More at stake than just medals (From The Northern Echo)

More at stake than just medals

10:36am Thursday 7th August 2008 in

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WHEN it comes to the British team’s aspirations in Beijing, the target has been clearly spelled out. Forty-one medals, 11 more than were won at Athens four years ago, lifting Britain to eighth in the overall medal table.

Achieve it, and UK Sport will be well on the way to securing the fourth-placed finish that remains one of the key priorities for the 2012 Games in London. Fall short, however, and some tough financial decisions will be necessary in the course of the next four years.

More than ever before, Britain’s Olympians will be competing for their sport’s future when they cross the start line in Beijing. The Government is prepared to back sports that are delivering in the run-up to 2012, but those that are failing to live up to their potential will be forced to feel the squeeze. The process of separating the wheat from the chaff begins in earnest in Beijing.

Three or four sports deliver gold medals so regularly they have little to fear. Perhaps inevitably, those sports will once again be at the forefront as Britain’s 313-strong Olympic squad prepares to lay its credentials on the line.

Sailing contributed five of Britain’s 30 medals at Athens, and it would be a disappointment if the sport did not at least match that figure this time around.

Ben Ainslie is going for his third successive gold medal in the finn class, an achievement that would make him Britain’s most successful Olympic sailor of all time. He won last year’s Olympic test regatta in the Qingdao complex that will stage this month’s sailing events, and will start as an overwhelming favourite.

The same is true of Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson, who combine to form Britain’s world champion yngling crew, and of windsurfer Bryony Shaw, who also leads the current world rankings.

Cycling is one of the few sports capable of pushing sailing in the medal stakes, and British eyes will be focused on Bradley Wiggins as he chases an incredible three gold medals in China.

Wiggins competes in the individual and team pursuit, and partners Mark Cavendish in the madison.

Cavendish recently made history by becoming the first British rider to win four stages on a single Tour de France. He could help to rewrite the history books again this month if Wiggins completes a triple goldmedal haul. North-Eastern cycling fans should also watch out for Middlesbrough’s Chris Newton in the points race and, former Northumbria University student Victoria Pendleton in the 200m sprint.

Rowing completes Britain’s golden triumvirate, and while the likes of Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent have hogged the headlines in the past, this could be the year when the country’s women assume centre stage.

The women’s quad of Katherine Grainger, Debbie Flood, Annie Vernon and Fran Houghton have won three successive World Championships, while the double scull of Elise Laverick and Anna Bebington will also start as favourite for gold.

Four years ago, Amir Khan’s performances in the boxing ring thrilled British fans, but while the Bolton lightweight was the only fighter deemed good enough for Athens, eight boxers will be representing Britain in Beijing.

World champion lightweight Frankie Gavin is probably the best of them, although all eight have realistic medal chances.

Sedgefield light welterweight Bradley Saunders represents one of the best chances of a North- East gold, although Redcar modern pentathlete Katy Livingston and Hartlepool swimmer Jemma Lowe both have strong claims.

Sadly, it is unlikely to be a bumper fortnight for British athletics. Even if Paula Radcliffe recovers from a fractured femur to make the start line for the marathon, she is unlikely to be in the best of shape, and Jessica Ennis’ absence in the heptathlon has robbed the team of another potential medallist.

Triple jumper Phillips Idowu will carry a lot of expectation on his shoulders following an unbeaten start to the season, while Kelly Sotherton and Christine Ohuruogu will also hope to make the podium.

Away from the limelight of the Bird’s Nest Stadium, Tim Brabants (canoeing), Tim Don (triathlon) and Shanaze Reade (BMX) should all leave China with a medal around their neck.