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The w o h s t s greate on Earth INSIDE:
page 26 GB’s athletics hopefuls page 31 London 2012 Festival page 32 Behind Pride Rock page 27 James DeGale page 29 Best of Africa page 36 Bolt v Blake page 36 Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
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Voice London 2012 special supplement
! n i g e b s e m a Let the G
The Voice of Sport’s, Rodney Hinds, on what should be a compelling London 2012 Olympic Games
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T’S BEEN seven years since the announcement that London would host the greatest show on Earth. The big day is almost here and it is hoped that after all the promises and hype that the Olympic Games deliver. For many they have failed to do so as our news pages indicate. However, the spectacular opening ceremony will be followed by the sporting action. Team GB will be under pressure to deliver gold on home soil. Christine Ohuruogu, Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah and Phil-
lips Idowu are our best bets for the ultimate prize but there is much work to do. For me, 400m ace Ohuruogu could well be the story. The local lass – who could walk home from the Olympic Stadium – is just hitting form at the right time. More crucially, she’s been there and done that having won Olympic gold in Beijing four years ago. One thing that is not in doubt is that Jamaica will continue to punch above their weight. Usain Bolt could land an Olympic treble again but he has to watch out for talent-
ed team-mates such as world champion Yohan Blake. Jamaica’s female sprinters will look to match the exploits of their men. Africa’s long distance maestros will take slightly longer to do their thing, but they will do so with swagger. The great thing about sport, and the Olympics in particular, is that while we are aware of many that are competing, new names will be made for their endeavour and courage. London 2012 is set to be another compelling chapter in sporting history.
d l o g r u o f g Goin
Team GB’s track and field squad have been told that their target for the Games is eight medals with at least one of them being gold
LOCAL LASS: Ohuruogu
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By Ben Lettman FLOURISHING: Farah
UK ATHLETIC’S head coach Charles van Commenee has set Team GB’s track and field competitors the goal of capturing eight medals at the Olympic Stadium. The Voice of Sport highlights the main protagonists for British Olympic glory in athletics. Jessica Ennis Event: Heptathlon Age: 26
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Mo Farah Event: 5,000m and 10,000m Age: 28 Born: Somalia
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Born: Sheffield About Ennis: Although
Ennis is not from London, there is no doubt that she is the poster girl of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Sheffield native enjoyed an excellent start to the season having set a new British record of 6,906 points in May. In breaking the record, she achieved personal bests in the 200m, javelin and long jump.
Christine Ohuruogu Event: 400m Age: 28 Born: London
RECORD BREAKER: Ennis
About Farah: In 2011, Farah showed his rivals that he was capable of beating the best after claiming a silver medal in the 10,000m and then a gold in the 5,000m at the World Championships. Now labelled as a favourite for an Olympic title, Farah continues to improve every year and could flourish at the Games.
STIFF OPPOSITION: Idowu
5 Phillips Idowu Event: Triple Jump Age: 33 Born: London
About Ohuruogu: Born a stone’s throw away from the Olympic Stadium, Ohuruogu is Team GB’s only reigning Olympic gold medallist in track and field. The Newham and Essex Beagle begun the season off strongly, running 50.42 seconds in London on July 14 her fastest time in three years. Ohuruogu’s main rival will likely be American Sanya RichardsRoss, who finished third in Beijing. About Idowu: In what will possibly be his last Olympics, there will be no better way for Idowu to bow out from athletics than capturing gold in front of a home crowd. The former world indoor and outdoor champion will face stiff opposition from American Christian Taylor, who won gold at last year’s World Championships. An 18 metre-plus jump might be required to claim a victory.
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PREPARED: Team GB’s 2012 London 2012 boxing squad
PRIZEFIGHTER: DeGale on top of the podium
DeGale’s tale
By Ben Lettman
A
T THE 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Team GB won 19 gold medals which was their best total since the 1908 Games in London. Out of the 19 golds that were earnt, the last British competitor to stand on top of the podium was middleweight boxer James DeGale. Then aged 22, DeGale defeated Cuba’s Emilio Correa 16-14 to win in China. Four years on and the Team GB Olympic Ambassador is
currently the European champion in the professional ranks but the experience of Beijing still lives long in the memory. Reminiscing about the victory, the Harlesden, north London native told the Voice of Sport: “It just happened so fast. As soon as you’ve won, you go out the ring, went in the back and five minutes later you’re straight on the podium so you don’t really get that much time for it to sink in. But when you’re on that podium listening to your national anthem, you’re just proud. It’s an unbelievable feeling. Nicknamed ‘Chunky’, the
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FINAL SHOWDOWN: The north Londoner in the final against Cuba’s Emilio Correa
The 2008 Olympic gold medallist relives his ‘unbelievable’ achievement
southpaw continued: “Standing on there [the podium] listening to your national anthem with the flag wrapped around you, that’s the kind of thing you dream of. The feeling is unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve felt anything like that yet so far. “It’s the biggest show on Earth so to go there and to become an Olympian, that’s something you can tell your kids and grandkids. But to go there, win an Olympic gold medal and go down in history, it was a dream come true.” Team GB’s London 2012 boxing squad consists of
seven men and three women, who have been training for up to four years at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield; a facility that helped hone DeGale into an Olympic champion. “I was there for three or four years, Monday to Thursday every week. It was basically my home for a couple of years,” he explained. “The facilities are great. They’ve got dietitians, strength and conditioning coaches, they’ve even got people for the mental side of it. Everyone’s up there and this team will be prepared properly for the Olympics because the
facilities up there are fantastic.” Anthony Ogogo will be competing in DeGale’s old weight division of middleweight in the summer. DeGale, who will be an Olympic torchbearer in Brent on July 25, believes that Ogogo and the rest of the team have the potential to capture major medals. “I’ve sparred Anthony a couple of times. When I was on the podium squad he was on the development so I know him pretty well. He qualified at the last qualifier but he’s got a good chance. “At the Olympic Games,
the biggest show on Earth, you need a bit of luck to do with draw and everything going well. When the talent’s there, they can all medal. But Anthony Ogogo’s got a good chance. My advice to the boys and girls would be to lap it up, take it all in and enjoy it.”
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO Follow all the Olympic 2012 action on The Voice’s dedicated website: www.voice-online.co.uk/olympics
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Voice London 2012 special supplement
Soccer ace with goals in mind By Richard Bates
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ACHEL YANKEY has said that it will be an “emotional experience” appearing at Wembley Stadium at the London Olympics after being selected in Great Britain’s women’s squad on June 26. “To play at Wembley is a massive honour for anyone, but having grown up and still living in the area, it’ll be extra special for me,” said the 32-year-old, speaking at an event to promote Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign, during Deloitte’s ‘Diversity Week’. Born a stone’s throw away from Wembley Way, the Arsenal Ladies star will play in a Team GB side which takes on Brazil at the home of football in the group stages on July 31. “I’ve grown up with the stadium as a constant backdrop and I still work in schools and parks which overlook it. It’ll be an emotional experience for me.” It’ll be another landmark moment for Yankey. The England winger equalled Gillian Coultard’s international caps record of 119 during the recent crucial Euro 2013 qualifying victory
over Slovenia. Yankey hopes to surpass this feat when Hope Powell’s team come up against Croatia in September.
PRIVILEGED “It was brilliant to equal Gill’s cap record. She set the standard and I feel privileged to have matched that. It’s not something I ever really gave much thought but as it got closer and closer, more and more people talked about it,” commented the former Fulham, Birmingham City and New Jersey Wildcats player. “I still feel fit and healthy, and like a valued member of the team, so I think I’ve got a decent amount of games left in
“It’d be lovely to win something with England as I haven’t really come close yet ”
me!,” she said. “First and foremost though, I’d just love to be involved when we face Croatia. It’s about us qualifying automatically and my focus will always be on winning the game. Sure it’d be fantastic to beat the record, but the result is much bigger than that.”
SILVERWARE Since making her first team debut for Arsenal back in 1996 as a 16-year-old, Yankey’s career has been lined with silverware at club level. Winning the FA Women’s National Premier League seven times, the FA Women’s Cup on nine occasions and the UEFA Women’s Cup are just some of her achievements to date. Now she’s keen to pick up some honours on the international stage. “It’d be lovely to win something with England as I haven’t really come close yet,” admitted the veteran, who missed out on Euro 2009 when the Lionesses fell at the last hurdle against Germany in Finland. “It’s been fantastic winning trophies with Arsenal, Fulham and New Jersey during my career but internationally, that’s something I’m eager to do.”
