Winter Olympic silver medallist, Shelley Rudman, joined fellow Olympians at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre, including Kye Whyte and Ed Clancy this morning, to celebrate the start of the Winter Olympics and National Lottery players' key role in funding British athletes in Beijing.
Together, The National Lottery and government have invested £32million into British Olympic and Paralympic winter athletes and sports for Beijing, allowing Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s dedicated and passionate athletes to achieve their dreams of representing the nation.
Many of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes have come from a range of backgrounds, having started their journeys at local, National Lottery funded facilities like Nottingham's National Ice Centre.
Skeleton star Rudman is pumped for the start of the Beijing Games and is enthused about the chances of the next generation of British athletes who will take to the snow, slopes, and ice.
She said: “It’s a really fantastic event today in Nottingham and it’s great that the kids can come because they’re associated with ice sports by being at the National Ice Centre.
“The National Lottery has been an absolute lifeline for facilities and sports in the UK, even the National Ice Centre is National Lottery funded, and without it, none of these young ice skaters in front of me would be here.
“We wouldn’t have athletes to train and compete, but we also wouldn’t even have local clubs or people getting involved so it’s super beneficial.
“There’s a real depth of females coming through now, and after my medal, we were able to secure the next tier of National Lottery funding for four years, which was brilliant for the sport to allow it to grow.
"The Girls for Gold campaign, which Victoria Pendleton and I helped set up, was also a gamechanger, allowing the likes of Lizzy [Yarnold] to come through, which has been huge for the longevity of our sport.
“Those going to the opening ceremony in Beijing will be super excited. From my experience, it was just the most magical moment and really spine tingling, walking into the stadium – you just can’t comprehend it. It will be really special.”
Olympic heroes were able to watch young skaters show off their skills on the ice – something Whyte is learning from, with his current appearance on Dancing on Ice, following his incredible success at the Tokyo Games last summer where he won a silver medal in BMX.
“It’s exciting to watch the opening ceremony, and as I’m doing figure skating myself at the minute, and I’m here at the National Ice Centre watching these young skaters do it – it’s incredible,” Whyte said, who is one of over a thousand elite athletes supported by National Lottery funding in the UK.
“I love watching the Speed Skating, and I can’t wait to see Niall Treacy perform. Because I’ve been figure skating, I’m looking forward to watching Natasha McKay in the singles, and Lilah [Fear] and Lewis [Gibson] in the doubles.
“I can’t wait to see what crazy stuff they’re going to do because in training for Dancing on Ice, I don’t even understand how some of the skills work!”
Ice skating is one the most accessible winter sports with over 60 ice rinks across the UK, including the National Ice Centre.
National Lottery players’ support to Team GB and ParalympicsGB Winter athletes and facilities across the UK is vital, and without it, the likes of four-time Olympic cyclist Ed Clancy, would not have enjoyed a medal laden career.
He said: “I’m amazed at how many youths are keen to turn up at 6am and come to this wonderful arena, which is funded by The National Lottery. It’s almost like the winter equivalent of a velodrome – a big oval with lots of people whizzing about in Lycra.
“When I look back on my career and my Olympic experiences, I already know it’s the best thing I’m ever going to do.
“To go and compete for your country at the highest level, and do something you’re passionate about, and get free kit, and get support – it was the icing on a super nice bit of a cake.
“And now the Winter athletes will be experiencing that and I’m excited to see the stars on the ice put on a good display.
“There’s a talented young girl called Charlotte Bankes in the boardercross and there’s always loads of action in the snowboarding. I love the drama and I’ll be tuning into that.”
Snowsport CEO Tim Fawkes added: “The National Lottery is absolutely fantastic – we wouldn’t be here without the funding and all the players.
“Within snow sports, there are so many facilities across the country which are National Lottery funded, but also with the athletes who have been able to go and follow their dreams and passions and The National Lottery have helped support there too.
“They are hugely important to us, and I can’t wait to see more children getting involved.”
National Lottery players are one of the biggest supporters of Team GB and ParalympicsGB winter athletes and raise more than £30 million each week for good causes including grassroots and elite sport. Discover the positive impact playing The National Lottery has at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes