Olympian jumps in to help 2012 effort (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Olympian jumps in to help 2012 effort

12:00pm Friday 20th October 2006 in

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STAGING the Olympics in east London will ultimately create local sporting stars of the future.

That's the view of former Olympic triple jump champion and current world record holder Jonathan Edwards who believes the Olympics will be an inspiration to all youngsters in Waltham Forest and surrounding boroughs.

And he thinks centres like the one at Leytonstone School are just what is needed to give youngsters a chance of success.

He told the Guardian: "I think the Olympics provides a really important kickstart in places like this and throughout the country, particularly here within a heartbeat of the Olympic park "The Olympics themselves are a tremendous inspiration. It is the start of a journey, which begins with having the Olympics here, and then who knows what might happen?

"It will make young people, particularly living here in Waltham Forest and the other Olympic boroughs, think they can be part of the Olympics, but they need their facilities to train.

"I think facilities like this and the people here will enable a talented youngster to move towards 2012, and if not then, 2016."

The existence of a good sporting facility at Mr Edwards' own school was all it took to help him realise his dream of success as a world-class athlete.

He said: "I didn't grow up dreaming of jumping into a sandpit.

"There was a triple jump pit at my school, which is undeniably why I am standing here today as an Olympic champion.

"I could have had the best PE teacher in the world but if we didn't got such a facility, I would never have found out."

Mr Edwards believes investment in facilities like these will reap the rewards in years to come.

"We are really looking at a culture change within society and we will see the benefit in ten, 15, 20 years time.

"We have to arrest years of decline in terms of sports participation for young people, so you're looking at a long-term project."