JJ Jegede's Olympics
Ahead of London 2012 we asked a range of personalities to let us know what the Olympics means to them. JJ Jegede - the British Long Jump Champion and a Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentor - explained how athletics leapt into his life...
Last Updated: 14/06/12 12:50pm
What are your favourite Olympics memories?
There are so many to choose from but my greatest memory has to be watching Barcelona '92 as a six-year-old. Seeing Linford Christie with his arms up winning the 100m and Sally Gunnell draped in the Union Jack are moments etched in my memory. It obviously inspired me as my mum says I pledged to become an Olympian from that day. I don't remember that though; it must have been the excitement!
Who would you class as the greatest Olympian of all time?
Again there are so many to choose from but for me it has to be Carl Lewis. Winning one gold is impressive but to bag four in LA '84 is out of this world! Then to retain your Olympic title is monumental but he won the Long Jump title in '84,'88,'92 & 96 that's just superhuman! He's my greatest Olympian - truly awesome.
Will you get to see much of the London 2012 action?
I will be competing, God willing, in the Long Jump. In the lead up to my event I will go through my usual routine but after I want to catch as many other sports as possible.
Which events are you most looking forward to?
I'm particular looking forward to watching the basketball to watch a live alley-oop by Blake Griffin. Also the tennis should be exciting with titans like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the line-up. Gymnastics is also a sport I'd like to see live, the gymnasts are so dynamic and explosive.
How do you think Team GB will fare?
I think we're going to do really well if the performances at the Swimming & Cycling test events are anything to go by. The athletics team also did brilliantly at the World Indoors so Team GB is preparing well. The home support will really make the difference as it gives the athletes such a boost.
Do you think the legacy of London 2012 will be of benefit to your sport - and to sport in general?
I definitely feel that London 2012 is the springboard to another golden generation of athletics with the a home Commonwealth Games in 2014 and World Championship in 2017. If you look at the improvements in depth since 2005, athletics has definitely benefited from the 'Olympic Factor'. On my Sky Sports Living For Sport visits, I have seen the schools and pupils energised by the Olympic movement, everyone is getting excited.
What sport would you like to see added to the Olympics?
Very good question, you've got me thinking! I'd have to say inline skating. I've seen fellow Sky Sports Living for Sport athlete mentor Jenna Downing performing her tricks & think it would be great for the world to see them too.
If you were to enter the Olympics in a different sport, which event would you choose and why...
I love Long Jump so this is tough! I'd have to go with tennis; I love the gladiatorial nature of the sport. However my event is over in five seconds and they can play for up to five hours so I have to put a lot of work in!
Find out more about JJ at www.jjjegede.co.uk or follow him on Twitter. Stay up-to-date with the latest news on Sky Sports Living for Sport on Twitter or by visiting the website.
