South West Olympic Dreams

In just under 200 days from now, the Olympic Games will arrive in

the South West. And it's not just here in Dorset where they'll make

their mark. We've been travelling the region, meeting our top

athletes, finding out how they're It is hard to focus on anything

except the Olympics because it is getting so close. That so describes

her character. I think there is going to be even more expectation

and hope, really. Every inch of sweat, I have put it into getting

that goal. I hopeless than on the podium. It is music to my ears.

We've come across some amazing stories, including Cornwall's Helen

Glover and her transformation from school teacher to medal favourite.

I always felt sport was worth doing. The Olympics was summer I thought I

would get to. This is the National Sailing

Academy and it's where the Olympic fleet will sail from during the

Games. I'm Natalie Cornah and you're watching South West Olympic

These waters are where dreams of Olympic gold will be realised next

summer, in front of a global audience of millions. Them -- this

summer. In the next half hour, we'll meet the South West athletes

in with a chance of gold and find out more about Weymouth and

Portland and their journey to becoming an Olympic site. There are

towns that were gripped her arms of to host an Olympic event. We have

to work together to show the world how we can make a difference.

But first to a young man who's become the poster boy for London

2012 - double Commonwealth diving champion, Plymouth's very own Tom

From schoolboy sensation to World Champion, Tom Daley has already

clocked up some spectacular achievements on the journey to

It is really hard to focus on anything except the Olympics,

because it is getting so close. You have to take it stage by stage.

In 2008, Tom made history in Beijing, becoming Great Britain's

second youngest ever Olympian. is absolutely amazing, I did not

expect to go to the Olympics this early. For it to come this early

and get the experience ready for 2012 is amazing.

There was a stunning win for Tom at the World Championships in Rome a

year later - Olympic gold now seemed that much closer.

definitely puts a lot of pressure on me. But as long as I go home,

work hard, it is definitely a possibility. It depends what

happens on the day. On his return from Rome, Tom went

to see the Olympic Park in London, the place where his ultimate

ambition could soon be realised. I was to win an Olympic gold in

front of my home crowd, stand on the podium when the National Anthem

is playing, it would be incredible. If I could do it in London, it

would be insane. It is definitely goal for England.

Further success followed in 2010 - Tom scooped two titles at the

Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Another remarkable achievement,

although this time completed without the immediate support of

father Rob, who had to stay in Plymouth to undergo treatment on a

In May last year, Rob Daley lost his battle with cancer.

Rob had dedicated his life to Tom. He was the driving force behind his

World Champion son. We did he get this amazing talent from? I would

like to say, from me! In tribute, Tom wrote, "If I could

be half the dad that my dad was to me, then that would be my best

At the World Championships last July, Tom failed to defend his

title, finishing out of the medals in fifth place. A disappointment,

but let's hope his best is still to come. I am really enjoying the

build up so far. Going into Beijing, I was nervous and excited. London

2012 is the first Olympics where I know what it is going to be like.

It is just about going in there and tried to do my best.

For one so young, the expectations on Tom from Plymouth, the South

West and indeed the whole country couldn't be higher. People are

putting pressure on me, but to be honest, I don't see it as pressure.

I can only go and try my best and do the best I can do and defy a

don't go very well, it can only be need that has disappointed. It is

not anyone else's performance. I will give it my best shot. At the

opening of the Olympic Aquatic Centre last summer, Tom

demonstrated not only his talent, but his steel-like composure,

reminding his fans that it has been, I don't see myself as a poster boy.

A lot of people say it, but I am just doing something I love to do

and something I have worked hard at. If people see it like that, it is

kind of weird but kind of The National Sailing Academy was

the first of the 2012 Olympic venues to be completed, with the

finishing touches added back in 2008.

