25/07/2011 BBC Wales Today

Good evening and welcome to Wales Today from the Millennium Stadium,

where in a year's time, women's football will be the first event of

the 2012 Olympic games. They say it's the greatest show on

earth - so what can we in Wales expect to get out of it?

Meet our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls - five athletes we're

following on the road to London. Our countdown begins tonight with

cyclist, Sam Harrison. And he won silver in Beijing, but

now Tom Lucy's tackling the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Our other headlines tonight. The men charged with murdering a

honeymoon couple from Pontardawe. Scotland Yard detectives are

accused of fixing evidence. The biggest sale of land in a

generation - the people who live there are asking what will a new

Good evening and welcome to the Millennium Stadium. All quiet

tonight, but in exactly a year's time, the stadium will have hosted

the first event of the London Olympic games. Women's football the

sport. There are games across the UK on July 25th, but things kick

off here, half an hour earlier than anywhere else. So Wales has the

honour of getting things underway. Many voices are saying it's a great

privilege - others are asking why isn't Wales playing more of a part?

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London is the 25th July

next year. But all eyes will be on Wales two days before, as the

Millennium Stadium plays host to the first competitive action -

women's football, eleven games over eight days, including two quarter

finals and a bronze medal match. It is a world event. You do not get

bigger it them beat the Olympic Games. Safety is the objective. But

it is all about looking after spectators and protecting the Games.

It's billed as a Games to include the whole of the UK, but it seems

Wales has missed out. It's estimated that of the �6 billion

pounds of contracts awarded to UK businesses, only 38 million is

being spent here. It is always difficult to get business from

large contracts. You were talking billion pound business. But we hope

to see some trickle-down effect. And there's some frustration too

that with all Wales has to offer, we've been overlooked. We would of

course have liked more events but we have to understand the

facilities that we have. It is a shame that more of the terrain of

Wales was not used for a mountain biking, for example. I understand

an artificial track is being built somewhere else. It would have been

easier to come to Wales where we have outstanding facilities. And on

the streets outside the MS today, most were looking forward to having

a taste of the Olympics on the doorstep. I think it is fantastic

for everybody what ever colour or creed you are. It probably brings

lots of money, hotels, shopping. But first the only I'm not really

very interested. Wales is benefitting from being the choice

venue for many visiting teams in pre-training. Australia, New

Zealand and South Africa's paralympic teams will be based in

Swansea and Cardiff. Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic athletes have

chosen Cardiff as their camp and Swansea University is where the

Irish Triathlon team will be calling home. Meanwhile in the

North the Chinese weighlifting team are using Bangor and a new state of

the art facility in Holyhead as their base. In total, training

camps will involve over 1,000 athletes and support staff before

they head off to London for the Games.

I'm joined by Olympic Gold Medalist, Lyn Davies. And Chair of the Sports

Council, Laura McAllister. Good evening. The First Minister is

disappointed that Wales did not get more. But was that ever going to be

the case? I do not think it was entirely realistic. It is about

looking ahead to what we can do for sport through the Olympics. It is

such a showcase to get young people involved and of course celebrate

the success of Welsh athletes. So it is all positive and wonderful

that we get the first event. That first event is women's football.

But football does tend in an Olympics, people struggle to get

engaged with it. Do you think it will happen? I think it will. We

have seen the recent women's World Cup and the standard of play. The

Olympics have a character of their own. I think all the sports

captured the imagination. I think women's football will fit that bill.

As president of UK Athletics, our people engaging with it? Not quite

yet, but they will. The Olympic Games is special and it is a once-

in-a-lifetime opportunity for our athletes to show their stuff on the

greatest stage in the world. And unsure as the games get closer

people will engage with our top athletes. I'm pretty sure that the

Welsh public, loving sport as they do, will follow the Olympic Games

as we get closer. The fact is that many will have to watch it on the

television. Sebastian Coe has explained that demand has far

outstripped supply. Nothing to do with me whatsoever! But I do

understand that disappointment especially for people who love

sport and want to be there. But watching it on television is a

brilliant way to follow it, you see everything. Hilt is the one to

watch? I will leave the athletics to Lynne. But there are some other

sports which people do not see as much of. Some fantastic Paralympic

athletes. Really top athletes. a little commitment to sport Wales

who did a fantastic job in raising standards. They have been helped

and resourced in the early days. Now, all this week, we're starting

our countdown to the Games by looking at five Welsh athletes with

big dreams of getting to London. With a year to go, they are fully

focused on getting into Team GB. Tonight we start with cyclist, Sam

Harrison. He's been struggling with injury but is back with a real

He is one of the best young talents on the track. Just five years after

starting cycling, Sam Harrison has a real chance of making it to the

London Games. As expectations here are high, the last time around in

Beijing, which was Britain's most successful sports, Sam is competing

against some of the best for a place in the squad. A I am a bit of

an outsider. There are phenomenal athletes like Bradley Wiggins. It

is a big ask. If you had asked me a year ago if I was in with a shout I

would have said No. If I give it 100% I think I have a real chance

of getting into the team. training 20 hours a week is tough

as Sam is recovering from a serious injury. How are you feeling? Pretty

knackered. I broke my collarbone six weeks ago and it has been an

uphill struggle. But I'm just giving it 100%. You will be a bit

stiff tomorrow. We picked out Sam from the Under 23 team. We took him

to the world championships. He performed really well. Then I put

him on the squad for 2012. He is one of seven or eight guys going

for four spots. Back at his flat and Sam is getting to grips with

living away from home for the first time after leaving for Manchester.

