Badminton: Jess inspired by Olympic legend Emms (From Gazette Series)

Badminton star Jess Hopton receives £1,000 from Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative

9:40am Thursday 21st April 2011 in Yate and Sodbury Sport

WINTERBOURNE International Academy pupil Jessica Hopton has set her sights on following in the footsteps of double Olympian Gail Emms after receiving a £1,000 cash windfall from the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative, writes Jack Travers.

For the second year running, the 14-year-old was handpicked as part of 262 up-and-coming athletes across England and Wales to receive funding, plus expert tuition from Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards.

Hopton’s re-selection for the scheme was just reward for a season that has seen the Downend-based teenager medal on both the domestic and international stage.

And with a big year ahead, that will see Hopton step up to the under-17 ranks, she has vowed to take full advantage of the initiative as she bids to one-day emulate Olympic silver medallist Emms.

“The scheme is really good, you get extra media sessions and the money has really helped with the training costs and most definitely travel - it’s about an hour to training every day,” said Hopton.

“We’ve just finished the nationals and the equivalent to Europeans for our age group so it’s the end of the season now.

“I got a gold and a silver at the nationals and at the Europeans which was eight nations. I got a bronze medal in the mixed doubles with Marcus Smith from Staffordshire.

“Next year I’ll be moving up to the under-17 age group and I’ll be one of the youngest so it’ll be hard to make into the internationals but hopefully the finals of the national tournaments.

“Gail Emms is a bit of a hero of mine. She got silver in Athens and I definitely look up to her.

“I’ve met her a few times at training camps and even played against her a few times - I lost but hopefully one day I’ll be able to beat her.”

Hopton attended the launch of the Lloyds TSB-funded scheme at Loughborough University where, as well as Edwards, she rubbed shoulders with Olympic silver medal-winning diver Leon Taylor.

And Edwards, a former World, European and Commonwealth champion, believes Hopton’s reselection on the scheme will see her deliver on her impressive potential.

“The concept of the scheme is fantastic because it’s helping people out at a really crucial stage of their athletic career when there is not a lot of funding or support,” said Edwards.

“You get the financial help which is crucial but there is also the practical side and hearing about the reality of what a lifetime in sport can be like.

“Being at the workshops and seeing the athletes was incredible.

“They were really exciting to meet because they are really passionate about what they do and you do just think that people like Jessica are the talented future without doubt.”

* Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with, provides support and funding to 344 emerging athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. Follow the future stars of TeamGB and ParalympicsGB at: www.lloydstsb.com/localheroes