Sprinters, shooters, throwers, jumpers, endurance runners, rowers, sailors and anyone hopeful of becoming one of the London 2012 athletes already have the date 27th July 2012 fixed in their minds. That's the first day of the Games, a huge day for competitors all over the world, but particularly for those representing the home nation.
After the success at Beijing, Britain has real hopes of a large medal haul in London. But while most people are aware of the big names who will carry the bulk of expectation: the likes of Chris Hoy, Jessica Ennis and Becky Adlington, who are the young, potential British medal hopes that could peak at exactly the right time?
Perri Shakes-Drayton – Hoping for London 2012 Medals
Perri will be 23 when the Olympics roll around and is a genuine contender to bag a medal or two individually and maybe as part of a relay team.
Primarily a 400m hurdles athlete, Perri was tremendously impressive at the European Championships in Barcelona in July/August 2010. She won a pair of bronze medals, first with a superb run in the hurdles and then by anchoring the British women in the 400m relay. With a little more experience she may have even snatched a silver in the latter event.
Perri is one of the most exuberant athletes on the circuit and her interviews in Barcelona were a beautiful tumult of delighted emotion. As a Tower Hamlets girl, the Olympics track is virtually going to be in her back garden. Glory may await.
Lizzie Armitstead – Olympic Medal Hopeful
Born just three days earlier than Perri Shakes-Drayton, Lizzie faces a huge Olympic challenge. Not only is she battling against the rest of the world, she has an enormous job just to get into the superlative British cycling team.
There can be no doubt that she is a fantastic cyclist: in 2010 she won two silvers at the World Track Championships and followed that by winning the Under 23 British National Road Race Championships as well as coming second in the senior event.
In some Olympic disciplines, even the vague hope of a bronze medal will be enough to be picked for the Games, but British cycling is so hardcore that a realistic hope of gold is required. Lizzie certainly has the attributes for that colour if she stays fit and healthy.
Lizzie is keeping a record of her progress for the London Evening Standard.
Toby Sandeman – Olympic Sprinter?
A fashion model and a sprinter, Toby will be just 24 when the Olympics hit town and many believe he has a chance of causing some serious damage in the 200m.
He hasn't always been taken seriously because of his parallel career as a model, but his mentor is British Olympic athlete and sprinting legend, Linford Christie. A pair of gold medals at the Under 23 European Athletics Championships in 2009 emphasised Toby's potential and if he can stay fit and focused, he may well come good in London.
Zoe Smith – Britain's Strongest Girl?
Now this girl is something special. Just 16 at the time of writing, excitement is already building that Zoe could deliver a weightlifting medal for Britain. She will have to fight against history, though: no British woman has ever won a weightlifting gold.
Zoe could be different, though. She has broken over 100 records, including every British record for her 53kg category at both junior and senior level. Her next challenge will be the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi but after that her focus will be on creating an incredible story when the Olympics visit her home city in 2012.
A former gymnast, Zoe is about as far as you can get from the stereotypical image of a female weightlifter, and any success she achieves could easily be a massive boon for the sport in Britain.
Related Articles:
- British Olympic Athletes Chasing Gold in 2012
- London 2012 Olympic Venues – Where to Watch the Summer Games
- The 2012 Olympic Football Stadiums
Daniel Trelfer - I'm a freelance writer and also work in television on and off. I'm looking forward to exploring a range of my interests at Suite 101, ...
Join the Conversation