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Sport
Team GB Olympic name row still simmering in Northern Ireland
Prime Minister David Cameron stands on the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim
Prime Minister David Cameron meets shoppers in Coleraine High Street during his visit to Northern Ireland
Alan Campbell
Age: 29
Team: GB
Event: Rowing -- Men's Single Sculls
He says: "There are higher expectations on me after winning medals at the last three World Championships. I'm in London for a medal and I definitely feel I have a chance of gold."
Prospects: Fifth in Beijing despite suffering from illness, a fully fit Alan is capable of improving on that. If he has the race of his life he may strike gold.
Wendy Houvenaghel
Age:37
Team:GB
Event: Cycling — Women's Team Pursuit
She says: “I’m very proud to be from Northern Ireland and I will go out there and give my very best in the competition. It would be a dream come true for me to bring the Olympic gold medal back home. That’s what I’m striving to do.”
Prospects: Wendy, who won silver in the 2008 Olympics, has had a great career. This will be her last hurrah. Few deserve gold more.
Richard Chambers
Age: 27
Team:GB
Event: Rowing — Men's Lightweight Fours
He says: “Peter’s the one person I’ve got complete trust in. There’s something about being brothers, we won’t let each other down. I’ll fight for him, and him for me.”
Prospects: Richard will provide much needed experience when the heat is on. He's the man who can pull the other boys, including younger sibling Peter, to glory.
Peter Chambers
Age:22
Team: GB
Event: Rowing — Men's Lightweight Fours
He says: “I can’t wait to row in the Olympics, especially with my brother Richard also in the boat. We are focused on the task in hand and are determined to produce our best.”
Prospects: Alongside older brother Richard as well as fellow crew members Chris Bartley and Rob Williams, Peter is going for gold and I fancy he'll get it.
We did it - Helen Glover and Heather Stanning of Great Britain celebrate with their gold medals during the medal ceremony after the Women's Pair Final
We did it: Heather Stanning and Helen Glover celebrate after winning gold in the Women's Pair Final during the Men's Single Sculls on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 1
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Heather Stanning and Helen Glover compete in the Women's Pair Final A during the Men's Single Sculls on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 1, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Spectators and photographers look on during Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 1, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Heather Stanning and Helen Glover celebrate after winning gold in the Women's Pair Final during the Men's Single Sculls on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 1, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Heather Stanning and Helen Glover celebrate after winning gold in the Women's Pair Final during the Men's Single Sculls on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 1, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Michael Phelps poses with his gold medal for the men's 4x200-metre freestyle relay swimming final (AP/Matt Slocum)
Michael Phelps made Olympic history winning his 19th medal (AP/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)
Zara Phillips is kissed by Princess Anne as she receives her medal after Britain won silver in the team equestrian eventing competition (AP/Markus Schreiber)
Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke
Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte took gold in the women's 100m breaststroke (AP/Lee Jin-man)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania celebrates with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte on the podium after collecting her gold medal in the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park, London, on the third day of the London 2012 Olympics. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday July 30, 2012. Photo credit should read: Tony Marshall/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania reacts as she receives her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China compete in the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Sun Yang of China competes in the Final of the Men's 200m Freestyle on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: (L-R) Chad Le Clos of South Africa, Tyler Clary (C) of the United States and Yin Chen of China compete in the first semifinal heat of the Men's 200m Butterfly on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Bronze medal winner Yujie Sun of China poses after the Women's Epee Individual Fencing Finals on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ning Gao of Singapore returns the ball during his Men's Singles Table Tennis fourth round match against Wang Hao of China on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ning Gao of Singapore returns the ball during his Men's Singles Table Tennis fourth round match against Wang Hao of China on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: (L-R) Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China celebrate with their gold medals during the medal cermony for the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: (L-R) Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China compete in the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China compete in the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: (L-R) Silver medalists German Sanchez Sanchez and Ivan Garcia Navarro of Mexico, gold medalists Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China and bronze medalists Nicholas Mccrory and David Boudia of the United States celebrate celebrate on the podium with their medals during the medal cermony for the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Ning Ding of China returns the ball during her Women's Singles Table Tennis fourth round match against Huajun Jiang of Hong Kong, China on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
Yuan Cao and Yanquan Zhang of China compete in the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: (L-R) Silver medalist Elizabeth Beisel of the United States, gold medalist Shiwen Ye of China and bronze medalist Xuanxu Li of China celebrate during the Medal Ceremony for the Women's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Ilona Burgrova #8 of Czech Republic shoots against Lijie Miao #8 of China during Women's Basketball on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
China fans cheers on their team at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Yao Jinnan of China practises on the Beam during training sessions for artistic gymnastics ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games
The Chinese Olympic gymnastic team pose for a photograph after a training session at Salto Gym in Lisburn, Co Antrim. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday July 18, 2012. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire.