FOCUS: Yankey
Sunday August 12, 2012 SAVE THE DATE Greenwich Peninsula, London SE12 0BE
Celebrate JAMAICA (near o2 complex)
email: ilovejamaicaday@janouk.com
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e ng le al ch ld go s hi r fo y ad re h ra Fa World 5,000m champion confident ahead of Games By Ben Lettman
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HEN IT comes to long distance running it is fair to say that Africa traditionally have complete dominance in the endurances races. The last non-Africans to win Olympic gold in the men’s 10,000m and 5,000m were Italy’s Alberto Cova, who was victorious over 10,000m back in 1984 in Los Angeles, and German Dieter Baumann, who won the latter race in 1992 in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Britain’s Mo Farah proved last year at the World Championships in Daegu, Korea, that he is more than capable of becoming an Olympic gold medallist. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, the 29-year-old crossed the finish line first in the 5,000m and also claimed a silver medal in the 10,000m in Daegu and those two feats have given him
the self-belief that he can defeat Africa’s finest at London 2012. Farah told the Voice of Sport: “I train with my good friend Micah Kogo who won a bronze medal at the Olympics in Beijing and we’ve been training since 2008, so in a way it gives me confidence. If I can keep up with them [the Kenyans] in training it gives me good confidence to compete against them.
“It wasn’t an easy choice to move to the other side of the world”
ALL SMILES: Farah
“The Olympics doesn’t come around very often and to compete in your hometown but for me it’s just another race. I want to do well. I’ve worked hard for this for a very long time so I hopefully do the best that I can.” In February 2011, Farah relocated Stateside to Portland, Oregan, to train with coach Alberto Salazar; a move that Farah credits for maximising his potential. “It’s definitely helped me a lot,” said the European 10,000m record holder. “It wasn’t an easy choice to move to the other side of the world but as an athlete sometimes you’ve got to make choices. If I didn’t make that choice I wouldn’t have come out as world champion. A lot of stuff hasn’t changed it’s just been that one or two per cent but that one or two per cent has been [the difference] between a medal and coming sixth.”
Africa expects
The continent has a substantial role in the narrative of London 2012 By John Portch
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T LONDON 2012 Africa expects. From Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba to Kenya’s Mary Keitany and Geoffrey Mutai via Botswana’s Amantle Montsho and South Africa’s Caster Semenya, Africa’s prolific track stars will light up the longer sprints, as well as the middle and long distance races. Beyond these is a retinue of African hopefuls set to compete in disciplines in which the continent is not readily associated.
REDUCE The nations of Africa are sending boxers, badminton players and basketball players who have all made their mark at national and continental level and are worthy of wider recognition. A total of 48 African boxers will be competing in London, with Cameroon and Ghana leading the way for Sub Saharan Africa with four boxers each. In basketball, the Angolan women’s team arrive in east
GOLDEN GIRL: Dibaba London as Africa’s only female representatives in the competition. “Our aim at this Olympics is to play as well as we can and reduce the gap in quality
HISTORY MAKER: Ekiring between the top teams and ourselves,” said coach Anibal Moreira after the draw. They are joined by the Nigeria’s men, who qualified via the Olympic qualifying tournament in Caracas, Venezuela.
“The Olympics is every sportsman’s dream, having been there four years ago I am sure I will be able to perform because I won’t be nervous like the first time ”
WORLD CHAMPION: Semenya They become the second African men’s team to qualify after Tunisia. “I’m very happy. We did what had to be done,” the Nigeria forward Ike Diogu told the Associated Press. “We knew we were going to face teams that are heavyweights, and we did what we needed to do: win.” Back in southern Africa, Angola’s greatest medal hopeful is judoka Antonia de Fatima ‘Faia’, who claimed a bronze medal at the recent Judo World Championships in Romania. “I will give my best in these Games and look forward to beating all opponents. I know it will be very difficult, but the
Angolans can be assured that I will fight calmly,” she said last month. Ugandan Edwin Ekiring made history alongside Zimbabwe’s Eli Mambwe in the badminton in Beijing when they became the first Sub Saharan Africans to compete at the Olympics. Four years later world number 97 Ekiring is back as Africa seeks to carve itself a place in a sport dominated by the Far East, South East Asia and Europe. “The Olympics is every sportsman’s dream, having been there four years ago I am sure I will be able to perform because I won’t be nervous like the first time,” he said.
HOPES Few African Olympians beyond the long distance track events are as decorated as Kirsty Coventry. The Zimbabwean will be competing in her third Games and will be looking to add to her Olympic haul of two golds, four silvers and one bronze. It is little wonder that the head of the Zimbabwe Olympic committee Paul Chingoka described her as a “national treasure.”
Coventry hopes to put a recent knee injury behind her to compete in the 100m backstroke, the 200m backstroke and the 200m individual medley.
