The inspirational roar of the crowd
14th September 2011 - The Daily Star
The 28-year-old Stockport Metro swimmer is back in training after the World Championships in Shanghai with 2012 firmly in his sights.
And as he prepares to qualify for his third Olympics, Goddard admits he knows just how inspirational the roar of a home crowd can be.
I managed to come out with a gold and a bronze from those Games and you have to put a great deal of that down to the fantastic crowd backing
“I well remember the support we got at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester back in 2002 when I was only 19," said James.
“We had the home support there and it was even more so for me with family and friends because it was my home town.
“I managed to come out with a gold and a bronze from those Games and you have to put a great deal of that down to the fantastic crowd backing.
“I honestly think that if it was anywhere else in the world, I would probably not have got those kinds of results. Home support is crucial in any sport. It gives you, as a person and the whole team, such a massive advantage.
“That’s why I am so excited for the London Olympics, because we have the home support and home soil, so it is looking as though it will be fantastic.
“It’s not even a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so to get it happening during your career is out of this world and a dream come true.”
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JAMES IN THE DAILY STAR BY CLICKING HERE
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