A NATION EXPECTS and beyond - THEROADTORIO - South West Londoner
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and beyond THE ROAD TO RIO A NATION EXPECTS
and beyond
Scottish swimmer David Wilkie was GB’s An Olympics that is remembered for the
lone individual gold medallist in Canada, absence of Team USA and a further 64
where 28 African countries boycotted the nations after a boycott prevented them
THE ROADTO RIO
1980
1976
Games. Romanian gymnast Nadia from competing. In Britain, however, we
MONTREAL
MOSCOW
Comaneci famously recorded a perfect 10 remember Seb Coe and Steve Ovett
on the uneven bars on her way to landing winning gold, and the podium topping
three goldsa and Thomas Bach won gold feats of Allan Wells, Daley Thompson and
for West Germany in fencing’s team foil. Duncan Goodhew.
By TOM PHILLIPS
TRAINING in the sunny state of
Florida surrounded by world and
Olympic champions is the place to
be when pursuing greatness in the
400m and 400m relay at the
Olympic Games.
Yet when it comes to European
champion Martyn Rooney, his feet
remain firmly on the ground.
NO FOCUS
Rooney’s passion for athletics
began at a young age in St James
the Great Primary School, and that
enthusiasm has never died.
“I started with cross country and
I did every field event they asked me
FOR RIO
to do,” he said.
“I just went to do all these fun
events and didn’t focus on
anything, not until I was ready to
anyway.”
Now 29, Rooney looks to qualify
for Rio 2016, which would be his
YET SAYS
third Olympic Games.
And when the Croydon Harriers
runner recalls his participation at
the Games in Beijing, where he fin-
ished sixth in the final, and London,
where he made the semi-final, he
has contrasting memories.
He said: “Beijing was an
ROONEY
incredible experience for me. I was
21 at the time and it was all very
new to me.
“The whole year going into it I “With London I was nervous and Rooney finally tasted major
was feeling very good and it was bricking it. This time I’m just ready to success after a brilliant first year
going well for me bar the medal. run fast so it’s going to exciting.” with coach Rana Reider in 2015.
“London was completely With Olympic trials to look Going into the summer as 400m
different altogether, it was horrible. forward to next month in and 4x400m relay European
“I was training very well and Birmingham, Rooney believes that champion, Rooney admits he has
picked up an injury in May and he is in the best shape of his career, lofty ambitions but refuses to set
Factfile
decided to carry on in the season. but he refuses to show any signs of himself any targets.
MARTYN
“When you go into a home complacency. He said: “I probably should have
ROONEY
Olympics and you’re not 100% you The 2015 World Championship won more medals at Olympic and
know it’s a different experience. 4x400m bronze medallist said: “I world level but that was before
“I knew I was cheating myself. was in good shape back in 2008, where I am now, and since being D.O.B: 03/04/1987
There was no way I was going to From: Croydon
but I’m probably in the best shape I surrounded with so many champi- Height: 1.98m
pull out of my home Olympic have ever been in now. ons, I have changed my approach Weight: 81kg
Games. But it was a tough experi- “I’ve never been in this kind of to absolutely everything. Club: Croydon Harriers
ence going into a home Olympics shape going into the summer. “Now that I know what it takes to Coach: Rana Reider
with the crowd on my side, “I’m surrounded by champions win medals, I think hopefully I can Previous Olympics:
expectations of the fans and know- so I have a completely different carry that to Rio. Beijing 2008,
ing that I wasn’t going to be able to interpretation into what world class “I’m not going out there to make London 2012 RUNNING
deliver at the level I should be. really looks like, so I finally think I’m up the numbers. PB: 400m - 44.45 secs MAN: Martyn
“I think Rio is going to be the best world class. “I want to go there and compete Honours: Rooney is not
of both for me. In Beijing, I was 2014 - European getting hung
“But I’m not putting myself on the well but it’s a very tough event and up on the road
young, nervous and I was just plane to Rio just yet until I am I think I’m just going to do the best I Championship gold: 400
and 4x400m relay
m to Rio
riding the waves. actually confirmed.” can.”
Crunch time for Aikines-Aryeetey
By BEN SMITH That, added to a sensational double “But that’s behind me now. This “If I have these things, I know I can
World Youth Championships gold in time around we have a plan that is and will be a threat to anyone.
CARSHALTON’S Harry Aikines- Marrakech a year before, which won working out for me and considering “For top sprinters, training doesn’t
Aryeetey knows the time is now if he him BBC Young Sports Personality of the circumstances, the last few really vary.
will finally fulfil his Olympic dream. the Year meant the teenager had the seasons have gone okay.” “It’s how you apply yourself off the
Four summers ago the then 23- sprinting world at his feet. Injuries have always disrupted track that makes a difference, and that
year-old was watching the 100m final It was a glimpse of what he was Aikines-Aryeetey’s progress, includ- is what I’m focussing on.”
unfold from his student house. truly capable of and showed why so ing a double stress fracture to his back If Aikines-Aryeetey makes it to Rio,
Usain Bolt powered to victory in many experts tipped him for the that prevented him from competing for he will celebrate his 28th birthday
9.63 seconds ahead of fellow success which eluded him so far in his the whole of the 2007 indoor season. during the Games and he knows he is
Jamaican Yohan Blake and American career. Aikines-Aryeetey has a fresh approaching a make-or-break period.
Justin Gatlin, while Aikines-Aryeetey, He said: “I think what happened approach this year, getting a new He said: “I started competing at the
now 27, nursed a torn hamstring that before London was just a combination coach in Swede Benke Blomkvist and age of 16 and I do feel a little bit old, but
HARD AT WORK: ruled out his participation. of things really. I had quite a few although the relationship is very much that is something you just accept.
Harry Aikines- He often thought it would have injuries, the preparation was poor and in its infancy, the sprinter is clear there “I know I can run sub-ten, I know I
Aryeetey takes a been him competing against the it was just a bit rushed. is a meticulously thought out game have that in me. It’s just a question of
break from world’s fastest man, after all, in 2006, “At the time I was devastated, I was plan to secure a place in Rio. putting everything together all at once.
training he beat Blake at the World Junior
PICTURE: just so unlucky. I even pulled a muscle He added: “There is more of a “It just seems as if every year it’s
YouTube Championships in Beijing, clocking on my way to the Olympic Stadium for holistic approach with Benke. It’s more do or die. But I’m ready to handle that
10.37 in the 100m final to claim gold. a test event. about my happiness and confidence. pressure now.”
