Helen Grant MP

It is the greatest show on earth and to be in it, let alone win, is a huge accolade for the 366 Olympians selected to represent Great Britain at Rio.

The Games shine a special light on these outstanding competitors and each of their stories are bound together by a common thread which is a valuable message to us all; they all started from scratch in their respective sports, arriving at this special place and time through talent, hard work, discipline and a support from family and clubs.

Some live amongst us all here in Kent. Sutton Valence School alumnus Susannah Townsend put in a star turn as GB hockey women dismantled Australia and then India. Chatham’s Kat Driscoll, Tom Bosworth from Sevenoaks and Ashford-born Tom Ransley are also hoping for medals in gymnastics, athletics and rowing respectively. If you’re thinking of having a go, reaching the peak can come surprisingly quickly for some. Kent’s Adam Gemili, gave up a career in football to burst onto the scene at the 2012 Olympics, having only dedicated himself to athletics six months previously. And former equestrian rider Victoria Thornley paired alongside London 2012 gold medalist Katherine Grainger in the Rio women’s double sculls after only four years of taking up rowing.

As a young girl I too dreamed of becoming an Olympian and sport was a fundamental driver in my life; increasing self-confidence, understanding the value of team work, the importance of fairness, learning from failure, realising self-worth. These are life lessons that can take you anywhere and as Minister for Sport 2013-15 increasing participation was at the core of my tenure, an aspiration that remains high on my agenda.

Find out more about participation and support at www.bbc.co.uk/ sport/get-inspired and good luck to Team GB in Rio.