Olympians have their say on 1908 2008 and 2012 Games
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
05/11/2008
The council spoke exclusively to three of the Olympic medallists at the recent 1908 Centenary Celebration.
Hammersmith born James DeGale became a hero in his home town when he won Britain's 19th Gold medal at this summer’s Beijing Games.The 22-year-old won Olympic Gold in the boxing middleweight final against Emilio Correa and he admits he faces a dilemma over his future.
James has reportedly been offered £2 million to turn professional but he told H&F News he would also love to defend his Olympic title on home soil in 2012.
“It will be hard to say no to the money but it’s not just about cash – it's a feeling too. It's going to be a difficult decision,” he said. “Before the Olympic parade earlier this month I was 80 per cent sure I would turn pro. Now I’m more 50/50.”
"To win another gold medal in my home city in 2012 would be fantastic."
The relaxed and friendly boxer also said he believes that boxing is a positive way for children to improve their chances in life.
“Representing Britain and H&F and standing on a podium with a medal is an unbelievable feeling,” he said.
“I could have ended up in a gang or prison if I had not got into boxing. To all the kids that want to be naughty – I say get in the gym. The gym gives you lots of discipline. Boxing has made me a better person.”
In another Olympic success for H&F, Shepherds Bush resident Steve Rowbothom and Matthew Wells took the bronze medal in the men’s double sculls at the Beijing Olympics.
The duo missed silver by just five hundredths of a second as Estonia edged past them on the line. Before the race they had harboured a realistic chance or Gold and admitted, at the time, Bronze was a disappointing result for them.
“When we crossed the line we were both hit by a huge feeling of disappointment,” Steve said. “Without a doubt we were after the gold. Having said that, as time has gone by and we come to events like this, we have come to realise that it is a big achievement. We can see what it means to people.”
Steve, who only took up rowing eight years ago, stressed the importance of hard work to achieve success. He said: “We are not superheroes or megastars. I took up rowing while I was at university. We trained on the Thames and put in a lot of hard work.
“There are loads of facilities out there for children nowadays. I would encourage them to get off the Playstation and get out there and find a sport they enjoy.”
That sentiment was echoed by Ben Hunt-Davis who won Olympic Gold in the men’s rowing eight in the Sydney Games. Ben, who lives near Hammersmith Bridge, says: “Hard work and belief are the key to success. Until I had belief I lost nearly every race I was in. Not everyone can be an Olympic champion but having the right attitude can take you a long way and have really positive affects on your life.”
Ben, who now works as a motivation speaker, believes success breeds success. He added: “The 2008 medal haul was the best since 1908 and I think, largely thanks to lottery funding and the fact athletes can now go full time in their training, the 2012 Games will be even better than Beijing.”
And so say all of us.
» Watch the Flame of the Past, Flame of the Future video on H&F:TV (opens new window)