Zhang Chenglong pictured at the Chinese Olympic training camp in Salto Gymnastics Club, Lisburn. The mens and ladies team will base themselves in Lisburn before they move to London to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Youth Olympic Gold medalist Tan Sixin pictured at the Chinese Olympic training camp in Salto Gymnastics Club, Lisburn. The mens and ladies team will base themselves in Lisburn before they move to London to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Chinese Olympic training camp in Salto Gymnastics Club, Lisburn. The mens and ladies team will base themselves in Lisburn before they move to London to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Yan Mingyong pictured at the Chinese Olympic training camp in Salto Gymnastics Club, Lisburn. The mens and ladies team will base themselves in Lisburn before they move to London to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Empty seats during the Egypt v New Zealand Group C match at Old Trafford, Manchester
Empty seats on Centre Court during Great Britain's Andy Murray's First Round match in the Men's Singles at the Olympic Tennis Venue, Wimbledon
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska plays in front of empty seats, during the First Round of the Women's Singles at the Olympic Tennis Venue, Wimbledon
Empty seats are seen during the Artistic Gymnastics team qualification at the North Greenwich Arena
Empty seats are seen during the artistic gymnastics team qualification at the North Greenwich Arena, London
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: The Olympic Rings are assembled during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Mark Cavendish crosses the finish line in the men's road race
Kazakhstan's Alexandr Vinolurov celebrates winning gold (centre) alongside second placed Rigoberto Uran and third placed Alexander Kristoff
Hannah Miley came fifth in the Women's 400m Individual Medley at the Aquatic Centre
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Performers dressed up as Queen Elizabeth II and James Bond parachute out of a helicopter above the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: (L-R) Norma Major, Gordon Brown and Chief Executive of LOCOG Paul Deighton during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Gary Connery and Mark Sutton parachute into the stadium as part of short James Bond film featuring Daniel Craig and The Queen during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Performers depict a scene of an ordinary family arriving home on a Saturday night during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: United States' fans celebrate the openning of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Trafalgar Square on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: British Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt (2L) and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) is seen during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: People celebrate the openning of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Trafalgar Square on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: People celebrate the openning of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Trafalgar Square on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: The Red Arrows disappear over London ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Fireworks are set off during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Paul McCartney performs during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Great Britain's Sir Chris Hoy carries the Union Flag during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Tony Marshall/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds his counties flag at the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony . Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Olympic flame is lit during the opening of the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Sir Clive Woodward at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Olympic flame is lit during the Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Olympic Flame burns after it was lit at the end of the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony . Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius waves at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Olympic Flame burns after it was lit at the end of the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Great Britain's team parade around the stadium led by flag bearer Chris Hoy during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Stephen Pond/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Great Britain's team enter the stadium led by flag bearer Chris Hoy during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Stephen Pond/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Mohammed Ali is helped to his feet as takes hold of the Olympic flag during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Stephen Pond/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A performer dressed as a dove during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Stephen Pond/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Paul McCartney is shown live on the big screens at the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Jamaica's Usain Bolt carries his countries flag at the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Jamaica's Usain Bolt is mobbed by the other athletes at the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks are set off over the Olympic Stadium during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Park, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Sir Clive Woodward and members of the Great Britain Olympic team parade around the stadium during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 28, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fireworks are set off during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 27, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Ceremony. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Steve Redgrave, right, holds up the Olympic flame after entering the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Cameron Spencer, Pool)
Steve Redgrave, right, holds up the Olympic flame after entering the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Cameron Spencer, Pool)
Steve Redgrave carries the Olympic flame into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Cameron Spencer, Pool)
Steve Redgrave, right, holds the Olympic torch after entering the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)
Fireworks light up over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Britain's Chris Hoy carries the flag during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Fireworks illuminate the sky over Olympic Stadium during Opening Ceremonies at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Fireworks light up over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
By John Mulgrew
Prime Minister David Cameron says the wide support from right across Northern Ireland has highlighted the region’s importance to the Olympic Games in London.
