UK Sport

Last chance to sign up for Girls4Gold

Girls4Gold was launched at the Manchester Velodrome
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Jessica Whitehorn 26 June 2008

There are only a few days left to apply for the Girls4Gold talent identification initiative, which seeks to discover hidden British female talent for the Olympic sports of cycling, rowing, sailing, canoeing, modern pentathlon and bob skeleton.

Since the initiative was launched just two weeks ago, over 600 keen sportswomen have logged on and completed the application form in hope of fulfilling their Olympic dream. Girls aged 17-25 with a strong sporting background, who think they have what it takes to make the podium in 2012 and beyond, are encouraged to apply online at www.uksport.gov.uk/girls4gold

When the applications close on Monday 30 June, they will be screened by a team of talent identification experts from UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport. Those with a strong enough sporting background on paper, will be invited to an initial testing day over the summer months. Here, they will be assessed by scientists and coaches, who will determine whether they should be considered at a more sport-specific testing event later in the year.

This is an opportunity for athletic girls who show potential to be directed toward a sport in which they could, one day, become great. Girls4Gold Ambassador, World Champion Cyclist Victoria Pendleton, has shown her support for the initiative:

“Girls4Gold is a fantastic opportunity. The things I’ve already experienced are so amazing – to represent Great Britain and get the chance to stand on the podium is a brilliant feeling and something that I can’t recommend highly enough to the girls who may be thinking about signing up for ‘Girls4Gold’.

“I imagine that many people may dream of representing their country or even taking part in the Olympics, I know I certainly did, and if you have had that dream then this is the best opportunity you will get to make that dream come true.

“My father was a cyclist, and I was lucky to have his support and to be spotted when I was. Girls4Gold is a great way for people who aren’t in the same situation that I was to really show themselves and take this once in a lifetime chance of making it.

“I’d say to girls who are thinking of taking part that if you are committed enough and have got the talent then give it a shot!”

2006 Olympic silver medallist in bob skeleton, Shelley Rudman, also an Ambassador for Girls4Gold, explained the rationale behind the project:

“I think the target age for the project is good. When I got in to skeleton I was 21, and I had been playing different sports for around ten years. Taking part in a lot of different sports helped me eventually choose skeleton. I think with the sport I did before, I knew that I wasn’t going to become an international athlete in that, because my body wasn’t right for it.

“My advice to any girls out there is to go for it! I did, and you just don’t know until you try out. Try a lot of different sports and get a taster for the one that you are best at.

“This initiative gives you that opportunity – when you go through the talent ID day you find out how good you can be at something you may not have even imagined before, then it becomes like a little seed in your thoughts and it’s all you can think about.”

UK Sport’s Talent Identification Consultant, Chelsea Warr, reinforced why schemes like Girls4Gold are essential in seeking out those with exceptional talent:

“UK Sport recognises that in any endeavour of attaining excellence, whether it’s in dramatic arts, music or elite sport, the harsh reality is that less than 2% of those on the journey will actually have the raw talent, mental resolve and commitment to make it to the highest level. Girls4Gold will help us to target those that really have what it takes.”

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