Edited by
SIR CHRIS HOY: The track cyclist is GB’s most MARY RAND: The British athlete claimed three
successful Olympic athlete of all time, with six gold Olympic medals, but embedded her name in
medals and one silver. Hoy enjoyed his greatest history when she won the gold in the long jump at
ROSS LAWSON success in Beijing in 2008, when the Edinburgh- the 1964 Tokyo Olympics — becoming the first ever
based athlete claimed three gold medals. At British female to win gold in a track and field event.
London 2012, he added two gold medals and one She went on to claim a silver in the pentathlon and
silver to his tally before retiring from the sport. a bronze in the 100m relay.
FRIENDLY
WELCOME
ENSURED
IN BRAZIL
By MATHIEU WOOD
LONDONER WITH
BRAZIL will welcome sports
stars from around the world
this summer and one of it’s
more well-known presenters
hopes the Olympics will have
a lasting effect on a country in
a deepening political crisis.
Broadcaster Caroline de
BRAZILIAN HOPES By DAVID MARSH group of 23 players which will be
IN a country dominated by whittled down to a final 12-man
Twelve teams will compete in
the sevens tournament in Rio,
Moraes, who can be seen on football and samba, rugby will squad for the Olympics in July. which will be two days long.
BT Sport, the BBC and take centre stage for just two Team training, based in Sao Brazil will go into the competition
Eurosport, knows only too days in Brazil this summer. Jose dos Campos in Sao Paulo, ranked as outsiders, but Juliano
well about the predicament. Rugby sevens is making its takes place twice a day from insists that the team will take
Corruption, conspiracy debut in the Olympic Games in Monday to Thursday, then inspiration from other smaller
accusations and an August, and hoping to make his Juliano trains alone either in the rugby nations who have tasted
impeachment battle against mark in Rio de Janeiro is Juliano gym or on the golden sands of success on the sevens circuit.
the President Dilma Rousseff Fiori, the Londoner who is Ipanema Beach, which is only a “Sevens is an unpredictable
have all contributed to the bidding to play for Brazil. couple of blocks away from game,” he said.
ongoing turmoil surrounding Juliano, 30, was where he lives. “Seeing how the likes of Kenya,
Brazilian politics. born in Since rugby’s last Japan, Portugal and Russia have
The crisis has even Hammersmith
A hav e Olympic appearance been able to compete in the top
affected the status of the and raised in The US ld medal in 1924 in Paris, the tier of world sevens shows us that
economy and the tenure of Ealing, but won the gothe four sport was discarded a country that has less of a rugby
of
President Rousseff may well has a mixed on twons that rugby until 2009 when the tradition can break through and be
identity with occasio in International Olympic
cluded
be coming to an end. competitive at the top level.
The Olympic Games is his father has been in pic Committee voted to “We will not be getting ahead of
m
deemed to be the being the Oly es include rugby sevens ourselves, but we want to be
embodiment of hope, and that Brazilian-Italian, Gam in Rio 2016. competitive and put on a good
is just what Brazilians need and his mother Juliano believes that it show for the Brazilian fans.”
according to Miss de Moraes. Belgian-English, is the exposure that the sport As well as hoping to pull off an
“The Olympics will be more however, his heart was always rightfully deserves. upset, Juliano is confident that his
positive than the World Cup set on representing Brazil. “The fact that it is rugby country’s participation can inspire
but it has come at a crucial “I’ve always identified with sevens, and not the 15-man the next generation of football-
time politically,” she said. Brazilian culture with my family code that has been chosen to be obsessed Brazilians to buck the
“I was here in 2012 and the who live there, and I was brought a part of the Olympics is hugely
Olympics were successful for trend and pick up a rugby ball.
up supporting Brazil in any sport significant,” he said. “It will definitely help to promote
London as it brought I’d see them play,” he said. “People who have never seen
everyone together. the game of rugby in Brazil and
“I always watched the a game of 15s come to a sevens the Olympics can galvanise
“Whether Brazil will be able Olympics and supported the tournament and find themselves
to do the same depends on different interests that can stimulate
Brazilian athletes so it’s a huge gripped and on the edge of their growth in sport in Brazil,” he said.
the government situation privilege and honour to be able to seats in ways that doesn’t
which is saddening and “Rugby is a fast growing sport in
get the chance to play for Brazil. always happen in 15s. the country, so the board and the
embarrassing for the “I always had a desire to “A lot more money has been
Brazilian population. directors want to make sure that
represent Brazil in some way.” invested in rugby sevens to Brazil are competitive and can put
“If that was happening in Juliano is currently living in professionalise it, and that is
any other country then it on a good show for the youngsters
IN ACTION: Juliano Fiori has his sights set on competing at the Olympics Rio de Janeiro with his girlfriend, reflected in it now becoming an who might become inspired to play
would not have been allowed Alba, where he is training with a Olympic sport.”
to go so far.” rugby in the future.”
London-based, born to a
Brazilian mother and English
father, Miss de Moraes is a
former champion gymnast
and ballet dancer who speaks
passionately about her roots.
“My family is from Rio and
so I may be biased but I think
it is a fantastic, beautiful and
welcoming city,” she added.
“My first language was
Portuguese, my food was
Brazilian and my Christmas is
on the 24th.
“I’m very Brazilian in Britain
and very British in Brazil.”
Despite the ongoing politi-
cal turmoil, Miss de Moraes is
keen to point out the positives
from hosting the Olympics.
“It is good to open and
diversify the sports,” she said.
“In Brazil it tends to be the
volleyball, beach volleyball
and football which takes
centre stage. OUT IN FORCE: The men’s and
“Olympic football doesn’t women’s teams meet the Brazil-
interest the UK public much, ian mascot
but in Brazil they have never PICTURE: Juliano Fiori
won the gold so the football
team is almost constantly
chasing that medal.
and beyond
Seb Coe and Daley Thompson retained These games will forever be synonymous
1,500m and decathlon crowns respectively, with Ben Johnson, whose failed doping test
1988
stunned the world – and introduced the
LOS ANGELES
as GB took 37 medals, including five golds,
1984
THE ROADTO RIO in the USA. While the Soviet Union indulged term anabolic steroids into the wider
SEOUL
in a tit-for-tat Olympic boycott, home track lexicon. The 100m final won by Johnson
and field star Carl Lewis’s four golds saw before he was banished from Korea has
him crowned the poster boy of the Games. gone down as ‘the dirtiest race in history’.
