International Olympic Committee : News

Olympic Solidarity athletes win medals at London 2012

7/29/2012 5:09:00 PM

In the women’s 48kg judo, Sarah Menezes of Brazil finished in the gold medal position, the first time Brazil has won a gold medal in women’s judo. Hungary’s Eva Csernoviczki finished third, winning bronze.

Jin Jong Oh from the Republic of Korea improved on his silver medal in Beijing 2008 by winning a gold medal in the 10m air pistol at the Royal Artillery Barracks – the first ever gold medal of his country in this event. Andrija Zlatic of Serbia secured bronze in the same event. He is the first male shooter to win an Olympic medal for Serbia.

In the men’s 60kg judo, Rishod Sobirov of Uzbekistan was awarded the bronze medal.

All the athletes have received funding via Olympic Solidarity, the organ responsible for administering and managing National Olympic Committees’ share of the television rights from the broadcasting of the Olympic Games.

Olympic Solidarity’s main mission is to plan, organise and control the execution of the support programmes for the NOCs, particularly those that need it most, as stipulated in the Olympic Charter.

In total, 1,264 Olympic solidarity scholarships for athletes aiming for London 2012 were awarded between September 2010 and August 2012 to athletes nominated by their respective NOCs for their preparation and qualification for the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London.

The programme is operational from 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2012 and particular attention was paid to athletes with the greatest need. The athletes came from 171 NOCs in 21 sports. .

Learn more about Olympic Solidarity here.

Ana Sofía Gómez Porras hopes to shine in London 2012

7/12/2012 10:16:00 AM

How did you get started in gymnastics?
The sport had always caught my attention, plus I had a lot of energy when I was little, which helped me a lot in gymnastics.

How has the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship helped you?
For the moment, the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship is helping me to continue my studies.

You competed in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. What was that like for you?
It was one of the best experiences of my life because it was my first international competition and the standard was so high.

How much do you think your experiences in Singapore have helped your career?
I think it was very important because while I was there I competed against very talented rivals who I will face regularly in the future. It also helped me realise that I have the potential to compete at an international level.

What has been your greatest sporting achievement so far?
Qualifying for the Olympic Games and winning the silver medal in the all-around event and the gold medal in the balance beam at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara in 2011.

What are your targets for the London 2012 Olympic Games?
I want to do my best in the competition and hopefully win a medal.

What is a typical training week like for you?
It is a week that is full of challenges and opportunities!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love watching TV and trying out new gadgets. I also listen to all sorts of music.

Do you use social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, to keep in touch with people?
Yes, I use these social networks to find out what people are doing and also to see if anyone has been in touch with me.

Did you have any sporting heroes when you were younger?
I have always admired Rafael Nadal very much. He is a great tennis player.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

Paul Etia N'Doumbe hopes to finish in the top ten in London

7/6/2012 1:52:00 PM

Cameroon’s Paul Etia N’Doumbe took up rowing in 2005 and just three years later was competing in the single sculls at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. Now, the 28-year-old is hoping that his Olympic Solidarity Scholarship will help him finish in the top ten at this year’s London Olympic Games.

How did you start rowing?
Rowing first came to Cameroon in the early 2000s. It was when I attended the final of the Cup of Cameroon in Douala in 2005 that I decided to try the sport. The Cameroon Water Sports Federation then held a recruitment initiative for a three-month internship, which I was chosen for. At the end of this course, I passed the qualification and joined the national team’s training squad for a year. I then joined the team to participate in international events.

What difficulties have you encountered?
Initially, the hardest part was finding my balance in the boat. It is not easy to balance on the water!

How has the Olympic Solidarity programme helped you?
The Olympic Solidarity scholarship has helped me get good equipment, including my boat. It has also helped me train better, and in my new club in Rouen, France, I get to work with high-level training partners. I’ve now improved my stroke and increased my fitness level. With all these factors, I have greatly improved my overall performance in a short time. I have also gained confidence in myself.

What do you use the funds for?
I use the scholarship to cover my accommodation, medical expenses and insurance, as well as my coach’s travel expenses.