Ever since, Britain's top sailors have been onsite - chief amongst

them Ben Ainslie, who's on course to win a fourth Olympic gold here

At the Olympic Games, heroes are born. They live long in the memory,

and for an island nation with a rich maritime heritage, there's no

greater sailor in the modern age Three golds and a silver at four

Olympics - that's 16 years at the top. The waters of Weymouth will

now provide the setting for Ben's next bid at Olympic glory. It is a

tough venue, tactically. Very strong winds. It will be a great

venue for the Olympics. Throughout his 34 years, Ben has rarely

strayed far from the water. Growing up, he learnt to sail in the

picturesque surroundings of the Fal estuary. Very strong tides to

Cornwall, I grew up there, went to school there. I loved spending time

there. Following his third gold in 2008, Ben moved to a new challenge,

leaving dinghies behind to focus on yacht racing. The Americas Cup has

a huge history. Great heritage in sailing. The moves they have made,

much faster and more exciting boats, the courses are shorter. It makes

it more physical to sail. He was back in the Finn and the Olympic

classes last summer, quickly wiping away the cobwebs and forcing the

selectors to name him as one of Team GB's first confirmed Olympians

for 2012. It is a fantastic feeling, at big relief. A huge sense of

responsibility. There will be millions of people watching their

home team and expecting us to get results. Hopefully we can do them

proud. At the Sailing World Championships in Australia last

December, the world's attention came Ben's way a little earlier

than expected. He was involved in an altercation with officials on a

media boat after he felt they had impeded him during racing and he

was subsequently disqualified. was a very unfortunate incident and

I regret what happened. But absolutely, it had five years of

racing, I have never seen anything like it. Very disappointing. With

2012 now in full swing, Ben will try to leave the controversies of

Perth behind, as he attempts to become only the third British

Olympian to win gold at four consecutive Games. It would be

amazing. You cannot think about that too much. It is hard to

describe how we could feel, until you do it. Hopefully I will get the

Ben and the rest of the British Sailing Team have spent most of the

last 12 months here getting to grips with the local sailing

conditions. But it's not just on the water where preparations have

been making an impact. Our Dorset reporter Simon Clemison has been

taking a look at how the whole area has been taking advantage of its

The games of the 30th Olympiad in 2012 are awarded to the City of

London. Day one in the countdown to the

Olympics' arrival in Weymouth and Portland. It was amazing, fantastic

news. It is the biggest thing that has happened in sport for as long

as I can remember. Now the years are turning into just months and

weeks. This stretch of the Dorset coast has been quick to seize the

opportunity of a lifetime. A multi- million pound relief road, new

homes, a new school and a seafront recreated for the 21st century.

There are towns up and down the country that would rip their arms

of to have an Olympic event. We have to use that, we have to work

together as a community to show the world how we can make a difference.

If we work together and grasps that, our Olympics will be extraordinary.

In 2008, The National Sailing Academy in Portland was the first

of the London 2012 venues to be completed. We are looking beyond

2012, because we don't want 2012 to be a one off. We wanted to be part

of a continuing series of major yachting events.

Whilst the Olympic hopefuls have already made the academy their home,

there's also space for the next generation. Schools from all round

the county come down and have an afternoon or a morning session for

just �5. I got into it because at the end of my sailing, I got the

award. I hope to get into racing a lot more than I have been. I am

looking forward to the Olympics. Nearby, the resort of Weymouth has

attracted the attention of the world's media. I love that there is

so much to do here. I cannot wait to go back home and recommend this

to people as a wonderful destination.

In the next few months, a huge viewing tower will rise up 170 feet

above the town, giving panoramic views across the bay. Not all of

the changes have been welcomed - parts of Portland are yet to feel

that Olympic glow - and the now completed relief road has always

been a contentious issue. million odd quid spent on the road

that is good to shift the traffic jams are Morrell's and probably

fill up Weymouth with even more cars.

While the legacy of the Olympics will always divide opinion, four

billion pairs of eyes could do a world of good here. 2012 is not

just about a little point in time, it is a catalyst, something that

will really help us spring board on this great regeneration.

Well, I'm joined now by Holly Henderson, LOCOG's City Operations

Manager for Weymouth & Portland, who has seen the changes at first

hand. What changes have you seen? It was massive, the announcement.

The reaction down here, you just have to look at the footage.

