The 2008 Beijing Olympics
and Paralympics
on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio team Olympic impressions
Martin Cross
Ìý
Martin Cross is an Olympic gold and bronze
medallist rower who represented Great Bitain
for 20 years.
Ìý
He competed in four Oympic
Games between 1980-1992, winning bronze
in Moscow and gold in Los Angeles.
Ìý
He also
has four world championship medals and
Commonwealth Games gold.
Ìý
Martin has several strands in his current
portfolio, including working as a business and
life coach, together with teaching history at
Hampton School.
Ìý
These run alongside his
role as a sports journalist for The Guardian and
his work for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio
5 Live as a broadcaster and correspondent.
Ìý
"For me the Olympics is the greatest single
event in the world for young people trying to
realise their own dreams, as well as being
role-models for millions of others watching.
It's incredibly energising to be a part of.
Ìý
"My own favourite Olympics memories are,
from Moscow, just getting there despite threats
of GB boycott.
Ìý
"From LA, embracing family just
before my gold medal presentation.
Ìý
"From
Seoul, being part of my first opening ceremony.
Ìý
"From Barcelona, the legacy: seeing the Searles,
two of my students, win gold at my last Games
as a competitor.
Ìý
"In Beijing, I'm really looking
forward to telling the story of how GB's rowing
team had their best Olympics ever!
Ìý
"I think the Games being held in Beijing is a
massive challenge for both China and the
West.
Ìý
"It gives amazing opportunities for sport
to facilitate dialogue and understanding in the
midst of a dynamic, friendly people, against the
backdrop of a tough communist regime
prepared to abuse human rights far too readily.
Ìý
“Once there, I'm most looking forward to
seeing whether Kath Grainger can win GB
women's first Olympic gold in the quads;
whether Rob Waddell of New Zealand can
complete his amazing comeback and take
gold in the double sculls; whether the Steve
Redgrave of Australia, Jimmy Tomkins (who I
used to race!), now in his sixth Games, can
medal in the Aussie eight; if Rebecca Romero
can add to her rowing silver with a cycling
gold; and if world champion Tim Brabants
has got what it takes to win GB's first flat
water gold in the K1000m.
Ìý
"My predictions for British glory are Rebecca
Romero – an incredible sport double; Mark
Foster – British Peter Pan!; Ben Ainslie – the
best GB sailor since Nelson!; Frankie Gavin – to
go one better than Amir Khan; and Christine
Ohurougu – redemption through gold.
Ìý
"Looking ahead to London 2012, it's an
unbelievable chance for GB athletes to be
part of creating an unforgettable legacy as
inspirational role-models for the kids of
today and tomorrow."
Ìý
Ìý
Printable version