What have been the main highlights of your career so far?
The 2007 African Games in Algiers, which was my first big international competition, where I finished in sixth place. Obviously the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 was a highlight, and then the 2009 African Championships in Tunis, where I finished second. The 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia, were also good, but my best memory and my best performance was in the Olympic Qualifying Championship in Alexandria, where I finished in third place to secure my ticket to London!

What are your goals for the future?
In London in 2012, I hope to finish in the top 10. In September, I am aiming to become African champion, and then I hope to continue rowing while taking courses to become a rowing coach. My long-term goal is to become national coach of Cameroon.

Did you have any Olympic heroes when you were younger?
I watched the Olympic Games on television and liked the high jump, especially watching [1992 Olympic Champion from Cuba] Javier Sotomayor.

Do you use social media to keep in touch with your friends, family and fans?
Yes, I’m on Facebook. And I remain in contact with my family, friends and coaches while I am in France. It is essential to keep your spirits up when you’re away from home!

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

Soumyajit Ghosh looks forward to London 2012

7/2/2012 3:38:00 PM

Olympic Review catches up with Olympic Solidarity scholarship holders as they target London 2012. The North Bengal teenager Soumyajit Ghosh became the first Indian to medal in the World Junior Table Tennis Championships in 2010. Having since helped India win the junior boys’ team bronze, Ghosh is hoping his Olympic Solidarity scholarship will lead to further success.

When did you first start to get involved with table tennis?
I took up table tennis as a hobby when I was five years old.

How has the Olympic Solidarity programme helped you?
The programme has helped me lot. The Olympic Solidarity scholarship enabled me to travel to Falkenberg, in Sweden, to train under [former doubles world and European champion] Peter Karlsson and play at the Falkenberg club with some other good players. Without the scholarship it would have been difficult to cover those costs.

How did training in Sweden help you develop as a player?
I tried my best during the training sessions with Peter Karlsson. Our hard work and Peter’s good advice – as well as a lot of support from the Table Tennis Federation of India – helped us win the team bronze at the World Junior Championships in 2011. I also won bronze in the World Junior Championships in 2010. Those medals have been the highlight of my sporting career so far.

What are your targets for the future?
My target is to play consistently in the top 20 in the world rankings.

Who were your Olympic heroes when you were growing up?
My favourite hero is [Sweden’s former Olympic, world and European champion] Jan-Ove Waldner. I think he is the best table tennis player ever.

Do you use social media to keep in touch with people?
Yes, I use social networking to make friends and stay in touch with family, friends and fans.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

Ella Nicholas, on her way to London 2012

6/28/2012 4:51:00 PM

Olympic Review catches up with Olympic Solidarity scholarship holders as they target London 2012. Ella Nicholas, an ambitious canoe athlete, has London 2012 firmly in her sights as she aims to become only the sixth woman from the Cook Islands to compete in an Olympic Games.

What was it like growing up in the Cook Islands?
I was actually born in New Zealand as my father left the Cook Islands to go to university. My family regularly travels back to the Cooks as my grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins all live there, either in Rarotonga or Aitutaki – the two main islands. I love the sea, snorkelling, the lagoon and the coconut palms. The people are so friendly and family is what really matters, so I am lucky to live between the two countries and have a blend of both cultures.

How did you start canoeing?
My brother started at school when he was 12 and I just followed along. My school was very supportive of a large group of girls getting into the sport, which also helped.

How has the Olympic Solidarity programme helped you?
It has made it possible for me to keep paddling and competing, striving towards my goal of taking part in the Olympic Games. Without this support I would not be able to combine study and paddling. I am taking a year off university next year to train full-time in preparation for the Games.

What do you use the funding for?
The funding goes towards the costs of my coach, gym membership and expenses, travelling to training and racing. I have been to Europe twice this year for World Cups and World Championships.

Who do you train with?
In Dunedin, where I am studying, we have formed a training group with New Zealand team member Shaun Higgins, and my brother Bryden and sister Jane who are very supportive. My coach Aaron Osborne and I use the internet to review my progress and get together for white water sessions when we can.

