After more than 15 years driving her teenage soon up and down the country to watch his incredible routines as he competes in dozens of competitions, Elaine Petch will be able to share her son's ultimate dream when he takes part in the Olympic games on Saturday.

Miss Petch (44) was left with no other option but to watch the then 16-year-old's flawless performance in the men's pommel horse final of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games back in March 2006, which saw Louis scoop a gold medal, at her home in Cleve Place, Eye, near Peterborough.

But two years on, and the mum-of-two was determined to do everything in her power to ensure she would see her son in action in the world's greatest sporting event.

Feature: Diary: The Beijing 2008 Olympics
The ET is following Olympic hopefuls Louis Smith and Julie Hollman at the Beijing games - peterboroughtoday.co.uk/olympics08.

And so Louis's grandmother, Dilys Petch (86), and aunt, Dorothy Coleman, rallied round to ensure the dream trip can be shared between mother and son.

Miss Petch said: "This is the biggest moment of his life, and to experience it with him and be there to support him will be the best moment of my life.

"I have been with him in all his competitions in the UK, but because of the cost I haven't managed all the international competitions.

"This is probably the biggest one he will ever compete in, so I am just so over the moon that I will see him do his best."

Now it is hoped the former Arthur Mellows College pupil, who trains six days a week at Huntingdon Olympic Gymnastics Club, will wow the crowds with his unique talent and bring an Olympic medal back to the city.

Miss Petch said: "I am really excited about watching him live, but I am also quite apprehensive as a parent.

"He has trained all these years for this and he will only have five minutes, maybe less, to demonstrate how talented he is, and anything can happen in that time.

"My heart will be in my mouth while I am watching."

Louis (19), who arrived in Beijing on July 27, will be competing in six gymnastics disciplines, but it is on the pommel horse where many believe he has an excellent chance of scooping a medal.

The teenager's 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.

As mum and son enjoy the atmosphere in China, relatives and friends back home, including his brother, Leon (22), will be watching the action live on television.

Miss Petch added: "With the scores Louis is getting at the moment, he has a good chance of coming back with a medal.

"The career he has chosen is such a sacrifice, which takes up all of his social time. I am so proud of him and overwhelmed to have this opportunity."