Kelsie Gibson World Silver Medallist inspired by Dame Kelly Holmes and Sarah Winckless

Sunday 21 November 2010 saw 110 talented sports performers from across Kent being put through their paces by a team of world class athletes led by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

The Backing Talent Programme gives ‘up and coming’ stars of the future
the chance to find out what it takes to succeed in elite sport. A series
of workshops focused on performance analysis, team building, nutrition,
effective training techniques, communication skills, and working with
the media. Over 80 coaches and parents/carers also attended and took
part in a separate programme designed to assist them in helping their
talented youngsters reach the top.

Among these young stars of the future was GB adaptive rower, world silver medallist, Kelsie Gibson (17) from Maidstone. Delivered by Dame Kelly’s Charity The DKH Legacy Trust, the event was sponsored by P&O Ferries and supported by Kent County Council. It took place at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus, with local MP and Minister of Sport, Hugh Robertson in attendance.

Dame Kelly was joined by an array of other sports stars to inspire the young people including rower Sarah Winckless (Olympic bronze medallist in Athens and
member of the gold medal winning women’s quad at the World Championships
in 2005 and 2006).

Adaptive Rower and World Silver Medallist Kelsie Gibson (17), from Maidstone, with Dame Kelly Holmes and Olympic Rower, Athens Bronze Medallist Sarah Winckless.



Dame Kelly Holmes, Chair of the DKH Legacy Trust said:

“I am so pleased to have been able to come to Kent and see such talent as Kelsie. With the help of P&O Ferries, Kent County Council and other local partners we have been able to provide real practical advice and support that hopefully will help her continue to progress. I hope that in with this support, in the future years young performers like Kelsie will continue to bring medals back to Kent, and who knows, next time they might be gold!

When asked her reaction to the day, Kelsie said:

“It was brilliant to attend the ‘Backing Talent in Kent’ event hosted by Dame Kelly Holmes and her charity. Having the chance to learn from the athletes has really helped me understand what I need to do to fulfil my potential in my sport.”