What does your training programme consist of?
My training programme is written by Aaron. I usually do two training sessions per day and it changes around a lot depending on what phase of training I am in and when races are. Usually I do three-week blocks of the same format followed by one week with more rest. Because I live in Dunedin I don’t have regular access to a white water course, otherwise this would make up a lot of my programme. Instead,I have to do mostly flatwater training and if it is too cold I use the kayaking ergo at my gym, along with cardio sessions and weight training. In winter we try to mix it up and my coach gives me the option of swimming and biking as well.

How do you combine training with your studies?
It’s pretty tough. I have been learning to balance them for such a long time that now I seem to keep more on top of things. However, my course is full-time and has a lot of content and class time so I do find it quite hard. I try to keep a good routine and use all my spare time wisely – which doesn’t always work! This year my studies seem to have been the lower priority and I have had to miss some classes due to training and racing. However, right now I am in the lead-up to my end-of-year exams, so training has to move a little further down the priority list.

What are your targets for 2012 in London?
Now that New Zealand and Australia have qualified, I have to make the Oceania Continental spot in February, but as the Cook Islands was the only other Oceania country at the World Championships, I should earn the spot. After my exams in October, I will be taking a year off university to train full-time. All I can ask of myself is to do my best. I want to have a really good build-up and feel like I have prepared the best I can. I want to go into the race confidently and perform to the best of my ability. I also hope to have a lot of fun in the process because, at the end of the day, everyone is there to win and not everyone can. It is important that we all take something positive from the experience, regardless of whether we win the gold medal or not.

What excites you most about the chance to compete at the Olympic Games in London?
In primary school, when the Olympic Games were on, we had whole weeks dedicated to being immersed in everything Olympic. We learnt the history of the Olympic Games and we were taught that they are a way of unifying the world and putting people from every walk of life on an equal platform, to be compared by nothing other than sporting ability. I am excited to become a part of this history and being able to contribute to something that makes our world stronger. Also, to be in the company of the greatest athletes from all over the world will be an honour.

Who were your Olympic heroes when you were younger?
New Zealand athletes Sarah Ulmer (cycling) and the Evers-Swindell twins (rowing). Although neither competed in sports that I loved, they were still great role models and amazing women.

How do you communicate with fans, friends and family? Do you use social media?
Social networks are my main way of communicating with friends. When I am away I call my family on the computer. I do have a blog but I am not very good at updating it. I am investigating getting a website too.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

On the road to London 2012: Natalya Coyle

6/25/2012 2:30:00 PM

After becoming the first Irish modern pentathlete to qualify for the World Cup Final, Natalya Coyle is targeting next year’s Olympic Games in London thanks to the support of her Olympic Solidarity Scholarship.

How did you get started in modern pentathlon?
I first started horse riding with the Pony Club when I was very young and then moved up the ranks and did tetrathlons [a combination of riding, running, swimming and shooting]. I was on the international teams and eventually I just picked up the fencing. Then two years ago, when our coach Lindsey Weedon came over, she really got us into it. Up until last year I hadn’t actually done a World Cup, so she really got us going and set up the standards.

How does your Olympic Solidarity scholarship help you?
Without it, I wouldn’t be able to compete. It’s an expensive sport, but fortunately because of the scholarship I’ve been able to go to all the World Cups, which helped me qualify for the World Cup Final, and hopefully I’ll be able to qualify for London 2012. Without it I really wouldn’t have been able to go anywhere.

What does it take to be good at modern pentathlon?
A lot of time and dedication. Five sports takes a lot of time – many people think we’re just average at each of the sports, but when you pull them all together it does take a lot of time and effort. To try and work it all in with college as well is really difficult – I don’t think I’d be able to do it without Lindsey, who arranges our schedules.

What are the challenges of training for five different disciplines?
Injury would be a big one because you’re crossing over so much. It’s also very tiring as you’re trying to fit in about four training sessions a day. When you’re running hard in the morning, swimming hard in the evening and trying to fit fencing in between you’re just exhausted. I like to sleep a lot!

Is there one discipline that you prefer over the others?
I’ve always ridden horses – I started when I was young and I’ve done that a lot, so that really would be my favourite one and fortunately I don’t have to work on that as much as the others. I only just picked up fencing a couple of years ago so I have to work really hard at that compared to the others.

Do you have any sporting heroes, either in modern pentathlon or in other sports?
In modern pentathlon I’d definitely say Georgina Harland. She was the bronze medallist in Athens in 2004 and she came over and gave us a speech when we were just picking up the first high performance standards. She really inspired us. Outside modern pentathlon, I suppose athletes like Carolina Kluft who do multiple events and still manage to perform at their best.

What would it be like for you to compete in the London Olympic Games and who would be your main rivals?
Well, hopefully first of all I make it, and then I can think about rivals and places. There are so many top-class athletes, especially among the British team – they have so many athletes going for just two places. It’s the same with Germany, Italy and China. So just getting there is the first step.

What would you look forward to most about London 2012?
Just the whole experience. Who wouldn’t say that going to the Olympic Games is a dream? To represent my country and my sport and hopefully make it more well-known around the world.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like just hanging out with my friends, like anyone else, and I like sleeping! I go to college as well – just normal things that everyone else does.

You finished 20th at the World Cup Final in London in July – how much of a boost was that for you as you target Olympic qualification?
It’s fantastic to have placed so high, it really gives me a confidence boost for the rest of the season. I’m really starting to believe in myself, and when you do that anything’s possible. London [2012] is so far away but this is a step in the right direction for me. It’s going to be a long road, but it really would be phenomenal to be on the start list for the Olympic Games and I’m going to do all I can do to get there.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

Olympic Solidarity: William Chetcuti

6/21/2012 5:09:00 PM

Olympic Review catches up with Olympic Solidarity scholarship holders as they target London 2012. After narrowly missing out on the top six places in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, 26-year-old Maltese double trap shooter William Chetcuti is hoping his Olympic Solidarity scholarship will help him achieve a place on the podium in London in 2012, having recently won gold at the 2011 ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Beijing

What role has the Olympic Solidarity scholarship had in your training and in your career development?
I’ve recently been accepted for another quadrennial scholarship, which will definitely help me with my intense preparation towards the London 2012 Olympic Games. Soon after I got my first scholarship, I won a silver medal in double trap during the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) in San Marino in 2001. From then onwards, thanks to the Olympic Solidarity scholarships, I have continued to develop my technique and training programmes.

Looking ahead to London 2012, what has been your experience of competing in England so far?
England always offers different experiences at different levels and, as I hope to be able to qualify for the double trap final for London 2012, it helps that I can recall that one of my greatest achievements was in England – at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where I won my first Commonwealth Games bronze medal. I managed to repeat the feat in 2006 in Melbourne.

How did your career in clay shooting begin?
I started when I was about 10 years old, first with my grandfather – who had practised clay shooting at club level – and soon after with my father. Originally I started in trap but then, supported by Saviour Portelli, President of the Malta Shooting Sports Federation, and my coach, Jimmy Bugeja, I opted for double trap. I’ve never regretted making this decision.

How has your career developed in recent years?
Following the silver medal at the GSSE in San Marino in 2001, I won the gold medal in 2003 in Malta, in 2005 in Andorra and in 2009 in Cyprus. During the Junior World Championships in Cyprus in 2004 I also managed to break the junior world record with 146 clays out of 150. This record was equalled recently but has not yet been beaten.

What does it take to be a world-class double trap shooter?
It’s a matter of training, concentration, continuous participation and, of course, one must feel the constant need to always go a step further. In 2008, during the World Championships, I managed to finish in sixth place. During the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Beijing this year, I entered the final barrage with 141 out of 150. Following this I managed to hit 44 clays, which meant I won my first gold medal in a World Cup. Moreover, with this result I became the first Maltese shooter to obtain a quota place for the Olympic Games.

Your attention will soon be turning to London 2012. How important are these Games for your career?
London 2012 will be my third Games. In 2004 in Athens, when I was also flag bearer of the Maltese team, I finished in joint sixth place but then, following a shoot-off, I ended up in ninth, missing out on a place in the top six. Four years later in Beijing I went a step further when, after finishing joint sixth again, I ended up in eighth place following a shoot-off. This was Malta’s best ever result in any Olympic Games since its first participation at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. I will be looking forward to London 2012 with the aim of doing better than I did in Athens and Beijing.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

On the road to London 2012: Tanja Bozovic

6/18/2012 11:12:00 AM

Tanja Bozovic, the talented young judoka from Niksic, Montenegro hopes to qualify for the Games in London with the aid of a Solidarity scholarship.

