The 2008 Beijing Olympics
and Paralympics
on the 91Èȱ¬
91Èȱ¬ Radio team Olympic impressions
Martin Cross
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Martin Cross is an Olympic gold and bronze
medallist rower who represented Great Bitain
for 20 years.
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He competed in four Oympic
Games between 1980-1992, winning bronze
in Moscow and gold in Los Angeles.
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He also
has four world championship medals and
Commonwealth Games gold.
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Martin has several strands in his current
portfolio, including working as a business and
life coach, together with teaching history at
Hampton School.
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These run alongside his
role as a sports journalist for The Guardian and
his work for 91Èȱ¬ Radio
5 Live as a broadcaster and correspondent.
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"For me the Olympics is the greatest single
event in the world for young people trying to
realise their own dreams, as well as being
role-models for millions of others watching.
It's incredibly energising to be a part of.
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"My own favourite Olympics memories are,
from Moscow, just getting there despite threats
of GB boycott.
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"From LA, embracing family just
before my gold medal presentation.
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"From
Seoul, being part of my first opening ceremony.
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"From Barcelona, the legacy: seeing the Searles,
two of my students, win gold at my last Games
as a competitor.
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"In Beijing, I'm really looking
forward to telling the story of how GB's rowing
team had their best Olympics ever!
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"I think the Games being held in Beijing is a
massive challenge for both China and the
West.
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"It gives amazing opportunities for sport
to facilitate dialogue and understanding in the
midst of a dynamic, friendly people, against the
backdrop of a tough communist regime
prepared to abuse human rights far too readily.
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“Once there, I'm most looking forward to
seeing whether Kath Grainger can win GB
women's first Olympic gold in the quads;
whether Rob Waddell of New Zealand can
complete his amazing comeback and take
gold in the double sculls; whether the Steve
Redgrave of Australia, Jimmy Tomkins (who I
used to race!), now in his sixth Games, can
medal in the Aussie eight; if Rebecca Romero
can add to her rowing silver with a cycling
gold; and if world champion Tim Brabants
has got what it takes to win GB's first flat
water gold in the K1000m.
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"My predictions for British glory are Rebecca
Romero – an incredible sport double; Mark
Foster – British Peter Pan!; Ben Ainslie – the
best GB sailor since Nelson!; Frankie Gavin – to
go one better than Amir Khan; and Christine
Ohurougu – redemption through gold.
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"Looking ahead to London 2012, it's an
unbelievable chance for GB athletes to be
part of creating an unforgettable legacy as
inspirational role-models for the kids of
today and tomorrow."
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