Redgrave sees more medals in Rio

Sir Steve Redgrave insists Great Britain can exceed its London 2012 medal tally at the Rio Games.
20 March 2014

Sir Steve Redgrave is convinced a dramatic shift-change in the nation's attitude to sporting success can pave the way for Great Britain to exceed its 65-strong London medal haul at the Rio Olympics.

Five-time Olympic champion Redgrave insists there is no reason to consider a repeat of 2012's post-War record - which included 29 golds - unattainable in Brazil, irrespective of the loss of home advantage.

Redgrave told Press Association Sport: "I have got every confidence that we will win more medals across the board in Rio than we did in London.

"We have the talent, the desire and the infrastructure to get those results. It might be difficult to repeat the 29 golds, but I still see it being in the 20s in Rio, and given recent history that is unbelievable."

History backs up Redgrave's bold ambition, with both Australia and China coming close to maintaining their respective 2004 and 2008 medal tallies when they engaged in their post-hosting Games four years later.

Redgrave, speaking as a patron for the Jaguar Academy of Sport, added: "Less than 20 years ago we were only looking at one handful of gold medals at an Olympic Games and it was beyond most people's dreams.

"Just getting there was a big goal, but now people are saying, 'actually, I can be really good at my discipline and I can win medals'.

"London has changed everything. The UK went through a long period where it almost seemed better to be a gallant loser than a winner. Now we are starting to realise that it is actually better to be a winner."

Redgrave was no slouch when it came to hauling in the gold medals for Great Britain but he is convinced if he had had access to the kind of infrastructure now available to up-and-coming athletes he might have made an even greater mark on history.

He added: "Our rising stars are outstanding performers in their own right and their wealth of knowledge and experience means they are all a lot further advanced than I was at their age.

"If I had had that experience maybe I would have been able to get to the top a lot quicker. It's very difficult to quantify but the more elite training you do the more will come out of it, and the more successful you will become.

:: Sir Steve Redgrave is a Patron for the Jaguar Academy of Sport, which aims to nurture and inspire British sporting excellence. www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk

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