How did you get started in judo?
My older brother had started to train, and I was jealous of him. I didn’t want him to be stronger than me so I begged my parents to let me try! Eventually they gave in, and so it all began. I’m now 17 years old and competing in junior competitions in the 57kg category.

What are the main attributes needed to be a successful judoka?
There are various strengths you need and, of course, people are all different, but my guess is that every judoka needs to be mentally tough. That is one of the most important things in this sport.

How is the Olympic Solidarity scholarship assisting your training and Olympic dreams?
Thanks to the Olympic Solidarity scholarship I can take part in more events across Europe and even in other parts of the world. I can now afford to travel to training camps, which I was not able to do previously – this means my preparation is much better for competitions and I can achieve better results.

What is your training programme like?
I train with both the girls and boys at my judo club – most are older competitors though some are a similar age to me. I train twice daily. Morning training consists of running, strength exercises and judo practice on the mats. In the afternoon, I concentrate on exercise technique, agility and the mental side of things – how to concentrate during a bout. Three times a week I go to aerobics classes and once a week I do heavy weights in the gym.

Have you set yourself any targets for the Games in London?
Assuming I achieve the required number of points to qualify for the Olympic Games, then you can be sure that I want to win a medal in such an important event. Although I am only young, I think that I can represent my country with honour.

Have you been to London before?
No, I have not had a chance to visit the city but I hope to go there in the near future and if not, then definitely next year for the Olympic Games.

What goals, if any, have you set yourself for your career?
I would like to be somebody that my country can be proud of, and to enjoy as long a career in this sport as possible. I wish that in 10 years’ time my name will be synonymous with the sport of judo!

Who were your Olympic heroes or role models when you were growing up?
At first I did not have any role models but since I started as a judoka with dreams of competing in the Olympic Games, Teddy Rinner of France – who has won the World Championships for the last three years – has become one of my biggest role models.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.

Malick Fall - Taking Senegalese swimming to London 2012

6/14/2012 10:42:00 AM

The Senegalese swimmer is hoping his Olympic Solidarity scholarship will help him make a real splash in London 2012.

How has the Solidarity programme helped you?

The Olympic Solidarity programme helps hugely. Last year, for example, I was having financial troubles and I had to work to be able to pay my bills and to continue training. I couldn't travel to the African Championships because I had to work, so the Solidarity programme helped to pay my way and participate in competitions and events I wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.

So it has effectively allowed you to continue chasing your dream?

It’s always been my dream to achieve something in sport, representing Senegal. There are not many black African swimmers, but I’ve persisted by telling myself that we will make a breakthrough. Olympic Solidarity has allowed me to follow my dream.

Tell us about swimming in Senegal.

It’s not the national sport in Senegal, that’s for sure. But we’re starting to make real progress. Ever since I began competing at the top level, one of my objectives has been to help develop swimming in Africa – not just Senegal – to educate and inspire kids so that they start swimming and understand what swimming is all about.

How hard is it to grow up as an ambitious swimmer in Africa?

Many countries in Africa don’t have swimming pools or adequate facilities. Swimming is also a hard sport and you have to be passionate about it if you want to succeed. It certainly won’t make you a millionaire, and most athletes want to make a living. We do it because we're passionate about the sport, not for the money.

Do you think your success has helped change peoples’ attitudes?

I’ve been African champion twice and medalled several times, which is something our national sport (football) hasn’t succeeded in doing. It shows that swimming is starting to progress. And there are a few younger swimmers who are starting to come up the ranks and show some good results. It’s promising for the future.

You competed at the Sydney Games in 2000. How did that come about?

I was invited to Sydney to take part and ever since then it has been my objective to qualify for the Olympic Games by my own right. The experience of seeing big swimmers in the flesh really motivated me. It was my first real international meet and it did me a lot of good, in the sense that I got to meet some big champions and to better understand the culture of swimming.
I came to the sport quite late, at 13 years old. So when I was in Sydney two years later, I saw the times everyone was doing and that’s when I realised the work I had in front of me.

You are arguably Africa’s strongest swimmer, but have you made noticeable progress?