GROVES
GOING FOR
RIO GOLD
By DAVID MARSH And Groves’ talents do not
just lie on the water.
FROM being dragged to her
She was a student at Exeter
local sailing club to get her out of
the house on weekends, to University and managed to
representing Great Britain in Rio juggle both her studies with her
later this year, Surbiton-born sailing commitments, graduating
sailor Nicola Groves is with a BSc in Human
determined to bring Olympic “My mum got fed up of my Biosciences in 2010.
success back to London. brother and I doing nothing on Since Groves joined up with
In early March, Groves was the weekends. Saxton in 2014, the duo, friends
named in Team GB’s sailing “Both my parents had sailed since the age of 15, have
team to compete at the Rio so they took us down to our local enjoyed plenty of success.
Olympics in the Nacra 17 mixed sailing club.” Two months after forming
multi-hull event that is being Groves became hooked on their partnership, they came
included for the very first time the sport and has never looked seventh at the Sailing World Cup
this summer. back since. finals in Abu Dhabi, and claimed
The 27-year-old will team up But to get to the top of any the European title last year
with Ben Saxton in a partnership sport requires something that before scooping the bronze
that began back in September never bothered the ambitious medal at the Copa do Brasil in
2014 — and this year, the pair yet modest Groves. Rio last December.
are looking to make history. She said: “I missed out on a lot Then the pair finished sixth at
“It means everything to me to when I was younger, when my the World Nacra 17 Champi-
be selected for Team GB,” best friends were doing things onships in Florida in February
Groves said. on the weekend. this year, before achieving their
“It’s the highlight of my life, “Instead I was having to wake dream of being picked for the
and I can’t wait to get started. up at 4am to go to training in Great Britain team.
“Four years ago I just had a north Wales. “We’re definitely going to be
normal job in London and I was “I had some great weekends aiming for the gold medal in
thinking that it wasn’t really going in the sea taking part in really Rio,” said Groves.
anywhere.” long training sessions, although “It was great to get the bronze
Groves’ career began at it was absolutely freezing when medal in December. Hopefully
Island Barn Reservoir Sailing we’d be training in the middle of this summer we can make that
Club in West Molesey near February or December. medal a little bit shinier!
Hampton Court. “But I don’t regret it at all, I’m “I used to look up Shirley
“I must have been about 10 still good friends with them and Robertson who managed to win
or 11 years old when I started we keep in regular touch, I two gold medals for GB so it just ALL SMILES: Nicola Groves is happy with her progress and, above, with partner Ben Saxton
sailing,” she said. wouldn’t change a thing.” makes me think; ‘Why can’t I?’” PICTURES: Royal Yachting Association
Brogdon eyes GB hockey selection
By IQBAL JOHAL India, where he scored once in five whatever happens, the team is more “It’s a great opportunity for people to
matches. important than individual selection. come and watch GB play before Rio
ALASTAIR BROGDON knows what it With two World Commonwealth He added: “With only 16 making the and a great thing for British hockey to
takes to be successful. The Wimbledon Games under his belt, the GB forward final cut we obviously know there are have on our home soil.
skipper has lifted the National Hockey is hopeful this experience will lead to nine of us who are going to be disap- “The prospect of the Olympics is
League title for the past two seasons, selection for Rio. pointed, but we train together and incredibly exciting and it’s everyone’s
leading from the front in the recent final He said: “You always want to back push each other very hard so we know dream to play at an Olympics and
win over Reading. yourself for selection and obviously the team that does get selected is in the everyone’s dream to win a medal,
Brogdon netted the game’s crucial I’m doing everything I can to put best position it can be.” which is what we are vying to do.”
equaliser, with Wimbledon going on myself in the best position to get But before the Olympics, London GB disappointingly missed out on a
to secure the trophy 4-3 on penalties. selected ahead of the big summer. hosts the Champions Trophy from medal at London 2012, losing 3-1 to
Winners breed success in sport and “I’m one of the more experienced June 10-17 and Brogdon believes this Australia in the bronze medal match,
Brogdon is a winner. For a GB outfit members of the team having been tournament will provide Team GB an but Brogdon is enthusiastic about
without a medal at the Olympics since involved for seven years or so but it’s excellent platform ahead of Rio. success this time round.
winning gold in 1988, they could do going to be very tough to make the However, Brogdon can’t help but “I think we have a great chance of
with more leaders built in the Brogdon final cut with such a big squad. look ahead to the chance of a lifetime. being successful and getting that gold
mould. “I am confident with my play and He commented: “It’s now a fantastic medal that we are targeting,” Brogdon
The 28-year-old has won 29 caps for hopefully that will be enough to get me opportunity to have that real top remarked.
GB, with his most recent appearances on the plane.” competition before an Olympic “We have a very good squad and
HOPEFUL: Alastair Brogdon is coming in last December’s FIH Brogdon, who is one of the 25 GB games, playing some of the sides we are all very hopeful of going to Rio and
eyeing Team GB Olympic selection Hockey World League final held in members training full time, believes will be playing in Rio. being extremely successful.”
T
Eur
he five Olympic rings rep
res
regions of the world – Afri ent the five major
ca, the Americas, Asia,
DAME KELLY HOLMES: The middle distance star
made her biggest impact at the Athens 2004
SIR STEVE REDGRAVE: The British rower
dominated the sport, becoming the only ever
ope and Oceania. Every
includes one of the five national flag in the world games. The athlete won two gold medals — the Olympian to win gold in five consecutive Olympic
colours, which are blue, 800m and 1500m — despite not winning anything endurance sport events from 1984 to 2000. He
black, green and red. The yellow
incumbent IOC president , in her debut 1996 appearance. She set a series of picked up a bronze medal in Seoul to take his total
currently Thomas Bach, ,
is known as the Lord of British records, and still holds 600m, 800m, 1000m tally to six, solidifying his place as one of Team
Rings. the
and 1500m accolades. GB’s greatest ever Olympians.
