Essex Olympian tips London 2012 to produce future stars

Eric competed in the 1956 Melbourne Games and then Rome four years later

A two-time Olympian from Essex hopes the London Olympics will inspire a whole new generation of sport stars.

Eric Hall from Layer Bretton competed in the 1956 and 1960 games in the 50k and 20k race walking events.

As he prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rome games, he told BBC Essex of his excitement for 2012.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to show what we can do and also to encourage the youth of the country to do things,” he said.

“I’m absolutely amazed when I’m on the train past Stratford at the amount of work that’s going on there.

He added: “I would certainly go and see the road walk and to mix with the people around – hopefully we’ll have a reunion centre there and meet up with some old friends.”

Eric represented Great Britain in the 50km walk in Melbourne in 1956 and the 20km in Rome four years later.

via BBC – Essex Olympian tips London 2012 to produce future stars.