By DPA,
Beijing : Britain aimed Friday to improve even further its sensational medal haul at the Beijing Olympics in the presence of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and amid hopes that the good results will last beyond the 2012 Games in London.
Brown Friday watched the fencing portion of the women’s modern pentathlon after which Heather Fell was placed fourth overall and within striking position of the medals.
Britain entered the day with 17 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze medals for an overall tally of 40 from its stunning showing in China – its best ever at the Olympics apart from the 56-51-39 haul when London hosted the Games 100 years ago.
Canoeist Tim Brabants was a gold medal favourite while boxers James DeGale, Tony Jeffries and David Price are already assured of bronze, with Friday’s semi-finals to determine if more is possible.
Led by Chris Hoy, who was part of seven cycling golds, the national Olympic frenzy has reached huge proportions, to which also the vast sailing success with four golds contributed.
Rowers have enjoyed big success as well, while Rebecca Romero switched from rowing to cycling finally get the gold. The showcase sport of athletics has seen a Briton atop the podium in the form of 400m runner Christine Ohuruogu.
“We have a group of very talented sailors who are driven to ensure they leave no stone unturned in the quest for Olympic gold. Those sailors are supported by a great group of coaches and support staff to help them fulfil their potential,” Royal Yachting Association Olympic manager Stephen Park said.
But Park also warned that the Beijing success can not necessarily be matched in London.
“What joy! Domestic sport stars delivering world-beating performances under maximum pressure. In place of the usual hard-luck stories and feeble excuses for failure, we have feasted at the top table of Olympic prowess,” said The Daily Telegraph.
A parade of Beijing heroes has been set for October (to incorporate athletes from next month’s Paralympics) culminating in a reception by the Queen.
“It’s a fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of the whole team,” said Britain’s top Olympic official Simon Clegg.
The big British effort did not go un-noticed abroad either.
“In Athens, the country’s medal total was 30, which was fewer than nine other countries. But in Beijing, the empire has bounced back,” said Time Magazine.
This suddenly muscular showing augurs well: London will be the site of the 2012 Summer Games, and the hosts-to-be want so much for their athletes to distinguish themselves at home that funding for competitive Olympic training programs – already greatly improved over the last decade – is set to increase further ahead of the event.”
The London Games are supposed to leave a lasting legacy as far as facilities and sports in general is concerned. The government also hopes that sports will bring youngsters away from the streets and into healthy eating habits.
As far as sports is concerned, London organising committee chairman Sebastian Coe, the two-time 1,500m gold medallist, hopes that the Beijing showing can boost British sports beyond London, just like Australia profited in this area from the Sydney 2000 Games.
“We take our hats off to what has been done by the competitors,” said Coe. “The Australians won more medals in Athens (2004).”