LONG TERM The white Coventry has often been criticised for not speaking out against the despotic Robert Mugabe, who gave her $100,000 after Beijing and described her as Zimbabwe’s ‘golden girl’. “One day I plan to return to live in Zimbabwe and I can do much more for the people there in the long term if I keep my position neutral,” she told The Telegraph. She has earned the affection of her black compatriots and is one of Africa’s greatest medal hopefuls. Africa has a substantial role in the narrative of London 2012.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO Follow all the Olympic 2012 action on The Voice’s dedicated website: www.voice-online.co.uk/olympics
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l a v i t s e F 2 1 0 2 London
s r a o r e r t n e C k n a Southb Africa Utopia Until Saturday 28 July Southbank Centre
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Sponsored Features by Jacqueline Asafu-Adjaye
outhbank Centre’s Africa Utopia festival kicks off this week with music, dance, talks, debates, fashion and free events celebrating African culture. Led by Senegalese singer and human rights champion Baaba Maal, the festival showcases the great voices of Africa and their contribution to the world. It investigates the many ways that the continent could lead the way in thinking about culture, community, sustainability and ethical wealth creation. ‘Africa is all too often written off as an intractable ‘problem’ for the world to solve. I hope this festival will reveal just some of what Africa has to offer the rest of the world; the transformative potential of culture and, perhaps most potently, the power of community to bind people together.’ (Baaba Maal, Africa Utopia Co-curator and Global Ambassador, Oxfam) Throughout the festival there will be performances by iconic musicians who share Baaba Maal’s belief in the power of music for social change. Whether as ambassadors for UNESCO, UNICEF, the United Nations or instigators of their own social projects, they have all have used their position to effect change in Africa. Queen Elizabeth Hall plays host to Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, who is regarded as one of Africa’s most potent musical forces. UNICEF ambassador and founder of The Batonga Foundation, which gives girls secondary school and higher education opportunities, Kidjo was recently voted by The Guardian newspaper as one of the world’s top 100 most inspiring women. On 18 and 19 July continents were bridged as American musician Béla Fleck, considered the world’s premiere banjo player, reprises his inspired collaboration with the great Malian singer Oumou Sangaré in a concert that draws the banjo back to its ancestral West African roots. The award-winning South African choreographer and dancer Gregory Maqoma also appears channelling his Xhosa ancestry in Exit/Exist, a piece inspired by the 19th century leader Chief Maqoma who struggled to maintain Xhosa traditions in the face of colonial dispossession. The
piece combines traditional movements with contemporary dance and is powerfully enhanced by live music, including four exceptional South African singers who have toured with Hugh Masekela. In 2011 world-renowned B-Boy dancer Pervez visited a pioneering centre for former street children in Kigali, Rwanda. Yes Man! is an inspiring film of the work that Pervez did with these children, all of whom were passionate about hip-hop. The film will be screened as part of Rwanda Catalyst on 19 July, and the evening will feature performances from three boys who have travelled from Rwanda, and a conversation with the centre’s leader Rafiki Callixte. Inua Ellams’ Knight Watch will take audiences down to the stark, urban environs of a secret location inside the belly of Royal Festival Hall for a thrilling mix of live poetry, percussion and music that conjures the violence of a city not unlike London and imagines a more beautiful world. We follow ‘Michael’ as he passes through a landscape where tower blocks are mountains and the walls become urban tapestries telling of epic fights between warring tribes that he tries in vain to avoid. Africa Utopia also features performances from The Vocal Ensemble of Africa, made up of singers from six different African countries (Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe), violinist Max Baillie who performs with Gambian kora player Sura Susso, and a special free gig by Gregg Kofi Brown.
BAABA MAAL
In what will be a fitting finale to the festival on 28 July, Baaba Maal himself returns to Royal Festival Hall – the venue of legendary concerts in 1999 and in 2009 as part of Ornette Coleman’s Meltdown – in the company of a star-studded array of guests and friends including Mory Kanté and Bassekou Kouyate.
until 28 July Africa Utopia runs entre. at Southbank C icautopia centre.co.uk/afr nk ba th ou .s w w w 9910. or call 0844 847 topia twitter #africau on te ba de e th in Jo
To book visit www.thelionking.co.uk LYCEUM THEATRE, london Photograph by Simon Turtle. Andile Gumbi as ‘Simba’. © Disney.
