RIO IN SIGHT FOR ATHLETES HEADING FROM PITCH2PODIUM

by Rebecca Roberts - 08.03.10

As the torch now comes to London for the 2012 Olympics from Vancouver, sights are already being set on unearthing talented athletes for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics with the launch of Talent 2016:Pitch2Podium programme.

Targeting athletes with an academy background from professional football and rugby, the  programme aims to uncover athletes with the right raw capabilities to succeed in a number of targeted Olympic sports in order to realise a legacy of medal success for Britain.

“Whilst not every football and rugby academy athlete will make it to the top of the game, over the past few years they will have acquired some excellent skills, abilities and athletic qualities and through Pitch2Podium they could transfer these into a new sport” says Ian Yates, Talent ID Scientist from the UK Talent Team.

“With elite coaching and the right support package, many of these attributes could be successfully switched to a targeted Olympic sport where they could – with hard work – go on to stand on the podium in Rio” he adds.

Programme Ambassador Darren Campbell , former Olympic sprinter said; “This is the third year that I have been involved in the Pitch2Podium programme and it’s exciting to still see talented athletes at the test days who have the potential to do something really exciting on the world stage in Olympic sport.

“I know from my own experience in football that the training, commitment and passion you already have could give you the edge in another sport.”

James Hoad, former Watford FC Academy Goalkeeper, came through the Pitch2Podium programme in 2008 and is now training with British Bob-Skeleton and aiming for success at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, said; “When the Pitch2Podium invitation first came I didn’t think much of it but thought I’d give it a go. Two years later I’m training full time with one of Britain’s best winter Olympic sports. I’ve realised you’re unlikely to return to the professional game after being released, but now I have a real chance of achieving something in a different sport.”

This year’s test days begin this month with two dates held at League Football Education Competitive Edge events: Thursday 11th March (Bolton Arena) and Thursday 25th March (Newbury Racecourse). Further dates will run in May. Tests put athletes through their paces, assessing their strength, speed and power against Olympic standards.

Photography © Getty Images