbledonchampionshipforthefourth

time.Aftertimeoff for family,she returned toactive tennis,winningher fifth

Wimbledonsinglestitlein1908attheageof37years282days,anagerecordthatstillstands.In1912,atage41shewasstilloneofthebestplayersinthe

gameandthatyearonceagainmadeittotheWimbledonfinals.


46/46

LauraRobson-Tennis

Laurawasbornon21January1994inMelbourne,Australiaandmovedtothe

UKwhenshe was six. According toher parents, she beganplaying tennis assoonasshecouldholdatennis racquet, andafterbeingencouragedby them,she entereda junior tennis academyattheageof 7.She signedwithanagent

whenshewasonly10yearsold.

Laura competed in her first junior grand slam as an unseeded player at the

Wimbledongirlsevent.Astheyoungestplayerinthetournament,shebeatfirstseed Melanie Oudin on her way to the finals, where she defeated third seed

NoppawanLertcheewakarn.HervictorymadeherthefirstBritishplayertowin

thegirlseventsinceAnnabelCroftin1984,andtheBritishmediadescribedherasthenewdarlingofBritishtennis,andtheQueenofWimbledon.

IntheAustralianOpenthisyearLaurasportedarainbowheadbandaftertennis

legendandevangelicalpastorMargaretCourthadmadeinflammatorycomments

aboutgaymarriage.Shewasplayingontheverycourtthatwasnamedafterthegranddoyenneoftenniswho hadmade the commentsagainstequalmarriage

rights.WhenLaurawasquestionedabouttheheadbandafterwardsshesaidthat

shedidntseeitasaprotest,butshewantedtoshowthatshebelievedinequalrightsforeveryone.

This young star has shown time and again that she has real promise and is

certainlyoneofTeamGBsmostexcitingprospectsforthissummerwhereshe

willcompeteinthewomensdoubles.

britishwomenolympians final 19-07-2012

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