Black: ‘I’ll always be
linked with Johnson’
By PAUL MCNAMARA
ATLANTA’S Olympic Stadium
descended into the hush that
marks the moments immediately
prior to all of athletics’ grandest
occasions.
Roger Black was waiting for the
bang of the starter’s gun. He knew
that piercing blast would herald the
explosion of flashlights that greets
runners unfurling their first stride.
Black was aiming to become
the first Brit competing in his event
to stand on an Olympic podium for
60 years. And he oozed calm.
No matter that, within 45
Factfile
ROGER
seconds, he would discover if it BLACK
had all been worth it. If the hours,
weeks and years of flogging his
body would reap the one prize he
DOB: .31/03/1966
craved. Black was settled into his Born: Gosport
blocks for the men’s 400m final at Honours:
the 1996 Olympic Games. 1996: Two Olympic silver
“I was as prepared and ready medals -
as I had been my whole career,” he 1987-1997: -Two World
said. “I comfortably won my semi- Championship golds, two
final [he won both preceding heats silver medals
as well]. This was something I’d 1986-1994: - Five
done time and time again. European Championship
“I’d done the event in my head golds, one silver
1986: Two
throughout the season. I knew that Commonwealth gold
if I was ahead with 100m left then 2015: Inducted into RIVALS: Roger Black,
nobody, except Michael, would be England Athletics Hall of left, and the legendary
able to get past me.” Fame Michael Johnson,
Michael is Michael Johnson. right
The athlete of those games. One of
the athletes of any generation.
Johnson ate up the track in that from a field restricted to Euro- working order: Black ran a him into an exclusive collection How does he see the current Those three men who crossed
400m final, whose 20th pean or Commonwealth athletes personal best of 44.39 to win the of athletes, Black says: “Yes, crop of British runners, in particu- the line in sub-44 times at last
anniversary falls one week before and the difficulty in running AAA title in Birmingham in June. they did. Everyone in the world lar 2014 European champion year’s World Championships in
Rio’s August 5 opening ceremony. medal-worthy times. On July 3, running Switzerland’s knows the significance of Martyn Rooney and Matthew China, are defending Olympic
The man with the idiosyncratic, Injuries prevented Black from Lausanne Grand Prix, he shaved Olympic medals. It’s the Hudson-Smith, who suffered champion Grenadian Kirani
upright gait covered one lap in attaining the condition required off another 0.02 seconds, to Olympics. It’s history. three stress fractures in his back James, 2008 winner American
43.49 seconds. It remains the to be a medal contender at the finish runner-up to Johnson. “In terms of the guys you run last summer, faring in Rio? LaShawn Merritt and South
fastest time run over the distance in 1992 Olympic Games. That outcome would be against, in essence, from World “They’re very talented,” he Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk.
Olympic competition. The timing of his hamstring replicated in Atlanta, 26 days on. Championships it’s no different. says. “But neither of them will win Van Niekerk took gold at last
The American’s run was as problem 24 years ago was The intervening period, But there is something about an a medal. If either reach the final, year’s global championships in
predictable as it was remarkable. particularly off, given that the however, with its scope for Olympics that sets it apart.” it’d be a fabulous achievement.” Beijing. He promptly left the
On the dawn of his biggest day, Portsmouth-born runner had knocking Black’s tranquil Does he ever wish, though, So will Black be watching on Bird’s Nest Stadium in an ambu-
then, Black accepted he would be claimed World Championships progress off track, was testing. that he could have had a proper envious of today’s competitors, lance, stricken with exhaustion.
confronted with a unique situation. silver a year earlier – gold “I wasn’t wanting to train. I was shot at gold without Johnson? when this year’s 400m The 23-year-old confirmed his
This was two races in one: medallist Antonio Pettigrew absolutely focused on just staying “Absolutely not,” comes the showpiece is underway? arrival as a genuine star of track
Johnson versus the clock, his eventually confessed to using healthy. I had to capitalise on my reply. “I’ll always be intrinsically “I could give you the Holly- and field by running the 100m in
‘rivals’ fighting for best of the rest. human growth hormones and momentum. It was in my hands, I linked with Michael. wood answer and say I’d love to 9.98 seconds, becoming the first
“With experience you know EPO during his career, before hadn’t run badly all year. “I was on the podium with him still be running and competing. man ever to dip under 10, 20 and
when you’re in good shape. I knew taking his own life in 2010. “I knew three or four guys – and we were both experiencing “But it’s too hard. So hard. I 44 seconds in the 100m, 200m
that, on my day, I was capable of Black was eliminated in the might be capable of running exactly the same feeling.” wouldn’t want to experience that and 400m respectively.
beating most guys in the world. semi-finals in Barcelona and, the faster on the day, but I always Black says the enormity of his again. I’m not greedy. I’ve had Van Niekerk’s sub-10 second
And I knew that it was my last following year, struck down by rose to this type of challenge.” achievement is shown by the fact my moment. run in Bloemfontein in March
chance to win an Olympic medal. the debilitating Epstein-Barr He was as good as his word. no British male has since won an “I’ll enjoy being at home, convinced Black the man from
There was pressure.” virus, he wondered if he was Entering the final straight in the Olympic medal in the 400m. watching it on my TV, sat there Cape Town holds all the aces
In the form of his life, Black finished at 27 years old. fight for medals, only one man “I’m as proud of that as saying ‘wow’. going to Rio.
travelled to America as a five-time But following a painstaking was ahead of him – Johnson, anything. It’s a big deal,” he “The medals will be won in For all his accomplishments to
European champion, having won recovery period, which included gliding serenely along, adorned in says.“And I was the first since similar times to those we were date, Olympic glory would
Commonwealth Games gold a six months at the Australian his golden Nike running spikes. Godfrey Brown in 1936. running 20 years ago. There are change van Niekerk’s life forever.
decade before. Institute of Sport in Canberra, Black was winning his race. “I’m so grateful that I can talk as three guys capable of breaking Roger Black, after all, is still being
But the challenge of Olympic Black’s health was renewed and, Nobody was passing him. Asked the last British male 400m runner 44 seconds, but 44.4 will nearly asked, 20 years on, to relive his
competition is a world removed by 1996, everything was in if those 44.41 seconds propelled to stand on an Olympic podium.” always nick a medal.” career-defining day.
and beyond
GARRY HERBERT dissolving into tears BRITAIN could toast just one gold medal
while receiving his rowing gold medal winning performance in a highly commer-
THE ROADTO RIO
1996
1992 BARCELONA
provided an enduring Olympic image, but cialised American jamboree. Matthew
ATLANTA
Brit Derek Redmond being helped to the Pinsent, capturing the second of his four
400m finish line by his dad, after his Olympic golds, and the indefatigable Steve
hamstring went in the semi-final, was the Redgrave, winning his third of five, joined
biggest tear-jerking moment . together for coxless pair’s glory.
