The British Olympic Association (BOA) today selected archery members of Team GB for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
The athletes are (click on the links to view athlete profiles):
Men’s Individual & Men’s Team Event
Larry Godfrey
Simon Terry
Alan Wills
Women’s Individual & Women’s Team Event
Charlotte Burgess
Naomi Folkard
Alison Williamson
Commenting on their selection:
Larry Godfrey:
"It doesn't get any better than going to the Olympic Games and qualifying ends four years of hard work. But the hard work doesn't end there, there's lots more ahead in the countdown to Beijing, but I am really thrilled to be going, and can't wait to get started."
Simon Terry:
“I'm absolutely delighted I've made it to Beijing. It's been a tough process, with a few ups - such as coming fourth at last year's World Championships, and a few downs, like a dip in form earlier this year, which started to cause concern. But it's all started to come right at the right time, and I can't wait now to get out to Beijing."
Alan Wills:
"I'm just so pleased and so relieved to have got my place. This is everything I've worked for, and all the sacrifices and hard work has now paid off. It's a fantastic feeling."
Charlotte Burgess:
"It's fantastic, it's a dream come true. I really did dream that one day I would go to the Olympics, and now I'm going. It's wonderful. I took up archery as a 10 year old, 11 years ago, and coming through this selection process and clinching a place in Beijing is just so exciting."
Naomi Folkard:
"We all get on so well together, we're really good friends, we train together, and have a really good rapport. On a personal note, I am delighted to be going to the Olympics for the second time."
Alison Williamson:
"I'm absolutely delighted to have qualified, and very honoured to think I will have represented my country at five Olympic Games. Going to the Olympics is the pinnacle, and I am just as motivated now as I was when I went to my first Games in Barcelona back in 1992. You might say that winning the bronze medal four years ago was as good as it gets, but I don't see it like that, I am the kind of person who always sets myself new targets and fresh challenges."
Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission, said:
“I am pleased to welcome these athletes in to Team GB. The squad has a great mix of first time Olympians and others with a wealth of experience, particular Alison Williamson who is competing at her fifth Olympic Games, a fantastic achievement in itself. I am sure that they will be looking to build upon their recent successes, both individually and in the team events, and I wish them well in their final preparations for Beijing.”
Hilda Gibson, Team GB Archery Team Leader for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games said:
"I am absolutely thrilled for all six archers who will be going to Beijing. They have worked so hard over the past few years and going to the Olympic Games is a just reward for all their efforts. I have no doubt that all six will be very competitive individually, and as teams, both the men and women will provide formidable opposition.”
Notes to Editors:
Click on individual names above for biographies.
Team GB is expected to consist of approximately 300 athletes and a further 200 officials. Click here for profiles of every athlete selected for Team GB so far.
Team GB could be competing in up to 21 sports. Click here to view sport specific information.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will take place from 8th to 24th August 2008. Click here for further information about the Games.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its role is to select, prepare, manage and lead our nation’s finest athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive elite level support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies throughout each Olympic cycle and in the UK is responsible for the development and protection of the Olympic Movement.
For more information please contact Louisa Huddy in the BOA Communications Department on 020 8871 2677 ext 247 / 07789 658 798.
All interview requests for the athletes should go through Peter Jones: 07841 997 408