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Voice London 2012 special supplement 6.10pm: A line of lioness masks are positioned backstage, along with flowing African silks
6.40pm: Actor Shaun Escoffery, who plays the role of Mufasa, begins his transformation in the make-up chair
Behind the scenes with THE LION KING at London’s Lyceum Theatre
It’s 5.30pm and backstage at London’s historic Lyceum Theatre things are starting to heat up just two hours prior to the show. The Lion King recently welcomed its 10 millionth guest and is now in its 13th year in London - yet each night is a new opening as the curtain rises on this singular live experience. From the stage set, to make up, to the hundreds of masks and puppets, to the performers warming up, it is the extreme care and detail taken over every aspect that makes the production unique. It takes a disciplined team of over 150 people to make the show happen 8 times a week – 50 onstage and 100 backstage – all working together to give the audience a memory to last forever. Photos by Helen Maybanks, Simon Turtle and Lois Greenfield. © Disney
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Voice London 2012 special supplement ADVERTISEMENT
Behind PRIDE ROCK 7.25pm: A gazelle dancer prepares backstage, just minutes before the curtain rises
7.30pm: As the lights go down an excited hush falls over the audience, who are about to be transported to the African savannah during another sold out performance
6.55pm: A last minute rehearsal of shadow puppetry on stage, to prepare for the performance
Tickets for The Lion King are available from www.thelionking.co.uk, through any accredited ticket agent or via your hotel concierge
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e r t n e C k n a b h t Sou Sneak Preview
Knight Watch SouthS’tory
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ollowing a sell out run of Black T-shirt Collection at the National Theatre, Ellams’ new show Knight Watch comes to Southbank Centre as part of the Africa Utopia festival. Knight Watch combines soaring, lyrical poetry with a live soundtrack from drummer Aki Fujimoto and flautist Mikey Kirkpatrick, to conjure a vivid portrait of a young man seeking a better way of life. Performed in the Production Arch of the Royal Festival Hall, Inua Ellams transports audiences to a city not unlike London in a modern day, magical realist tale of violence and gang culture. In a world where tower blocks are stone mountains and city walls are urban tapestries retelling epic fights, Michael keeps away from the warring tribes until a passerby helps him out of a tight situation. Instantly, he is pulled into the culture he has tried to escape. The city spirals out of control as battle lines are drawn and redrawn. In the quest for balance, loyalty, faith and friendships are tested, but will Michael succeed in ending the war?
Inua Ellams is a poet, writer, teacher, performer and graphic artist. Knight Watch follows a sell out run of Black T-shirt Collection (2012) at the National Theatre and on tour. His first show, The 14th Tale, was part of the British Council Showcase in Edinburgh in 2009, winning a Scotsman Fringe First Award. In 2010 he was long listed for the Alfred Fagan Award for playwrights of African and Caribbean descent for Untitled. He has performed extensively at venues and festivals including the Soho Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tate Modern, Glastonbury and Latitude, and has published four books including his first collection of poetry, 13 Fairy Negro Tales, when he was just 22 years old.
A festival of music, dance, film, literature, fashion and free events with Baaba Maal & Friends Paco Peña Angelique Kidjo Gregory Maqoma Oumou Sangaré & Béla Fleck Noo Saro-Wiwa Chika Unigwe Taj Mahal Vocal Ensemble of Africa Muntu Valdo Nuruddin Farah Funmi Olawumi The Ultimate Afrobeats Utopia Inua Ellams TICKETS FROM £10 buy tickets: 0844 847 9910 Southbankcentre.co.uk/africautopia
From top right to left: DJ Edu Sef Kombo Inua Ellams Ice Prince Zamani4
4
By Inua Ellams
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O T S T H G I WIN FL
! A C I A JAM Happy 50th Birthd ay
Jamaica! Love
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Voice London 2012 special supplement
Solicitors Usain Bolt
THIS IS IT!
Yohan Blake
Bolt v Blake is set to illuminate London 2012
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Name: Usain Bolt Nationality: Jamaican Age: 25 Born: August 21, 1986, Trelawny, Jamaica Height: 1.95 m (6’, 5”) Weight: 14.8 stone (200 lb) Events: 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay Olympic and World Championships honours: Silver in Osaka 2007 (200m) Sliver in Osaka 2007 (4x100m) Gold in Beijing 2008 (100m) Gold in Beijing 2008 (200 m) Gold in Beijing 2008 (4x100m relay)
Gold in Berlin 2009 (100m) Gold in Berlin 2009 (200 m) Gold in Berlin 2009 (4x100m relay) Gold in Daegu 2011 (200m) Gold in Daegu 2011 (4x100m relay) Season’s best and personal best Season’s best: 9.76 seconds (100m) Personal best: 9.58 seconds (100m) Season’s best: 19.83 seconds (200 m) Personal best: 19.19 seconds (200m)
T EVERY Olympic Games the blue riband event is the men’s 100m and this year’s race will hopefully live up to expectations. While last year’s World Championships proved that you can never assume who the winner will be, there are two sprinters who are seemingly faster than their opposition. Jamaica’s Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt are undoubtedly the favourites for the 100m title at London 2012. The Voice of Sport examines the differences, if any, between the two Caribbean sprint kings and tip who we believe will be triumphant in the final of the race at the Olympic Stadium on August 5. About Bolt (By Antone Jarvis): Usain Bolt trains at the Racers Track and Field Club. His hobbies include watching and playing cricket and football. He is a Manchester United supporter. 2012 head-to-head stats against Yohan Blake: Bolt is currently on a losing streak having lost twice to Blake in the 100 metres and 200 metre at the Jamaican Olympic trials in June.
Antone’s prediction: I predict that Bolt will break his two previous world records (100 metre and 200 metre) which were set at the World Championships in 2009. Although Blake is going into the Olympics with a winning streak over his rival, I think this will spur Bolt on in beating Blake and breaking his own world records at the Olympics. About Blake (By Kareem Ogodo): Yohan Blake trains with the Racers Track and Field Club. Growing up, Blake enjoyed playing cricket and if he was not a full-time athlete he would have liked to represent the West Indies. 2012 head-to-head against Bolt: This year, Bolt and Blake have meet twice with Blake taking both of those victories. Kareem’s prediction: I still think Bolt has a huge advantage over Blake due to his massive stride length. However, I feel that Bolt needs to perfect his start or he will have no chance against competitors like Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay or even Justin Gatlin. If he improves his start then there is no reason why we will not see another world record.
n n A y ll e h S l ir g That
Jamaican sprint queen on being a part of an athletics movement
By Ben Lettman
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OUR YEARS ago in Beijing, Jamaica’s 100m female sprinters clean sweeped the medals with the then unknown ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce cementing her sporting legacy by winning gold. Combined with the triple gold medal winning exploits of Usain Bolt, Jamaica announced itself as a genuine powerhouse of athletics. But despite having a major hand in establishing the Caribbean island’s stranglehold in the sprints, Fraser-Pryce was quick to pay respect to the accolades of other Jamaican run-
ners before her. The 25-year-old told the Voice of Sport: “I would give all credit to Merlene (Ottey) and what she’s done and also Veronica (Campbell-Brown) has been holding down Jamaican sprinting for a while. I mean she has a medal at every single level so that goes to show that we have a rich history in sprinting and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
POPULAR “To go down in history, maybe my children and grandchildren can know that I was part of a movement that happened in Jamaica’s sprinting history.” Describing just how popular athletics is in Jamaica, their
100m national record holder continued: “Track and field is huge in Jamaica! When I go to the pharmacy or the supermarket I have to be standing up answering questions for like a billion people! ‘What happened to Asafa (Powell)?’ or ‘how’s Usain doing?’ ‘How’s Nesta (Carter)?’ That’s how big it is. We have sold out stadiums with no tickets left. It’s just crazy.” As well as being Olympic year, 2012 marks Jamaica’s 50th year of independence and a double celebration could be on the cards if the 2009 world champion is victorious in London. However, Fraser-Pryce was not taking anything for granted,
adding: “I try not to think about that [winning gold] or the 50th anniversary. When I cross the line that’s when I’ll say ‘happy birthday’ but now it’s about being focused on the mission that’s ahead.”
“When I cross the line that’s when I’ll say ‘happy birthday ”
Name: Yohan Blake Nationality: Jamaican Age: 22 Birth: December 26, 1989 – St James, Jamaica Height: 1.95m (5’, 11”) Weight: 12.2 stone (172 LB) Events: 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay Olympic and World Championships honours: Gold in Daegu 2011 (100m) Gold in Daegu 2011
(4x100m relay) Season’s best and Personal best: Season’s best: 9.75 seconds (100m) Personal best: 9.75 seconds (100m) Season’s best: 19.80 seconds (200m) Personal best 19.26 seconds (200m)
JUMPING FOR JOY: Fraser-Pryce
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EVER SINCE it was announced on July 6, 2005, that London would host the 2012 Olympic Games, the Voice of Sport has kept a firm eye on those that will be challenging for medals. Over the years we have spoken to a plethora of athletes who dreamt of taking part in this summer’s Games but not everyone’s dream has come true. However, here is what 10 of the world’s elite competitors that will be in action at London 2012 said about what competing at the Games means to them.
t r o p S f o e Voic
By Ben Lettman
me, it’s a big part of my life to represent Team GB.”
1. Zoe Smith, weightlifting: “It would be absolutely amazing, I’d love every minute of it. Fingers crossed I will get to the Games. To be one of the main hopes would be fantastic but I don’t think I’ll get a medal this time around realistically because I’ll only be 18, which is quite young in my sport. But just to be there would be an amazing experience.”
