Katherine Grainger hails Charlotte Bankes' inspirational Olympic journey

Dame Katherine Grainger has hailed the impact of Team GB’s Charlotte Bankes on the next generation of snow sporting talent, despite missing out on a medal in snowboard cross at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Grainger was speaking in Bankes’ hometown of Hemel Hempstead in support of Winter Olympic athletes and to celebrate National Lottery players' vital role in funding British talent.

Together, The National Lottery and government have invested £32million into British Olympic and Paralympic winter athletes and sports for Beijing, allowing Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s dedicated and passionate athletes to achieve their dreams of representing the nation.

Many of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes have come from a range of backgrounds, having started their journeys at local, National Lottery-funded facilities, such as The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.

Grainger is delighted to see Team GB athletes performing on the world stage in the Chinese capital – and is encouraged about the chances of the next generation of athletes who will take to the Olympic snow and ice.

The five-time Olympic medallist said: “The kids have come off the slopes and they're in their ski helmets and their union jacks and they're so excited to have seen Charlotte in her Team GB outfit, and it was a brilliant start from Charlotte.

“As an athlete and through my chair role at UK Sport, I’ve realised that we are inspired by athletes in other sports, and even being here with all these young people cheering on Charlotte Bankes over in Beijing, it is just amazing.

“To have just seen her at the Winter Olympics wearing Team GB colours and flying the flag will get the children here thinking 'that could be me' and want to follow in her footsteps, and aspirations