20 Nov 2009
Great Britain’s very own answer to satellite navigation is none other than World Champion Orienteer Graham Gristwood.
The 25 year-old gold medallist is keen to add to his already impressive tally and has set his compass pointing to the direction of future success. Although winning the team event was a tremendous achievement, Graham wishes to conquer the individual events as well, he said:
“I have had an incredible career, it was great to win the World Championships in the Czech Republic- it would be fantastic to emulate that success as an individual but also with my new teammates.”
In light of his many attributes, Graham has additional duties other than being a GB elite performer, he is also on the British Athletes Commission’s Board of Directors.
As a member of this Executive Committee his role requires him to overlook non-Olympic sports such as Orienteering, Women’s Cricket and Women’s Rugby.
“These sports don’t tend to be recognised as much, I represent them, as amateur sports I also tend to relate to them.”
He went on to praise the BAC and strongly believes in the Commission’s work,
“The Athletes Commission are there for you if you have any problems, they are impartial representatives for the athletes. The support is always there, the BAC offers advice to athletes and assists them with any areas of concern.”
Graham agrees that this impartiality is essential and sees the BAC as a major spearheading organisation for athlete representation. He described the BAC’s position,
“It is crucial that they are independent and stay that way, they are a unbiased unified voice. The BAC is a union for athletes, representing their views.”
Not only is the Great Britain star providing the British Athletes Commission with his invaluable skills and expertise- he is also gaining from the amazing benefits of being a member, in particularly his new iPhone and the extra healthy nutritional bars he receives.
The future looks very promising for this resilient athlete, after overcoming the down fall of missing out at the games in Taipei through illness, he has bright aspirations to dedicate his time to the sport that he loves.
“I was gutted to miss out in Taipei but every sports person suffers setbacks and countless injuries. If I felt like quitting I wouldn’t be here right now. I am looking ahead, I’ve got a Masters to complete at Sheffield Hallam University so I hope to excel in Elite Development in Orienteering” He added.
With the backing of the British Athletes Commission Graham is sure to endure huge success in the near future.
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