Holmes: Gold rush will spur on track stars
Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes believes Great Britain’s athletes will be buoyed by the successes of their Team GB colleagues as they prepare for the start of today’s track and field events.
Britain have so far landed seven medals at the Beijing Games including golds for swimmer Rebecca Adlington and cyclist Nicole Cooke.
And Holmes, who swept to gold in both the 800m and 1,500m in Athens four years ago, says the team’s encouraging start to the Games will filter through to the other athletes.
“Success breeds success and hearing a team-mate has done well gives everyone a tremendous lift, no matter what the sport,” Holmes said.
“I remember hearing of our first gold medal in Athens and the extra confidence and the determination that gave me.
“The athletes have watched the likes of Rebecca, Nicole and the other medallists do their bit and it gives a real air of excitement around the camp.”
Great Britain’s track stars make their Olympic bows in the Bird’s Nest Stadium this morning with many harbouring hopes of continuing the team’s encouraging start.
Triple-jumper Phillips Idowu is Britain’s best hope of an athletics medal, but Holmes believes Britain’s emerging women’s team could spring the odd surprise.
“We know all about Phillips, as well as Kelly Sotherton in the heptathlon and Christine Ohuruogu in the 400m, but I’m also hopeful that others can bring their performances to new levels in these Games.
“Marilyn Okoro ran a world class 800m time of 1.58.4 at Crystal Palace last month, while Lisa Dobriskey has great tactical awareness in the 1,500m and is now fourth fastest in the world after the Russian withdrawals. The 41 medal target is a big ask but the way we’ve started these Beijing Games, it’s certainly achievable.”