MIRACLE GIRL
CHASES GOLD
By BEN SMITH “I literally have no time for to him after my training and he
WHEN Sophie Christiansen anything else at the moment. told me he was a composer.
was born not many people But that’s the way it is with “He said he’d done work for
expected her to survive, let Olympic years. I cherish the ups films such as Harry Potter and
alone thrive to become a five- and the downs because in the he wanted to write me an
time Paralympic gold medallist. end it’s worth it.” original piece and that’s what
Born two months early with “Of course, there is an Christiansen hasn’t yet he’s done. I couldn’t be more
decided which horse she will excited for it.”
cerebral palsy, a desperate start expectation to do well,” she
ride in the summer. She has a For now, though, the
in life only got worse when she said. “But I’m one of these ath-
choice between Athene and her question on everyone’s lips is
suffered a fit, blood poisoning, a letes that wants to win at all 2012 horse Rio. whether or not Christiansen can
collapsed lung, jaundice and a costs. I’ll always have that Four years ago the pair repeat her previous successes.
heart attack. desire to win a gold medal. enchanted spectators with “Yes, I can do it,” she said.
Then, as a bright-eyed 16- “Since London, a lot more music that included Land of “That’s my aim and the
year-old, she claimed a people know my name and they Hope and Glory and an extract preparation has been good.
dressage bronze in Athens in know what I’m capable of, but from Pink Floyd’s Another Brick “We won three golds at the
2004. In 2008, she eclipsed that that doesn’t really change any- in the Wall. European Championships last
by winning two golds in Beijing. thing. I still would expect a lot Why? Because ‘we don’t year so that gives everyone an
But it was in London where from myself in spite of this.” need no education’. indication of what we can do.”
she proved her previous Nobody can deny just how Christiansen has a master’s Whatever the outcome in
exploits were no fluke by adding hard Christiansen works. She degree in maths and she Rio, a possible retirement beck-
three gold medals to her currently works part-time as a wanted people to see past her ons for the gold medal favourite.
already impressive haul. statistician in the heart of disability. She wanted to She said: “I’ve been thinking
To many, she was seen as a London alongside her hectic challenge stereotypes. about it a lot. After London I
heroine of the Games. In 2013, training programme. This year her music was put wanted to carry on to prove it
she was awarded an MBE for “I tend to ride both my two together by the father of a wasn’t a happy accident.
services to disabled sport and horses three times a week,” young girl with cerebral palsy “It’s just a very big sacrifice
equestrianism. Christiansen said. who regularly visited to dedicate four years of your
GOLDEN GIRL: After
success in 2008 and Now, heading to Rio as a “I go to the gym nearly the Christiansen in training. life preparing for one event.
2012, Sophie senior member of Team GB, the same amount and working in She said: “I was riding to my “ But if I am successful in Rio
Christiansen is the 28-year-old insisted she is busy London as well in a old music and he was watching and you ask me again I’ll
favourite for gold handling the pressure. stressful environment is hard. quite intently and I started talking probably say roll on Tokyo.”
again in Rio
PICTURE: Action Images
Tennis ace targets Paralympic redemption
By JAMES JOHNSTON insists he is ready to make amends With their support and the there is to beat. I beat the world
GOING ONE BETTER:
Andy Lapthorne aims for his 5-7 6-3 6-3 singles loss to Hard. continued presence of his long-term number one, two, three, five, six and
for upgrade on his BY his own admission, Andy He said: “Being in east London, coach Stuart Wilkinson, Lapthorne seven all on that tour so there’s no one
London 2012 silver Lapthorne wakes up every morning where my old man’s from, and being a has risen to become a five-time grand to fear.”
medal thinking about the Paralympic medal West Ham season ticket holder added slam champion — success he might If you were wondering, Lapthorne is
PICTURE: Action Images he never won. up to quite a lot of pressure. not have achieved without the help of ranked fourth.
At the London 2012 Paralympics, “There was a lot of motivation for the Tennis Foundation. A die-hard West Ham fan for as
he lost in the first round of the wheel- me to get there and I pushed myself He said: “Without them I wouldn’t long as he can remember, Lapthorne
chair tennis quad singles to Anders really hard. be training at the amazing facilities was paraded around the club’s Upton
Hard and then in the final of the quad “I came up a bit short but I purely put both at the National Tennis Centre at Park stadium when he won the US
doubles alongside Peter Norfolk. that down to inexperience. Roehampton and Bisham Abbey Open title in 2014.
Memories of that painful defeat now “Now with more experience and a lot National Sports Centre. With the club set to move to the
act as the catalyst behind his quest for of titles under my belt I have proved I “We have the best facilities in the Olympic Stadium in Stratford later this
gold in Rio this summer. can do it in pressure situations. world out of any Paralympic athletes summer, there is a somewhat ironic
He said: “For four years I’ve been “I’m hoping with Paralympic bar none. It’s amazing to be in such a opportunity for Lapthorne to be
thinking about that final and what went experience in my back pocket, after fortunate position.” paraded again at the scene of his
wrong, what I could have done better having played in the final, will stand Such is Lapthorne’s current standing 2012 heartbreak — albeit in joyous
and what I need to do to get gold.” me in good stead to do what I need to in the sport, he goes to Rio as one of circumstances.
Despite emerging with a silver in do in Rio. Great Britain’s main contenders for a “If I can get back to being on the
the doubles, Lapthorne believes a “If London was this Paralympics I Paralympic medal. pitch at the Olympic Stadium with two
mixture of inexperience and the pres- would be a lot better prepared for it.” And if his recent results are any- gold medals it will be some sort of
sure to perform in front of a home Born with cerebral palsy, Lapthorne thing to go by, the expectation placed redemption for me,” he said.
crowd proved too much. first took up tennis after attending a upon him is more than justified. “To be back, where in my eyes I
But with another four years Tennis Foundation trial camp aged 15 He said: “At the start of this year in failed, in London with a gold medal
experience behind him, Lapthorne in Nottingham. the tour of Australia I beat everyone would mean the world to me.”
