Dame Kelly Holmes points out a few Olympic truths, and hopes . . .

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Standing nervously in Trafalgar Square, awaiting the impending revelation on the video screen ahead, Dame Kelly Holmes dared to dream on behalf of others rather than herself.

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Pete Jamieson

For years, she had been the one nursing thoughts of achieving on sport's greatest stage. Now, hanging on every word being spoken half-way across the world in Singapore, she was pondering just what it would feel like to compete at an Olympics on home soil.

Seven years on, speculation will soon become reality. The euphoria that marked Jacques Rogge's pronouncement that the Games of the 30th Olympiad would be going to London, rather than Paris, quickly subsided as the enormous task of building Europe's largest theme park began. But despite grumbles over the cost, the ticketing process and the probable transport gridlock, few expect that the country will not be collectively enthused once the action begins.And then? What of the vision sold to the International Olympic Committee's electorate and those, such as Holmes, who campaigned in support of the bid? What will be left once the Paralympics have closed on September 9 and the swathe of temporary venues, colourful signs and military-style security have departed Stratford? Legacy, omnipresent throughout this process, remains the great unknown."I certainly hope we'll see it," declared the double athletics gold medallist of 2004. "When people look at the Games and judge the Games on many factors, medals are always going to be one that gives you a comparison in terms of performance. There's been so much funding put into sport across the board, and the depth and breadth of sports have been given a platform. "Those who are more established have become more professional in their approach over the last four years. So everybody is looking to reach the targets they have in mind. In Beijing we came fourth, which was absolutely a surprise."There are other factors too, states Holmes, who has remained closely involved with London 2012. The Olympic Park will retain its stadium and several smaller arenas, transforming into an urban village what was a mix of industrial land and waste ground.It will be down to British sport, in unison, to ensure the facilities are employed for long-term gain rather than idle dereliction. "You also look at how this inspires a whole nation into sport, or achievement, or if we hear in 20 years' time that Olympic champions then were inspired by these Games. There are lots of things which will factor into the success," Holmes added.The former 800 and 1500 metres champion, now aged 42, has utilised the celebrity from her own career to support those pushing towards London. Her On Camp with Kelly mentoring programme has backed several prospects, including Hannah England, the 1500m silver medallist from last year's world championships, while Holmes set up the DKH Legacy Trust young people's charity, which includes them spending time with world-class sportspeople."Winning my two gold medals was a dream for 20 years," she said. "But when I set my mind to doing something, I had to ensure I have a great team behind me. I wanted to leave a legacy in sport. It started out to help my peers, other athletes, make that transition from sport into careers because it affects you when you step away from something you've always known."Its mission is delivered with a tangible sense of pride; the emotions do not deviate greatly from those moments in Athens atop a podium, watching a flag being raised in her honour. "There were no words at that moment that could have described that," Holmes declared, smiling proudly. The lone regret, she laughs, is that she is now too old to try again in London. That privilege will fall to others. In track and field, Britain has a cluster of hopefuls who might emulate her. In Athens, Holmes was able to fly under the radar until the last. This time, few will be afforded peaceful anonymity in the final leg of their preparations."It's going to be down to individuals, and the team around them, to get them to perform at their best on a given day," she said. "But as long as the hype around the Games doesn't affect them, I think we'll get some great performances." Which might go some way to fulfilling the grand promises made.

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Dame Kelly Holmes points out a few Olympic truths, and hopes . . .

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