In Beijing I swam 1:02, so I’m getting steadily better. It really brought me up to international level. The best swimmers in the world do the 100m breaststroke in one minute. Last year I swam a personal best of 1:01 without really having a solid training base under my belt, so I hope that in London I can keep going and get a real result.

How do you maintain your motivation?

I’ve always loved swimming. I left everyone behind in Senegal to follow my dream. It’s a very personal thing; I know I’ve got something to offer the sport because I know what I’m capable of. The day I do something at the Olympic Games, I’m sure all of Africa will sit up and take notice, and that’s going to help inspire a lot of kids in Africa to take up swimming.

Olympic Solidarity: Dana Haider Touran

3/2/2012 4:52:00 PM

Olympic Review catches up with one of the Olympic solidarity scholarship holders as she targets London 2012. After silver medals at the Youth Olympic Games and the Asian Games, Jordan’s rising taekwondo star Dana Haider Touran is hoping her Olympic Solidarity scholarship will lead to further success at the 2012 Olympic Games.

How has the Olympic Solidarity programme helped you?
The programme helps me a lot. I was having financial troubles and unable to cover the expenditures of competing in this sport at the level required. I was unable to travel to the overseas camps that would help me improve, but with the Solidarity programme I have been able to practise regardless of financial problems and it has allowed me to focus completely on my sport.

So it has effectively allowed you to continue chasing your dream?
It’s always been my dream to represent Jordan and try to win medals for my country on the international stage. I really want to win Jordan’s first Olympic medal and the Olympic Solidarity programme has allowed me to follow my dream.

Is taekwondo a popular sport in Jordan?
Over the past few years it has become the most popular individual sport here. I think this is because we have been successful in winning medals internationally, which has meant more publicity and attracted more young people into the sport.

How hard is it to grow up as an ambitious taekwondo player in Jordan?
Taekwondo needs equipment and adequate facilities but in Jordan there are a lot more opportunities than in most countries. It is hard though and in order to succeed you have to be passionate about it. My main point to get across is that we do this sport for love and not money.

You competed in the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and also the Asian Games in Guangzhou. How did that come about?
I was chosen to compete in these two events because of my achievements and they have given me tremendous experience. I won silver at both; however, now I am focused firstly on trying to qualify for London 2012 and then hopefully winning a medal.

How do you maintain your motivation?
I love taekwondo. My motivation is the Jordanian flag and trying to do my best to bring home success to the Jordanian people.

How did you get started in taekwondo?
I started through my school when my teacher advised me to take up kickboxing. After one month I tried taekwondo and took to it straight away. At the age of nine I practised taekwondo intensively and won many local championships despite my age. After that I broke into the national team.

What are the main attributes needed to be a successful taekwondo player?
There are various qualities you need such as speed, but the most important thing are your reactions because they allow you to expect the move of your competitor and decide when you should attack.

What is your training programme like?
I train with both boys and girls and prefer to train with boys because they have the strategies and technique that I need to improve. Normally I train twice a day – in the morning for technique and in the afternoon I go to the gym. After training I sometimes do aerobics.

Have you set yourself any targets for the Games in London in 2012?
I hope to qualify for London first and then I will fight to win a gold medal – Jordan’s first.

Who was your Olympic hero or role model when you were growing up?
Turkey’s Servet Tazegül, a three-time world champion, has been my hero since I was young. He’s the best.

How do you communicate with fans, friends and family? Do you use social media?
Fans have set up four groups on social networks for me and I also have my own account, which I update regularly. I respond to fans’ questions on the groups by checking them twice a day. I also share videos and pictures. I use micro-blogging as well. Social media is important and a modern way to allow family, friends and fans to keep up to date with my progress; it is so easy to use.

Olympic Solidarity

Olympic Solidarity is the body that ensures that talented athletes, regardless of their financial status, have an equal chance of reaching the Olympic Games and succeeding in the Olympic arena.

It is responsible for administering and managing the National Olympic Committees’ share of the revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games.

Working in particular with the most disadvantaged NOCs and their Continental Associations, Olympic Solidarity uses this money to develop a range of assistance programmes.

Within its total budget, USD 61 million is earmarked to provide support to athletes for the 2009-2012 Olympic Solidarity quadrennial period.