THESE GAMES COULD BE THE SPRINGBOARD FOR NEXT GENERATION

IT WAS 1988 and the Olympic Games were being held in Seoul, South Korea. Every morning, the nation’s television screens were filled with a blur of excitement and drama. Greg Louganis, the American diver, winning gold despite striking his head on the springboard. Adrian Moorhouse powering to victory in the men’s 100metres breaststroke. Great Britain, with the unforgettable Sean Kerly, triumphing in the hockey. And Flo-Jo taking glory in the women’s 100m and 200m on the track. A myriad of sports, a multitude of memories. The reason that particular Games comes to mind is not only because the Olympics are once again being held in Asia, with the time difference meaning early rises for those determined to enjoy the entertainment. But also that these Games, despite being without fans in attendance, will have a captive audience. How many kids will pick up the remote control and switch on during these restricted summer holidays and embrace the chance to escape into a world of sporting theatre? In this Olympic special edition of Inside Grassroots Sport, track legend Seb Coe reveals what put him on the path to glory, cycling gold medallist Callum Skinner admits he was always picked last in P.E. and Laura Muir tells us about the wide range of sports she got stuck into during her childhood. It is now, during these Games, that the seeds could be sown for the next generation. Watching over their cornflakes, it is now that a child could be inspired to pick up a hockey stick or run round a track. Skinner says it ‘could be you’ and he does not mean that it would come easy. But that, if motivated sufficiently, if inspired correctly, any child could take those first steps on their own Olympic journey. It starts with the Games. It starts with grassroots.