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Olympics: Family tunes in to see their star shine
Peterboreough will be watching on Olympic star Louis Smith today (August 9) as he goes for gold in the world's ultimate sporting competition.
Peterboreough will be watching on Olympic star Louis Smith today (August 9) as he goes for gold in the world's ultimate sporting competition.The young hopeful, who is being spurred on by relatives and friends in Beijing and at home in Peterborough, began competing in his six gymnastics disciplines in Beijing at 5am this morning and will appear on our TV screens again at 1pm.
It is then hoped the teenager, from Cleve Place, Eye, near Peterborough, who has an excellent chance of scooping a medal on the pommel horse, will also go on to compete in the Men's Team and Men's Individual All-Around final on Tuesday at 3am and 4am.
The 19-year-old's mum, Elaine Petch flew out to support her son and share his dream of competing in the Olympics following a generous 2,500 donation from family members.
Speaking from Beijing, Elaine said: "I only arrived on Friday. It is like a sauna out here. I can't wait to watch Louis today. I have my fingers crossed but whatever happens I will be so proud of him."
Related:
Peterborough Today's Olympic Diary - peterboroughtoday.co.uk/olympics08
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But while mum and son soak up the atmosphere in China, relatives and friends back home, including his brother, Leon (22), will be watching the action live on television.
Louis' uncle, Brian Townsend has been glued to the television since the opening ceremony with the teenager's grandmother Dilys Petch yesterday.
Mr Townsend who has travelled down from Newcastle to watch Louis with his relatives, said: "The opening ceremony was fantastic and I am really looking forward to seeing Louis in action.
"It is wonderful to have a nephew competing in such an amazing sporting event. We will be watching Louis' every step and just hope that he comes back with a medal."
Louis' flair for gymnastics started at the young age of four where he went to special classes at Werrington Sports Centre.
He moved to the Huntingdon club when he was six when it became clear he had an athletic talent.
Over the next 15 days, the Olympics will see more than 10,500 of the best international athletes will compete for the 302 gold medals up for grabs across 28 sports.
The Games of the 29th Olympiad officially opened at 8.08pm (1.08pm in England).
Team GB consists of more than 300 British competitors who are hoping their performances give them a solid footing for success at the 2012 Games in London.
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