5 October 2011 - EDWARDS: “I cannot believe how well they shoot!”

EDWARDS: “I cannot believe how well they shoot!” London – 5 October 2011   Yesterday was a busy day at the London Archery Classic. The media briefing turned out to be a great success with around 50 media representatives who made their way to the Lord’s Cricket Ground, including Matthew PINCENT (four Olympic gold medals in four Games in rowing) who is now reporter at the BBC. Another guest star was in attendance to watch the men’s team event, Jonathan EDWARDS. We caught up with the gold medallist in triple jump from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and silver medallist in Atlanta. EDWARDS is still the world record holder of the triple jump since 1995!  Hello Jonathan, what brought you to the London Archery Classic today? Hello! I am Chairman of the Athletes Committee at the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG). So I took the opportunity of this archery Test Event to come and check out if everything is all right for the athletes. I try to look at what is happening behind the scene, have the feeling of the athletes and see how I could support the sports competition department to make the stay of the athletes as smooth as possible.   What are your thoughts so far? The Lord’s Cricket Ground is of course a fantastic venue and I hope the archers appreciate it. As far as I have heard so far, they seem to enjoy their time in this venue. The athletes lounge is also very modern and comfortable.   What do you think about archery? I cannot believe how well they shoot! It seems so difficult and they make it look so easy! I have shot myself at some local functions, but it was at very close ranges. No comparison with what these athletes do! (Editors note: Jonathan could not have chosen a better time to watch a match as the men’s Korean team broke the world record!)   How do you fancy the British chances next year? Well! Of course we hope for some home success. I believe preparation and funding play a key role in the end results, and I am happy that in the UK the athletes receive a lot of support nowadays, for instance from the Lottery. However, I really hope all the athletes will enjoy their experience at the London 2012 Olympic Games!   Thank you Jonathan and we hope to see you again at Lord’s for archery!   Didier MIEVILLE World Archery Communication