6. Rachel Yankey, football: “To play at Wembley is a massive honour for anyone, but having grown up and still living in the area, it’ll be extra special for me.”
2. Deron Williams, basketball: “I’m looking forward to being over here in 2012. I’m on board. Winning that gold medal was the greatest moment in my basketball career and hopefully I can repeat that again.”
7. Shanaze Reade, BMX: “I just train to be as fast as I can be in a straight line and that crosses over from track and crosses over from BMX.Come London I hope to be able to be the fastest in the world on a bike.” 8. Christine Ohuruogu, 400m: “I can only imagine the roar of the crowd when the British athletes walk into the stadium.
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It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and I can even walk home afterwards!” 9. Mo Farah, 5,000m and 10,000m: “The Olympics is what it’s all about. It’s every athletes dream and it only comes round every four years. I would love to have an Olympic medal.” 10. Usain Bolt, 100m: “This is my home from over the Atlantic for me. I’m looking forward to competing. I know all the Jamaicans living in London are looking forward to it as well. I’m coming over to put on a great show as always.”
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3. Louis Smith, gymnastics: “If I went to the Olympic Games and just did a clean routine that would be enough for me no matter what medal I got, whether I came fourth or fifth, I’d be happy with that.” 4. Lawrence Okoye, discus: “When somebody does something like this a lot of youngsters get inspired and that’s the whole thing about the Olympic legacy – the youngsters being inspired to do things bigger and better than the people before them. Hopefully people will be inspired by what I’m doing.” 5. Ashley McKenzie, judo: “I’m really looking forward to walking around the stadium at the opening ceremony. For
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38| JULY 19-25, 2012
Cook & Partners
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Voice London 2012 special supplement
Success will breed success
Judoka hoping to boost participation levels with a gold medal at 2012 By Ben Lettman
F
OR THE vast majority of sports at London 2012 the Olympic Games is their pinnacle and no other competition carries that same amount of prestige. Sports, such as judo, will have a brief window of opportunity to garner the attention of potential new competitors and Team GB judoka Ashley McKenzie hopes to be noticed at the Games for that very reason. The 22-year-old from Willesden, north west London, told the Voice of Sport: “Judo will never be the number one sport. When I tell people judo they’re like ‘hi-ya!’ It’s never going to be a top sport but what I can tell you is that it’s getting better.
POPULARITY “During the Olympics, people want to train and do a little something different and that’s when doors open. If someone like me goes out there and gets a gold, and I’m from London, obviously the popularities going to change. I’m looking to
do that.” The Olympic opening ceremony will begin in a month’s time on July 27 and is a celebration that means everything to McKenzie.
ing for me.” McKenzie, who has been kicked out of training squads in the past due to his temper, hopes that his ability to triumph through difficulties can inspire others.
“I’m really looking forward to walk around the stadium at the opening ceremony ”
“I’d like to be seen as a boy who people never thought was going to make it due to the fact that I’ve had problems. I’ve overcome those problems. I’d like people out there who’ve got problems to be inspired because if I can do it, there’s a lot of people who can do it as well. “I’ve put my heart and soul into one thing and, yeah, I’m not the most perfect of guys. I will never be the Tom Daley kind of guy but I’m not looking to be that. I’m looking to be myself and for people to like me for me.” And as for competing at the ExCel Centre in the summer, he added: “What they (the crowd) can expect to see is a war because I’m going out there to do my thing and I promise; whatever will happen on that day, whether I win or I lose, I would have tried my hardest.”
