Triple Olympic silver medallist Katherine Grainger says her preparations for London 2012 could not be going any better.
Triple silver medallist training well in quest for gold
Triple Olympic silver medallist Katherine Grainger says her preparations for London 2012 could not be going any better.
The veteran rower is still chasing an elusive gold medal after taking silvers in the last three Olympics in Sydney, Athens and Beijing.
Finally taking gold would be the perfect way for Grainger to round off her career and the 35-year-old says she "can't wait" for the Games to start.
"Everyone's very aware it's just around the corner. We've cleared the '500 days to go' mark," the Scot said.
"It kind of feels like it's on the doorstep. Training's as hard as ever and the intensity is definitely ramping up.
"We've got world championships this year and everything we do now is just vitally important to get right.
Peak
"It's during the Olympics you want to peak. I had a very, very successful season last year and at this point I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It's going exactly where I would want it to be.
"There's still a lot of work to do and a lot of places we can improve. But I'm loving every minute of it. It's so exciting, I can't wait."
Grainger is one of many British athletes who will be going for gold at their home Olympics, and British Olympic Association (BOA) ambassador Jonathan Edwards hopes veterans like her can serve as mentors for the younger athletes.
"I think the statistics are that for Team GB in 2012 for 70 per cent of the athletes it will be their first Games. I remember my first Games in Seoul in 1988 and it's a really big step up and you feel almost like you don't belong," the triple jump world record holder said.
"So, to have some of the Olympians of the past to be alongside and mentoring the new athletes (at the Games) could potentially make a big difference.
"I think Team GB will do brilliantly, as will Paralympic GB. Beijing was a huge success. If we can do the same again, I think it will be a brilliant performance."
