Staines star given cash boost

Aug 13 2008 By David Jordan, Staines News

STAINES' rising middle-distance running star Gary Bradbury insists his selection for the Lloyds TSB's Local Heroes scheme is already enhancing his dream of emulating double-Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

The 19-year-old Woking Athletic Club member is one of 250 emerging Brits that will receive £1,000 each year in the run up to London 2012 - plugging a financial gap as Bradbury is yet to achieve World Class lottery funding.

The former Matthew Arnold High School pupil has already been putting the grant to good use - funding physiotherapy as he recovers from a shin injury.

And Bradbury, who competes in both the 800m and 1500m, revealed the cash injection is already aiding his bid to follow in the footsteps of Holmes and achieve Olympic glory.

"Being injured I realised how expensive it is. I have been paying for physio and swimming membership so it was great to get the Lloyds sponsorship," said Bradbury - who will also be eligible for one-on-one mentoring from Lloyds ambassador and British Olympian Jonathan Edwards and Paralympic basketball ace Ade Adepitan.

"It has come at the perfect time really and has really helped me get back to full fitness a lot quicker than I thought," added Bradbury.

"Next year I'm really looking to be competing at the U23 level and going to the European U23 Championships in Kaunas.

"I've got a lot of work to do, I need

t o r u n 3m43s to qualify and this year I ran 3.50. I think if I was fit I would have got it this year though so I am confident I can do it.

"It would obviously be great to be at 2012 and I'm going to give every-thing I can to get there. I have nothing to lose."

Bradbury - who is studying Mathematics at Loughborough University - has already underlined his potential by coming fifth in the England U20 Championships 1500m last year.

And former Olympic and World Champion Edwards, who still holds the triple jump world record, is predict

ing a golden future for Bradbury.

"There is a lot of money in sport now through the lottery but Gary is not quite

good enough just yet to take advantage," said Edwards.

"He still makes a huge commitment in time and money in order to do what he does and he doesn't get a lot back. This relieves a bit of pressure and gives him a boost.

"Sport can be lonely so when someone comes along and believes in you enough to give you £1,000 it makes you realise you will make it after all." [25cf] Lloyds TSB are providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. Visit www.Lloydstsb.com/Localheroes