O
Sum
nly four athletes have ach
feat of winning medals at
ieved the impressive
both the Winter and
SIR BRADLEY WIGGINS: The first British Tour de
France winner, Wiggins has seven Olympic medals
DALEY THOMPSON: The British athlete is better
remembered for his record-breaking performances
mer Games. Eddie Eag
and bobsleigh, Jacob Tul en won gold in boxing with four golds, one silver, and two bronze. Beijing than his Olympic medals. Thompson claimed gold
lin Thams won medals in 2008 was his most prolific games, where he picked in the decathlon in both 1980 and 1984, but set the
jumping and sailing, wh ski
ile Christa Luding- up gold medals in the team and individual pursuit. event’s world record an amazing four times. In fact,
Rothernburger and Clara
Hughes both won medal But in 2012 he achieved the remarkable by winning between 1979 and 1987 he remained undefeated
speed skating and track s in in all competitions he entered.
cycling. the time trial just 10 days after winning the Tour.
FIVE SPORTS STRIVE
FOR 2020 OLYMPICS
Factfile
By SAM TOBIN, FELIX
KEITH, SEAN DAVIES AND
AS BRITISH athletes enter the final
BARNABY KELLAWAY
• Sport climbing
stretch of a training programme skateboarding bo d
an
developed years in advance, featured at the 20 th
competitors in minority and lesser Nanjing Youth Ga14
known sports are just beginning mes
their path to Olympic glory. • Karate first appli
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will Olympic status at ed for
1964 Tokyo
feature as many as five new
events: baseball and softball,
• Great Britain ca
karate, skateboarding, surfing and second in the 20 me
sports climbing, to be decided by European Baseba
07
the IOC at its Rio Session between Championships ll
August 2-4.
Here is a rundown of the sports • If included, fak
e
vying for Olympic inclusion and an machines may be wave
for surfing used
assessment of Team GB’s chances
in those events.
Baseball
Big in Japan, baseball looks set to
return to the Olympic programme
after last appearing at the Beijing
Games in 2008.
Great Britain is aiming to
represent Europe in Tokyo, but they
face a tall order.
The World Baseball Softball
Confederation has said the 2019
Premier12 tournament will act as
the qualifying tournament for the
Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
That means Great Britain must
improve its ranking from 33rd to
12th or better by 2018, when the
Premier12’s teams are selected. TAKING AIM: Third
Following this they must over- baseman Maikel Azcuy
come another challenge and beat tries to throw out a
the world’s best, but GB head runner
PICTURE: BSUK
coach Liam Carroll is unfazed.
“It’s an uphill battle for sure,” he
said. “Our vision includes
qualifying for the Premier12 and international appeal makes it the France, Italy and Japan, the sport’s power-to-weight-ratio and in terms “The exposure would be great: our youth culture and serve as
subsequently the Olympic Games, perfect sport to add to the world’s inventors, are still there.” of physical strength. the standards will be pushed up. inspirational figures, naturally
assuming, hoping, that the sport is largest sporting event. The sheer difficulty of what people representing Olympic values.”
Shaher believes that Olympic “I think that conveys very well
reinstated for 2020. “Karate has a right to be in can climb will go up and that’s got to Skateboarding
inclusion is a vital step in the across to the audience. It’s also
“We will have to have pretty there,” he said. “It has massive par- be good for the sport.” The main discussion at the
much everything go right in terms of development of his beloved sport very easy to understand: who gets
ticipation in every continent and it in his home country. to the top quickest in speed, the Surfing International Olympic Commit-
our successes in September in preaches the right values for young The president of the International tee’s Session in Rio is expected to
order for that to happen, rankings The 59-year-old said: “I think number of attempts in bouldering
people in the world: sportsmanship, with some proper funding we would and who gets the highest in lead Surfing Association Fernando centre on who will take control of
points-wise.” Aguerre has been fighting for the skateboarding.
respect and hard work. have a very strong team by 2020. climbing.
Their first chance to gain inclusion of surfing in the Olympic There are currently three gov-
ranking points will be at “As well as that it’s the most “Karate’s popularity in Great “The competition scene in the
popular martial art in the world.” Britain would go through the roof if it UK is one of the healthiest in Games for more than a decade. erning bodies fighting to organise
September’s European Baseball Aguerre believes that surfing’s the sport if it is included at Tokyo.
Championship in the Netherlands, The 1988 world champion became an Olympic sport.” Europe, meaning if it went through
remembers the days of the late ‘80s Sport climbing to the Olympics there would be a lot global popularity and competitors’ The International Roller Sports
but Carroll is setting his sights on an role model status makes it ideal to Federation is in pole position at
unlikely victory. and early ‘90s, a period in which he Climbing is the ultimate test of an of climbers in the UK aiming for it.
was one of the world’s top karateka, be included in the Olympics. the moment after they presented
“Our goal is to medal and, given individual’s physicality and “Certainly around here we’ve got
when Great Britain was a dominant He said: “Surfing is a truly global the sport’s original bid to become
the nature of tournament play, how Jonathan Redshaw, who trains more members of the British team part of the Olympic Games.
force in the sport. sport, more popular and more
a ball bounces here or there, you Olympic level athletes as the based in London than across the The International Skateboard-
“The sport has diversified and widely practised than many current
never know, we might end up with a competition squad coach at White rest of the country.” ing Federation and the World
Olympic sports.
gold,” Carroll said. gone global since my day. A lot of Spider Climbing Centre in Tolworth, And unlike other sports on the Skateboarding Federation, run
“Surfing is pursued in every
Karate Eastern bloc countries are strong thinks it’s about time the sport scene an Olympic gold medal corner of the world, in more than a by Americans Tim McFerran and
After a 500-year history, karate may now, a lot of the emerging nations made the next step. would certainly be a career peak hundred countries. There are now Gary Ream respectively, are the
finally make its Olympic debut in like Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey are “It’s quite a spectacle in terms of for competitive climbers. more than 35 million surfers other two vying to take control of
the capital of its country of origin. producing top teams so it’s become technique and feat of strength,” he “The Olympics would be the pin- worldwide. Surfers are a strong and the bid.
British karate legend and current a lot more difficult,” he added. said. nacle of competition climbing,” he positive influence on young people The three organisations are
national team head coach Abdu “Meanwhile the old school “Rock climbers are some of the says. “It would no doubt be the one around the world. currently in discussion but are yet
Shaher is positive that karate’s countries like ourselves, Germany, strongest people in terms of medal everyone would want to get. “They are a very relevant part of to come to an agreement.
and beyond
A joyous Games was given the moment it Success in the velodrome for Chris Hoy and
2004
2000
craved when, ten days after lighting the Bradley Wiggins set the trail-blazing cyclists
flame to open the event, Aussie favourite on their respective paths to hugely
ATHENS
SYDNEY
Cathy Freeman ran to 400m victory. GB decorated careers. And the once injury-
announced its rebirth as an Olympic force, plagued Kelly Holmes stormed to victory in
THE ROADTO RIO claiming 28 medals, 10 of which were gold,
including a first for sailor Ben Ainslie.
the 800m and 1,500m, two of the nine golds
secured by Team GB in Greece.
GIVE NETBALL A
SHOOTING
CHANCE
By ELLIE WALTER Yet despite the sell-out
crowds, the number of people
THE case for netball, a game
conceived accidentally by a playing netball increasing each
sports teacher in the late 19th year, intense lobbying and being
century, to become an Olympic a star attraction at the
sport is gathering pace. Commonwealth Games, netball
Clara Baer’s confusion that was rejected as a temporary
day, when attempting to teach fact that it is only one medal as sport at both the 2008 and 2012
the newly-invented game of an issue — rhythmic gymnas- Olympics and lost out to sports
basketball and misinterpreting tics and synchronised swimming such as rugby sevens and golf
the zones of the court, thinking are single-sex Olympic sports, for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
they were areas players were so they can’t dismiss us.” But Adams has heralded the
not allowed out of, is an error But why is it still excluded? growth of the game and pleaded
that millions of people around After all, it’s the world’s number for an Olympic chance.
the world are thankful for now. one women’s sport. She said: “We know there is a
The fast-paced, all-action, For many young girls, it is the hunger for it from netballers and
high-energy game is played by first sport they are introduced to there is also an appetite for it
more than 20 million people at school, and from the moment now from general sports fans.
across 70 different countries, yet they get handed their first bib “When we played Australia
it has still not featured in the they fall in love with the game. and New Zealand at the
Olympics, despite recognition as Then there is the stunning Commonwealth Games, they
an Olympic sport in 1995. quality of netball that was on were early morning slots on the
CEO of England Netball, show in the Vitality Superleague BBC, but 1.9 million tuned in to
Joanna Adams, believes the Grand Final between Manches- watch — there is a real interest in
arguments against netball’s ter Thunder and Surrey Storm the sport.
inclusion are too thin to warrant earlier this month, which once “In Africa and India the growth
acceptance and would like to more re-ignited the Olympic of the sport has been
see the sport given a chance. debate. astronomical and the way it has
“A lot of the reasons we are The atmosphere at London’s empowered women across
given is because it is a single Copper Box Arena was electric. Africa and India is huge.
medal, because only women From the first to final whistle, the “If we can showcase the sport
play and it’s played predomi- arena thrummed with the cheers at the Olympics, then other
nantly in the Commonwealth,” of the sell-out crowd who were nations will play, but we need ROARING TO
left catching their breath as that opportunity.” SUCCESS: England
she said. celebrate bronze at
“Well my argument to that Storm survived a late onslaught Netball is making all the right last year’s World
would be if only women play it, by Thunder to retain their moves and it is about time the Cup
let’s celebrate it! I don't see the Superleague title. IOC make theirs. Pictures: PA
Hockey buzz creates Rio gold belief
By MATHIEU WOOD Olympics and it is very exciting that it is “If we could better the girls though they are such great teams to
going to be in front of a home crowd.” achievement from last time then that compete against.
SARAH HAYCROFT, fresh from Under the leadership of captain would be fantastic. “When you get to the Olympic
winning the Women’s Hockey League Kate Richardson-Walsh, aspirations “I was there in the crowd in London Games, those are the qualities that
for a third consecutive season with are high following gold at the Euro- and playing at the time for the under get you medals.”
Surbiton last month, now has eyes set Hockey Nations Championship last 21s so it was amazing to celebrate Haycroft and her fellow unbeaten
on an exciting summer ahead. year and a bronze medal at the them winning that medal.” Surbiton internationals will represent
The Surbiton Ladies captain joined London 2012 Olympics. The squad’s quality is their strength the club at the Championships in
the club when she was 10 and has “We take it game by game but in depth and Haycroft realises the Netherlands starting against UHC
gone on to become the leader and a essentially we want to win every single current pool of players have a great Hamburg on Friday.
hugely dependable performer. tournament and we set that as our understanding of each other’s potential. Haycroft said: “We are really looking
Haycroft, 25, now firmly part of the target,” said Haycroft. “Belief is the word – the girls know forward to giving it 100% and
England and Team GB squads, is “It might be a high target but we what they are capable of together,” improving on last year.”
keen to make her mark internationally have to strive for that and we will do our added Haycroft. Rightfully the women’s GB hockey
with the Champions Trophy and best to make sure we can come away “When we look each other in the side have been recognised for their
Olympics on the horizon. with a gold medal. eye on the pitch everyone knows you recent successes emphasising the
She said: “The Champions Trophy is “London was a fantastic achieve- are giving 100%. growing popularity for the sport.
a great tournament. ment and I think it acted as a “On any given day, the squad Haycroft said: “We were recognised
UNDER CONTROL: Sarah “You know every single game is springboard for the sport. believes that we have the inner ahead of the women’s football team
Haycroft in action for England going to be very tough so it’s definitely “There is a buzz around hockey, strength to beat the likes of Argentina, and their achievements have been
going to be great preparation for the many more girls have got involved. Netherlands and Australia even fantastic. Female sport is flourishing.”