You have to watch your diet. It makes a difference. You have to be

switched on when it matters. I'm getting used to living on my own, I

never realised how much you take your parents for granted! I used to

put things in the washing basket and it would get done! But Sammut

is one of the lucky ones, he gets funding. No need for a part time

job, so he can concentrate solely on his cycling for. After getting

the medal I got the top level funding which makes life so much

easier. You're not having to worry about buying fruit, you take things

for granted but fruit costs so much. I will leave you to enjoy your

salad. Rather boring! 12 months ago Sam thought his Olympic dream was

over but after successful performances this year he is back

in contention with qualification for London within reach.

High hopes for Sam Harrison. And plenty more from our other Olympic

wannabes throughout the week here on Wales Today.

It's the biggest chunk of land to be sold in Wales in living memory.

But who will the new owner be? That question is on the lips of people

attending a public meeting tonight to discuss the planned sale of the

lease on the Vyrnwy Estate in Powys. The utilities firm Severn Trent

says it's chosen its preferred bidder for the 23,000 acre site,

but refused to comment on claims it was selling it to United Utilities.

Our reporter, Cemlyn Davies, is in Abertridwr for us tonight. People

have already started arriving ahead of the meeting tonight. Just a

couple of hours ago Severn Trent Water confirmed what many had

already suspected, that their perfect bid is a joint one

presented by United Utilities and the RSPB. United Utilities is

another water and telecoms company offering services to around 7

million people in north-west England. I am joined by some local

residents who will take part in the debate tonight. Can I ask for your

initial reaction to this news? Shocked, disappointed. For 12

months now they have kept us hanging on and we are disappointed.

We wanted the work brought into the community. Why are you so concerned

that United Utilities and RSPB cannot have the same kind of

impact? I am concerned and soul are at the community because we are

replacing one water company with another. It all means profit to

them. They do not care about us, the roads, the hedges. The RSPB are

the same. They never support anything. It is important to

remember that this is not the final decision. This is only the perfect

bid. But do you share the same concerns? United Utilities and

Severn Trent has been working together with the RSPB and that is

the problem. But we do not know yet. What other main issues, what is so

important, what must these people invest in for you? Labour, plenty

of work for families. We want the youngsters to have more work appear.

Thank you very much. Quite an interesting debate to come here

this evening. And just one final note, this is not the final

decision and the next step now has a three-month consultation between

Severn Trent Water and the Countryside Council for Wales.

In Antigua, the jury in the Mullany murder trial has heard claims

Scotland Yard detectives fixed evidence to try to secure

convictions. That's according to one of the lawyers of the two men

accused of killing the Welsh honeymooners. Ben and Catherine

Mullany from Pontardawe were shot dead in their hotel room three

years ago. Avie Howel and Kaniel Martin deny murder. And we can go

over now live to Antigua to get the latest from our reporter, Roger

Pinney. Roger, what has the jury heard today?

Quite an astonishing attack. I have spent a long time reporting from

chords and had never heard anything like it. It came from markers

Foster who represents Kenny Elk Maarten. He accused Scotland Yard

detectives of fixing the evidence to secure a conviction. He said

there were called in because the Antiguan police were not good

enough. He also condemned the name Scotland Yard detectives going to

their operation, Operation savanna, which he said conjured up images of

Africa with wild animals. An astonishing attack. What happens

next? Well it is lunchtime here and the jury has been sent home for the

day. The judge said he had important matters to discuss with

the defence and the prosecution before he starts his summing up.

That should happen here first thing tomorrow morning. After that the

jury will be sent out. The family of a 57-year-old man

killed at an oil refinery in Hampshire have described him as a

fantastic father and grandfather. Tony McGowan from Ebbw Vale died in

hospital after becoming trapped underneath pipes at the Exxon Mobil

plant in the New Forest. The police and Health and Safety Executive are

investigating the accident. Get out and enjoy Wales' three

National Parks! That's the message of National Parks Week. Over the

next few days we'll be visiting Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.

And tomorrow, we're heading to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

It covers a third of the county and is the only one in the UK which is

entirely coastal. Matt Murray's been exploring. It is down to the

ranges to ensure that activities here work side by side with some of

the spectacular wildlife on these shores. That's it from me, back to

Claire at the Millenium Stadium. At the last Olympics, five Welsh

athletes won medals. Four of them hope to compete in London in a

year's time, but not rower, Tom Lucy, from Monmouth. He turned his

back on the chance to compete in London, deciding instead to join

the Royal Marines. While his former crew-mates prepare for 2012,

Lieutenant Lucy is now a troop commander serving in Afghanistan.

Ashleigh Crowter has this exclusive report. He has handled the pressure

of other Olympic final but now for Tom Brucie the stakes are even

higher. Today he's leading his men on another patrol in Helmand

province, the part of Afghanistan where the fighting has been

fiercest. But he has no regrets about giving up his chance to roll

at the Lamb -- at the London Olympics to serve with the Marines.

It is what I have always wanted to do. It was time for a change.

Losey was the youngest member of the Great Britain rowing squad in

Beijing. He looked set to have a long Olympic career for a stop for

me it was one of the best moments in my life. Just to win an Olympic

medal was fantastic. Unknown as the Olympic loser, I get a lot of stick

from the men! He keeps saying all the time, should have got gold.

Blames the rest of his team, says he put in 110%! This is Tom's first

tour of duty as a Royal Marine and the work is varied. Earning respect

is vital. K company are hoping to run a veterinary clinic where

locals can get their animals checked. It is the transition for

them being able to look after their own animals as well, which is

important. There is still a threat out there and high-security. We

have a cordon placed down in local villages. We are providing

protection for the locals. There are some of his similarities

between life as a rower and as a marine. Staying fit is a necessity

for both but so is teamwork. But living in a patrol base is a world

away from the hype of a home for Olympics. I might have a little

pang when it starts thinking, that would be quite good. But if I'd

carried on growing up until 2012 it would have made the transition into

this career a lot harder. On the race day there's no guarantee that

you would achieve the goal that you want. I have happy to be where I am.

But Tom is keeping his hand in in the gym. It will not be until long

after the London 20 told regatta. might get back into rowing one day,

we will see. Not in the near future. But I have not written it off at

all. Well these are both Welsh gymnasts

hoping to get to London next year. Just a cat and Lizzie. How are you

feeling? It is quite nerve-racking at the moment but we will keep on

training hard, six days a week. We will keep that up. It is a huge

commitment. It is really hard but I enjoyed it and get a lot of support.

Lisicki comic you finished 6th in the British championships. How was

it? It was held in Liverpool this year and the gymnasium was on a

podium which made it a bigger experience. And what does it feel

like, the buzz and excitement, it does it make you eager to get their

next year? It was very good, the crowd were great, so we know what

to expect. I know you lost your mother and Europe grand mother and

your grandad now looks after you. That has been really hard.

grandad is a great support. He's getting into the whole routine of

gymnastics. How is he at washing their leotards? He is very good, he

knows what he's doing! And for both of you family and support are

really important? Friends and family are great support and always

come to watch our competitions for stock are at the Welsh fans the

best for cheering you on? Definitely. Keep working hard and

the best of luck. D'you like cycling? Yes? Well, Cardiff cyclist,

Geraint Thomas, is taking a well- earned rest tonight after finishing

the Tour de France as the best placed British rider. Thomas was

31st in the overall race after three gruelling weeks on the road,

as the final stage was completed in Paris yesterday.

It has been agreed three weeks. It is tough, for sure. The biggest by

grace in the world with the best riders. -- biggest bike race. In

the mountains it was something I had never done before, so that was

an encouraging. I have been in the action all the way through.

And as we're here at the Millennium Stadium, in the last hour it's been

announced that a one-off tribute concert to Michael Jackson will be

held here on October 8th. A special message from members of the Jackson

family was broadcast over the big screens a little earlier. The

concert will be broadcast around the world, and we'll get more

details about the tickets and acts over the next few days.

I haven't a clue what the weather will be like next summer. If only I

could predict that far ahead! But I can tell you that we're in for some

fine and settled weather this week, thanks to high pressure. Tuesday

and Wednesday looked like being the best days of the week. There has

been some sunshine today but cloud been some sunshine today but cloud

is spreading in front the West. We keep plenty of cloud tonight.

Otherwise most places are dry and a mile Derek Whyte than recently. --

a milder night than recently. Tomorrow, a dry day in prospect.

Gradually brightening up through the date with some good spells of

More fine and warm weather to come on Wednesday. Cloudy and damp on

Thursday but the son returning again on Saturday.

Claire, do you reckon I could make Team GB? I'm a dab hand at squash!

Team GB? I'm a dab hand at squash! Or how about beach volley?

Tomorrow night, we'll be meeting another one of our budding Welsh

Olympians. Helen Warnes is setting her sights on London where she

hopes to compete in the 10 metre air rifle event. And we'll be

catching up with one of our current Olympic Champions. We spend the day