Sport

Shanaze Reade: Olympic Gold Guaranteed

If you can’t beat them, join them. That’s our attitude when it comes to the impending Olympics, especially since it only happens once every 64 years at this rate. In light of Swan being proud sponsors of the Yamaha Superbiking team, we thought it appropriate to stay on two wheels and back Shanaze Reade, who is said to be the favourite to win a double gold in BMX and Track Cycling this summer.

We’re big fans of those who break the mould. For someone who purchased their first BMX for only a round pound as a wee bairn, Reade’s determination has seen her conquer in and above a sport mostly associated with lads. This queen bee most certainly has her game plan sorted.

To us it seems Reade has made some wise choices, taking inspiration from Jamie Staff, Dame Kelly Holmes and Daley Thompson. Known for her drive and power, her valour afforded her to win the UCI BMX World Championships three times over.

Of course, that’s simply not enough. This isn’t the first time Reade has found herself on Olympic soil, after competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although being the first one to admit she wasn’t as successful as she’d have hoped, good on the girl for keeping her eyes firmly on the prize.

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Reade recalled that at the time of the 2008 Olympics, the media attention got the better of her and she let her “head [get] swayed”. But what warms the cockles of our respective hearts is what keeps her grounded – the strong influence of her youth coach, Bob Fields, from her hometown of Crewe. “If it hadn’t have been for Black Bob I wouldn’t be here”.

Plus, who else gets to make a living out of taking their hobby to the Olympics? It’s more than clear Reade has the hunger for astounding success – not only in the BMX and Track Cycling events, but in the Freestyle BMX and Match Sprint too. So no pressure Shanaze, pedal on and do us proud!

Reade features in photographic exhibition Britain United - an open air exhibition from adidas, sponsors of Team GB, ParalympicsGB and London 2012. The free exhibition features 20 athletes from across Great Britain and is displayed outside the Tate Modern on London's South Bank until Wednesday, September 17.

Image © Britain United by Adidas, source: www.london2012.com

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