Video: Tim Reddish OBE on why Notts was so successful in Rio
Years of preparation and the county’s love for sport have been cited as the reasons why Notts was so successful in Rio this year.
Notts produced a number of gold medallists across the Olympics and Paralympics this summer including Helen Richardson-Walsh, Richard Whitehead and Ollie Hynd.
Chair of the British Paralympic Association Tim Reddish OBE thinks the success is down to years of hard work.
Speaking on Sports Week, he said: “We started the process and systems and we started working with coaches and developing local infrastructure because that’s key.
“It’s people that make things happen; we have great systems and processes and fantastic community and performance clubs that deliver.
“The main thing we have is though is that energy and that drive because people in Notts just love sport; there are a lot of drivers that make things happen from schools all the way up to the professional teams.”
It has been great for the athletes and they’ve enjoyed celebrating success
Mr Reddish also thinks Britain doesn’t realise how much people get into the Games until they come around every four years.
He said: “I’ve seen the changes over the years since I went to my first Games back in 1992 to what it is now.
He said: “It’s absolutely phenomenal; there’s a great euphoria and a lot of positive energy that comes out around the start of the Games.
“Notts did really well and the celebrations have been great; it’s been great for the athletes and they’ve had a great time celebrating their success.”
On the back of a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games for the county, the stars kick-started its legacy following their homecoming celebrations at the weekend.
The returning heroes were celebrated at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Sunday (October 16) with hundreds turning up to celebrate and commemorate their achievements.
200m Paralympic medallist Richard Whitehead said: “It’s a pleasure to be back in Nottingham and to get this kind of reception from so many people.
“To enjoy sport with not just my family and close friends but be able to reach out to the community is what it’s all about.
“It’s great to be in the GB tracksuit and to have the medals is very special but it’s even more important to pass on those moments to people that are inspired by sport.”
For more from Tim and Richard, and to hear from Helen Richardson-Walsh and Ollie Hynd, watch the October 19 episode of Sports Week on Notts TV at 7.30pm, or see our catch up service from 8pm, where the entire series is also available on demand.
