DURSLEY-BASED archer Kieran Slater got a taste of London 2012 after being earmarked as a future Olympian.
Slater went to London on Team GB’s Olympic Ambitions Programme to prepare him for what to expect should he achieve his target of competing in Rio de Janeiro in four years.
The 18-year-old, who trains with the Bowmen of Minchinhampton, visited the Athletes’ Village in Olympic Park, Team GB house, the training hall and soaked up the atmosphere by watching archery, swimming and hockey with other talented young sportspeople.
And Slater said the experience has inspired him even more to reach the Olympics in 2016.
He said: “It was a really good atmosphere – amazing – especially watching the GB athletes.
“It was really good and gave me extra motivation to make the team for 2016.”
Slater is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow West Country archer and one of his heroes, Larry Godfrey, who he saw reach the last 16 of the individual men’s competition in London last week.
“He gave me a bit of advice a couple of years ago when I met him,” said Slater.
“He loves the crowd and the support helped him.”
Slater remains confident of his chances of going to Rio de Janeiro and has continued to make progress.
He made his senior debut at a European Grand Prix event in Cyprus in June and he finished as the top Brit in an impressive 17th.
He also came eighth at the under-21 European Championships in Denmark last month.
“It was really pleasing,” he said.
“The team round didn’t go so well but I set a new personal best in qualification.”