OVERCOME
“I’m really looking forward to walk around the stadium at the opening ceremony. For me, it’s a big part of my life to represent Team GB,” said the 2010 European under-23 and 2011 World Cup gold medallist, who competes in the 60kg category. “Tears might shed from my eyes at that kind of moment so I think it might just be that that’ll top off my Olympics and what’s going to be most excit-
CHALLENGE: McKenzie
Birmingham Capital of Enterprise, Jamaica a Nation on a Mission Birmingham City Council invite you to join Jamaican musicians, poets, artists, dancers, storytellers, educators and performers for a FREE five day Jamaican cultural extravaganza, Jamaica in the Square – celebrating fifty years of Jamaican Independence in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham from
Thursday 2 - Monday 6 August 2012 Live Music (12-2pm and 5-9pm / 5-11pm Monday). JAMAICA IN THE SQUARE activities include: Live music on the Freedom Stage throughout the 5 day festival – a thrilling programme of local, national and international artists, including both emerging talent and established names. Freshly-cooked Jamaican cuisine and drinks available from a variety of local/national Caribbean chefs and vendors (including a licensed bar). Enjoy live streaming of the Olympic Games on our Big Screen. Food… arts and craft stalls… live drumming and dance displays… quizzes and culinary demonstrations… activities for young people and families… fashion shows… talent shows… raising of the Jamaican flag… and much, much more. Project Manager: Garry Peal 0121 675 2799 garry.peal@birmingham.gov.uk All enquiries: Bekie Munday 0121 303 0067 rebecca.munday@birmingham.gov.uk
Anyone interested in a stall at this prestigious event please call Becky on: 0121 675 2799 For Sponsorship opportunities please call the Jamaica in the Square Team on: 077 7127 6896
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Voice London 2012 special supplement
Solicitors
JULY 19-25, 2012 |39
OLYMPIC GAMES: July 27 – August 12 Aug 3: 10.00am - 1.45pm
Aug 5: 6.50pm – 9.55pm
Men’s 400m hurdles: round one Men’s 3000m steeplechase: round one Men’s hammer: qualifying Men’s shot put: qualifying Women’s 100m: classification heats Women’s 400m: round one Women’s triple jump: qualifying Women’s heptathlon: 100m hurdles, high jump
Men’s 100m: semi-finals, final Men’s 400m: semi-finals Men’s 1500m: semi-finals Men’s 3000m steeplechase: final Men’s high jump: qualifying Men’s hammer: final Women’s 400m hurdles: round one Men’s 100m: final
7.00pm – 9.55pm Men’s 1500m: round one Men’s long jump: qualifying Men’s shot put: final Women’s 100m: round one Women’s 10,000m: final Women’s discus: qualifying Women’s heptathlon: shot put, 200m
Aug 6: 10.00am – 12.20pm
Aug 4: 10.00am – 13.45pm Men’s 100m: classification heats, round one Men’s 400m: round one Women’s 3000m steeplechase: round one Women’s pole vault: qualifying Women’s heptathlon: long jump, javelin 6.50pm – 10.05pm Women’s heptathlon: long jump, javelin Men’s 400m hurdles: semi-finals Men’s 10,000m: final Men’s long jump: final Women’s 100m: semi-finals, final Women’s 400m: semi-finals
Contact 178 Dudley road, Edgbaston Birmingham B18 7QX T: 0121 454 6990 F: 0121 454 4525 Web: www.diamondtravel.co.uk Email: info@diamondtravel.co.uk
Men’s 400m: victory ceremony Men’s 800m: semi-finals Men’s 1500m: final Men’s high jump: final Men’s discus: final Women’s 100m hurdles: semi-finals, final Women’s 200m: semi-finals Women’s 3000m steeplechase: victory ceremony Women’s long jump: qualifying Women’s pole vault: victory ceremony Aug 8: 10.00am – 1.40pm
Men’s 800m: round one Men’s discus: qualifying Women’s 100m hurdles: round one Women’s 1500m: round one Women’s shot put: qualifying 6.50pm – 9.40pm Men’s 400m: final Women’s 200m: round one Women’s 400m hurdles: semi-finals Women’s 3000m steeplechase: final Women’s pole vault: final Aug 7: 10.00am – 12.35pm Men’s 110m hurdles: round one Men’s 200m: round one Men’s triple jump: qualifying Women’s 5000m: round one Women’s javelin: qualifying 6.50pm – 9.20pm
Men’s 5000m: round one Men’s pole vault: qualifying Men’s decathlon: 100m, long jump, shot put Women’s 800m: round one Women’s hammer: qualifying 6.00pm – 9.55pm Men’s 110m hurdles: semi-finals, final Men’s 200m: semi-finals Men’s javelin: qualifying Men’s decathlon: high jump, 400m Women’s 200m: final Women’s 1500m: semi-finals Women’s long jump: final
vault Women’s high jump: qualifying 6.30pm – 10.10pm Men’s decathlon: javelin, 1500m Women’s 800m: semi-finals Women’s 4 x 100m relay: round one Women’s javelin: final Aug 10: 7.00pm – 9.40pm Men’s 4 x 100m relay: round one Men’s 4 x 400m relay: final Men’s pole vault: final Women’s 1500m: final Women’s 5000m: final Women’s 4 x 100m relay: final Women’s 4 x 400m relay: round one Women’s hammer: final Aug 11: 6.45pm – 9.30pm Men’s 5000m: final Men’s 4 x 100m relay: final Men’s javelin: final Men’s 50km race walk Women’s 800m: final Women’s 4 x 400m relay: final Women’s high jump: final Women’s 20km race walk
Aug 9: 9.00am – 4.00pm Men’s 4 x 400m relay: round one Men’s decathlon: 110m hurdles, discus, pole
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