T
the
he extra 0.2 miles at the
originated at the Olymp
end of a marathon was
ic Games. In 1908, when
SIR MATTHEW PINSENT: The GB rower claimed
four gold medals during his Olympic career. He
PAULO RADMILOVIC: The Welsh rower was GB’s
greatest athlete for more than 80 years, until Steve
games were held in Lon Redgrave claimed his fifth gold medal in Sydney’s
ed to add on another 385 don, the organisers decid- picked up one apiece in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004
yards to the – the first three coming alongside Sir Steve 2000 Olympics. Radmilovic dominated British
already-established 26- Olympics before World War Two, predominantly in
miles so the Royal Fam Redgrave. With 12 senior external medals to match
could see the finish line. ily
Not the water polo team. He won four gold medals in
– only 17 athletes compet that they had much to see his Olympic tally, Pinsent joins Redgrave as being
total – including the first by a Welsh athlete.
ed in the first race. one of the most esteemed British Olympians.
SUPER JOYCE SEEKS
TO EMULATE JOSHUA MOUNTAIN OF A
HISTORY MAN: Joe Joyce is
ON THE
CARDS
aiming for Olympic
gold
Croydon
FOR JOE
By BEN YOUNG
boxer on
JOE JOYCE hopes to write his
name in the boxing history books at
the Olympics this summer, despite
initially targeting the Games
through athletics.
a dream
The super-heavyweight sealed
his spot at Rio by winning the
European Olympic qualifying
event in Turkey last month.
Having already won gold at the
2014 Commonwealth Games and
that will
the 2015 European Games, Joyce
is one of the more senior members
of Team GB’s boxing squad at 30
years old.
And the Londoner was delighted
soon be NEXT STOP BRAZIL:
to finally qualify for Rio after missing
out on an automatic qualifying
place at the World Championships
in Doha in October last year.
“It’s about time I qualified for
Rio. I’m really happy with the team,
a reality
JOSHUA BUATSI is looking to By BEN YOUNG
Joshua Buatsi is
excited to fulfil his
lifelong Olympic
dream in Rio
“It’s a testament to Nicola and
there’s so many through and it’s emulate previous British a big credit to qualify again, and
great to finally secure my place,” Olympic boxing champions “I went to watch a few bouts at I’m confident she can win
Joyce said. after recently sealing his spot the Olympics in London and it’s another gold medal.”
“It’s a long-term goal to go to the for the Rio Games. fantastic to see the guys that Buatsi is hoping to draw from
Olympics, I initially planned to get Buatsi, 23, from Croydon, won gold medals for us, and the experience of winning a test
there via athletics but I found I In fact, Joyce defeated while he was studying for his defeated Peter Müllenburg in the what they’ve done from there. event in Rio last year to do well at
improved much more in boxing Magomedrasul Majidov, the last degree in fine arts at Middlesex final of the European Olympic “Anthony Joshua and Luke this summer’s Olympics.
and have been successful doing man to beat Joshua at the 2011 University. Qualifying event in Turkey last Campbell, they’re still coming “I went to Rio in December
that. World Championships, and the And he recalled one of the month. down to the gym and I still get to and won gold in the test event,
“The experience of winning a Londoner doesn’t mind heading moments where he realised his The light-heavyweight is see them from time to time. so it’s a massive boost that I’ve
medal there would be amazing. down the same path as the future lay in boxing while at a ecstatic to fulfil a childhood “To see where they are now already won there,” he said.
“I am quite experienced myself current world heavyweight BUCS championships in athletics. dream and is now hoping to go and know they were in the po- “All the gold medals, every
now, I’ve won major medals at the champion. “I started off playing three one better and claim a medal at sition I’m in, it’s inspiring to see fight and everything that I’ve
Commonwealth Games and the “It’s great seeing AJ do so well, sports at the same time growing the Rio Games. where I could be in a few years.” done coming up to this is going
European Games, and they’re he’s led the way and he’s a up, rugby from the age of six, “It’s a lifelong dream to get Buatsi was one of nine British to be in my head.
essentially warm-up events. fantastic role model as well,” swimming and karate, which later there and it’s a reality now, I’ve boxers to qualify for Rio from “I’m going to take the -
“I already know what to expect Joyce said. changed to kickboxing. actually qualified and I’m going the qualifying event, including positives and go out there and
and the emotions that come with it “I avenged his last defeat at “It wasn’t until university age to the Olympic Games,” Buatsi Nicola Adams, who is looking to perform.”
but the Olympic Games is ten the European qualifiers and he that I started training in athletics, said. become a double Olympic Buatsi’s road to Rio has been
times that, especially what it would congratulated me on Twitter. I stopped playing rugby and was “I’m still dwelling on it, it’s champion. different to others, as he is still
mean afterwards. “Tyson Fury even took the inspired to get to the Olympics. sinking in slowly but it’s a big He said: “British boxing is on part-way through his degree at St
“It would be great to represent time to congratulate me as well. “Funnily enough when I did a achievement for me. a different level at the moment Mary’s University.
the nation and perhaps go down “It’s great exposure to fight at trial for the Team GB squad in “The fifth fight of the and it’s a privilege to be a part of He said: “I’ve somehow
in history.” an Olympics and we really get Sheffield I thought the place qualifiers was against an old it at such a successful time. managed to juggle college and
Joyce has drawn comparisons looked after because you’ve looked
- familiar. rival that I’ve had for the past “When we go to tournaments university with boxing.
to newly crowned IBF World represented your nation and “I did a BUCS competition year, so it was great to beat him other countries are looking at us “I’m in my final year of
Heavyweight champion Anthony loads of people know about you. there in athletics when I was to win the tournament. because they’re thinking that university but I’ve postponed
Joshua, who also fought in the “When you do turn pro you’ve younger and got a bronze medal “I cannot put it into words Team GB has qualified nine of that until September.
super-heavyweight class at already got that support.” in the shot put. what it would mean to go on and their boxers in one go. “During this lengthy period I
London 2012 claiming gold with a But things could have been “I didn’t even get my medal win a medal, it would be a “It’s good to see a former have had to qualify, which I’ve
dramatic points victory against much different for all-round because I completely forgot. massive dream come true, I’m Olympic champion come to done, and I’ve still got a couple of
Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle in front sportsman Joyce, who only “I was upstairs at the time actually speechless thinking tournaments with us and go out modules to finish on my course
of a full house at the ExCel London. began boxing at the age of 22 watching the boxing at BUCS.” about the summer. there and repeat it again. after Rio.”
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