Phenomenal. The regeneration here in Portland, the Scilly Academy,

the marina, it has been phenomenal. In terms of Weymouth, there has

been the generation of the seafront, there have been an initiative to

allow the kids to go out on the water and have a go themselves.

is all happening. What do you think will be the biggest roar the best

legacy of the Olympics? That is a big question. It is hard to

pinpoint one thing. You could say it would be economic or Gordon one

way. -- go down one way. There is the legacy of everything that is

going on for the community as well as a fantastic transport network.

OK, from one rapid transformation to another. Cornwall's Helen Glover,

who at the time of the last Olympics had never even sat in a

rowing boat, but now she's challenging for the sport's top

At a rowing's top regattas, the best British crews are never far

from the medals. Helen Glover, Great Britain lane

number three. Helen Glover and Great Britain have to respond.

Again, New Zealand comeback! It is going to be a photo-finish right on

the line! It is silver for Great Britain.

A someone had said four years ago, you are going to be a double world

medallist and a strong contender in the 2012 London Olympics, I

probably would have laughed at them! By probably would have said,

in my dreams, because that was my Four years ago, daily life was very

different for 25-year-old Helen Glover.

In the last Olympics in 2008, I was training to become a PE teacher. I

had only just started and watch the Olympics and I was in all. Having

answered a call from Sir Steve Redgrave looking for tall athletes,

Helen was fast-tracked into an elite rowing programme, from which

she graduated into the senior Olympic squad in 2010.

I always felt the Olympics was somewhere I would get to. My

Olympic dream is to won a gold medal at will London 2012 Olympics.

Helen's journey towards Olympic success began in Cornwall, where

parents still run a small business, and evidence of her competitive

nature first emerged. I am surprised she has done so

incredibly well. I knew she would do well, because she is an

incredible person with great willpower and strength, she has

always been a very fine athlete, and her determination is fantastic.

She does not take anything for granted, she tries like mad. That

is just have, she is a bit of a one off. Now keeping company with some

of the finest rowers in the world, Helen is being backed by her

coaching team to go all the way this summer. Take the weight

through the legs, because a lot of people go through here...

For some people, an Olympic final is a dream come true. To get on the

podium in any way. But we believe this Olympic gold is possible. With

only six months until London, Helen Glover is one athlete who will be

sure to make the most of every single minute between now and then.

Since I was tiny I have been fascinated with the Olympics, it is

the pinnacle of sport and the pinnacle of rowing. If I can

compete for Great Britain, I am The day the can follow the rest of

Helen's journey on BBC Radio Cornwall and BBC Spotlight.

Sporting success really comes without personal sacrifice. Leaving

behind friends and family in search of glory was what our next athlete

Meet Jonathan Fox. A 20-year-old who has focused on just one thing.

My dream in 2012 is to get a double gold and the 100-metre backstroke.

Jonathan was born with cerebral palsy. Swimming formed a key part

of his physiotherapy, and it was not long before his talent was

spotted. A at the age of 10 he started

competing nationally in the disability section, and in 2006 he

got his international debut. Having won medals at every level,

including silver at the last Paralympics, Jonathan left, will be

kind to join a specialist coaching programme in the north.

This is Manchester, you never get traffic like this in Cornwall!

The aim was to win Paralympic gold. I think Jonathan can dominate

swimming in the next year's. 2012 will be massive for him. -- in the

next year. Jonathan now trains for more than

20 hours per week, both in the gym and in the pool, but he's won his

five kilometres every day. -- where he swims. The importance of this

regime to his life goes far beyond the prospect of doing well at the

Paralympics. I am noticing that I will have to

keep swimming when I finished competing internationally, because

my body seizes up, all the muscles, so I need to keep in the water.

Back in Cornwall, Jonathan's parents are struggling with him

being so far away. It is tough, yes. Miss him

Hallo, welcome to my flat. I will take you around.

It is all neat and tidy, I think. As you can see, this is my bedroom.

I rest every day between sessions. I make sure that his fruit --

fridge is filled up with fruit and veg.

Make sure his washing is done, yes, mum, I have done that.

I am all the way up here in Manchester, I still think about

them a lot. I know they are 100 % behind me whatever I do. It will

push me to 2,000 and we have -- 2012.

