00:00Firstly, Richard, just tell us a bit about the roles that teachers played in your fantastic
00:07success, you know, throughout all those gold medals and how sort of important they were
00:12for you.
00:13I've been really fortunate enough to have so many people around me that have given me
00:17the tools and the support that's needed for that success. I think the opportunity that
00:24we have at this present time, it's about kind of giving back to those individuals that have
00:30supported me with their timeless support and showing how thankful we are for that success.
00:37And what sort of impact did they have on you and why has it lasted so long? Obviously,
00:42you know, you're such a young age at that time where these teachers are involved in
00:46your life and that, you know, you sort of never forget how important that was to you.
00:51And when you've achieved things like your fantastic sporting career, or it could be
00:56anything in life really, but they do tend to last.
01:00It has a massive impact on their sport and hobbies in the future. So you think about
01:04maybe that support you have from that form tutor that started you within your swimming
01:09journey or canoeing or equestrian, then the likelihood is that you'll start to pick up
01:15a hobby outside of school that will then be with you for the rest of your life. So these
01:20are key inspirational, liberating figures that provide you with the tools for future
01:27life. And we all have those. We all have those obstacles and challenges in our life. And
01:33these teachers selflessly give their time and effort. Sometimes financially, they support
01:39their pupils in becoming the better form of their self. And for me, it's really important
01:44now that we show them that we care about them, be kind, show them that gratification.
01:51And how good are the games for actually inspiring the next generation? Obviously, London 2012
01:57will have been watched by so many who are actually competing now in 2024.
02:02When I go around to sporting environments, to school environments, showing the videos
02:07of London 2012, it's a great moment to share how we came together as a country to really
02:15support not just sport for Olympians and Paralympians, but also the legacy from that, whether it's
02:22new training facilities or coaching structures, or liberating children around the possibilities.
02:29That's why it's really important that when we put on those tracksuits, we feel it's more
02:34than just the sport. It's about the legacy we leave. And that is so important. And France
02:41being so close, there's an opportunity to jump on the train or jump on the ferry over
02:47to France and actually watch some high level sport. Or when the successful athletes come
02:53back into your community, really celebrate that success and be liberated to be a sportsman
02:58or woman in the future.
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