Colin Jackson urges kids to ‘have a go’ after Euro 2022 and Commonwealth Games
Jackson and Olympic cyclist Dani Rowe both praised the country’s role models and sports facilities for inspiring the younger generation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former athletes Colin Jackson and Dani Rowe have said the Commonwealth Games and Lionesses’ Euros victory have made 2022 a “hugely important” year in sport, particularly for inspiring young people.
Ex-Team GB cyclist Rowe and former world champion hurdler Jackson both praised the UK’s top sports stars and hopes children will be encouraged to acquire a “having-a-go attitude”.
Jackson told the PA news agency he wants children to be motivated by athletes’ success.
“Us as top athletes, when we compete we never want people to to marvel and think ‘I can’t do it’,” the 55-year-old told the PA news agency.
“What you want them to do is marvel and say, ‘Oh, I’ll have a go.’
“And that ‘having a go’ attitude I think (children) will take through the whole of their life – they will taste a little bit of success and think, ‘I can do this.’
“And they won’t be afraid to take on challenges, that’s going to be really important for their future.”
Jackson said the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, a venue partially funded by a £7.5million contribution from the National Lottery, is an example of “inspirational” facilities for young people.
“We need facilities like this for the youngsters to come to when they’ve been inspired by those sports stars, to train and feel like they’re part of a journey,” he said. “And then the magic can really happen.”
He also likened winning gold at the Commonwealth Games to sitting an exam.
“You have no idea what the outcome is going to be, but you feel you’ve done all the preparation,” Jackson said.
“And then once the result comes and soon, you’re an A star student. You’ve done the best you possibly can… Those emotions are exactly the same.”
Less than a week on from Euro 2022 victory for England’s Lionesses, former road and track cyclist and Olympic gold medallist Rowe said the win gave her goosebumps.
“I was driving home from eight days of commentary (on the women’s Tour de France) listening to the women’s Euros on the radio, and I had goosebumps,” Rowe, 31, told PA.
“It was just incredible and everyone was talking about it, that is so powerful.
“You see young girls in their football kits now and you didn’t really see that before.
“This year will be hugely important for that change for women’s sport.”
She expressed similar sentiments to Jackson on the visibility of role models and sports facilities for young people.
“Events like this are so important because they’re televised and it means young children, boys and girls, can watch it and actually be inspired,” Rowe said.
“I think it all comes back to that visibility, the role models that work there – that support structure to be able to make a career option, I don’t think has been there until now.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments