With excitement building towards London 2012, one of the country’s greatest Olympians made a flying visit to St Andrews University to inspire staff and students.
Sir Steve Redgrave spoke to a packed hall at the Fife institution before taking part in a question-and-answer session, passing on words of wisdom to the athletes of the future.
A five-time gold medal winner in rowing at consecutive Olympics, Sir Steve spoke of the emotional rollercoaster that follows an Olympic win as well as revealing some insights into his pre-race rituals and preparations.
When asked what his favourite Olympic win was, the athlete responded: ”It’s like being asked what your favourite child is. Each win is like a child with a different personality.
”It’s more about the years running up to it the highs and lows. It’s like having a child in a way.
”But if I was pushed, it’s got to be the first; the whole emotion of winning your first.”
Sir Steve also gave advice on preparing physically and mentally for races, and described what it was like being married to the woman who makes the professional call whether he is fit enough to race.
Sir Steve, who was made an honorary graduate of the university in the summer, was in town for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The university’s director of sport, Stephen Stewart, said: ”It was a great pleasure to meet Sir Steve, one of the greatest Olympians of all time. It was fascinating hearing about his commitment to sport, his determination to excel whilst having fun and about his subsequent support for sport and exercise-related diabetes research and in particular support athletes with diabetes.
”This ambition to give something back to sport however should come as no surprise given the obvious sense of humility and appreciation that Sir Steve espoused.”