The twin now and then, there will be no let up for Jonathan, but it

can be tough, too, for those watching at the poolside. I after

the race is over, if he has done well I love it!

Your heart just skips a beat, it is the only way to discredit.

Jonathan is determined to set pulses racing at London 2012.

Silver for Great Britain and John Fox!

I have trained really hard, and every inch of sweat, blood and

tears into getting that gold. I will be standing on the pawn,

hearing that national anthem being played - music to my ears. --

British Olympic Dreams returns to your screens this Saturday with the

Winter Youth Olympic Games special. It is on BBC One at 1pm. The

It is on BBC One at 1pm. The programme is back in February with

more behind-the-scenes access to more behind-the-scenes access to

Britain's Olympic Coppell's. -- Olympic hopefuls.

Over the years, the South West has produced top Olympic athletes -

Jonathan Edwards, it cools, Sharron Davies. He is a our guide to 2012.

He Cornwall's Wendy who regard secured a silver in Beijing, now

she is hoping to go one better. But recent form suggests she has

contracted us all. -- Wendy Houvenaghel.

With eight canoeists competing for only six Olympic sport, Portreath's

Jenna Ferris faces a tough battle. But the former European Surf

Lifesaving Champion will be hoping a competitive edge will help.

Marcus Bateman is one of the stand- out rowers in the Great Britain

squad. Alongside double sculls partner, Matt Wells, murders

already has a silver medal. Tonya's position as Britain's top

female diver was confirmed last summer when she took gold at the

British championships. Exeter's Judith Hamer has been a

key part of Great Britain's wheelchair basketball squad since

2009. Now ranked third in the world, Team

GB will be heaving -- evening even higher in 2012.

Since announcing herself on the world stage by winning the junior

US Open in 2009, Heather Watson has gone from strength to strength. She

is now the British No. 3. Pistol shooter Georgina fired

herself into contention for an Olympic place at two European

Championships last summer. The 27- year-old was the top British

finisher at the event, beating the Olympic qualifying standard in the

process. As the current world record holder

in the 50 metres backstroke, Liam Tancock is undoubtedly one of the

great -- one of Great Britain's top performers and the Pill. His

favoured event does not feature at the Olympics, which means he will

have to go for gold in the 100 metres instead. With Olympic silver

medal, Heather Fell's pedigree is already there for all to see.

However, a disappointing season has lifted 28-year-old on the verge of

being left out of the squad for the Games, meaning heather still has it

all to do. Experience is a key attribute for

any Olympian. It could be said the more you have the better your

chances. With that in mind, things are looking good for the three-day

eventer, Mary King. She has been Mary King it might have reached 50

this year but she is riding as well as ever.

Even after years of competing at the top, Mary King's desire to win

and be the best is still as strong as ever.

I have just got this inner drive to compete and be successful at the

top level. For some reason, that has not gone for me, despite

getting married and having children, getting old, I still want to do it.

Look-at-me's face, that describes her character. Her determination is

an example to any young event rider. -- look at Mary's face.

I used to get so cross if I didn't when! I have had the strife from

when I was very young. By qualifying for London 2012, she

will join a select band of athletes to represent Britain at six Olympic

Games, a remarkable record, helped in equal part by her talented

horses. Mrs Imperial Cavalier, he is the

top horse in my yard, and I am hoping he will be the one that gets

me to the Olympics. He is a horse that I have ridden for a number of

years, so we have a really good relationship, and we have had quite

a lot of success. Hopefully enough for selection.

Despite being at the top, meet still has time to lend a hand to

her 15-year-olds daughter, Emily, who, having watched her mother

compete for many years, is catching up fast as she likes to follow in

her footsteps. It would be amazing to be on the

same British team together, for London I think I will be too young,

I will only be 16. We are aiming for 2016, that might be possible.

If the King clan achieved their goal, it would certainly make the

headlines. But for now, Mary is focusing on the present.

I have done the bronze in Beijing, silver in Athens, but I have not

one that gold, yet, so it would be great to complete the set in London.

Of course, she is not alone in that dream. On our journey, we met an