He was speaking as a row over the ‘Team GB’ name gained momentum, with many calling for it to be changed in order to include NI, feeling they are being left out.
Mr Cameron said: “In coming here to Northern Ireland, my message is clear: this spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games is not just a London Games, it is a United Kingdom Games.
“Over the coming weeks we will see the very best athletes from across the globe compete here in the UK, including Northern Ireland’s Chambers brothers, Alan Campbell and Wendy Houvenaghel to name but a few.”
He said the huge support witnessed during the parading of the Olympic torch across Northern Ireland had showed how the Games are “touching people right across these islands”.
He added: “And Northern Ireland had a starring role at that incredible opening ceremony too — not just the Phil Kids and Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir at the Giant’s Causeway, but Kenneth Branagh, born in Belfast, reading Shakespeare at the start, and Katie Kirk, a young athlete from Northern Ireland, helping to light the cauldron at the end.”
Mr Cameron said the Games had already left their mark.
“Northern Ireland is already benefiting from the Games, with over £40m of Olympic-related business being won by companies such as Lagan Construction who built the central bridge in the Olympic Park, which I walked over just a few days ago, and McGrath Group with their architectural metal work on the stadium.
“I want NI companies to build on this, showcase their expertise to the world, boost their international trade links and continue to reap the benefits of 2012.”
But as Northern Ireland’s athletes edged closer and closer to Olympic gold, the row over the Team GB name rumbles on — as politicians weigh in on concerns that the title is not inclusive and excludes top medal hopes.
Former Westminster Sports Minister Kate Hoey MP said broadcasters were incorrectly labelling Northern Ireland’s Olympic hopefuls as ‘Great British’ — which was causing upset among those cheering the talents on.
The term Great Britain only refers to England, Scotland and Wales and does not technically include Northern Ireland.
“I don’t know why they can’t just refer to them as British — especially when there are people from Northern Ireland,” Ms Hoey told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It is just factually incorrect, the BBC referring to Alan Campbell as the Great British rower.
“For many people it does cause upset,” she said.
“Being from Northern Ireland you could feel excluded.”
Last night BBC NI appeared to have changed its policy — referring to the athletes as Team GB and NI.
And according to Kate Hoey: “If everyone unites on this then we can get it changed for the next Olympics.”
Former Stormont Sports Minister Gregory Campbell said a win for some of Northern Ireland’s top talents out on the water would be “ironic” and “embarrassing if they are not technically part of Team GB”.
“If you have regions of the UK that aren’t included by virtue of where they are located, then obviously that will make athletes from that region feel that they aren’t part of the team,” Mr Campbell added.
The debate continued further online with many airing their own views on the controversy.
One tweeter wrote: “Why are we Team GB, not UK? Is Northern Ireland not part of it?”
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Kenny Bruce has helped put Irish League in rude health, insists Michael O’Neill
Sport
Northern Ireland will need to be wary of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal (16)
Northern Ireland
Latest | Young man killed in NI lake incident identified as ‘much-loved and loving’ nephew of MLA
News
NI pubs raided in PSNI crackdown on UDA as gang bosses prepare sham statement ‘rejecting criminality’
News
REVEALED | The sick lies murderer Taylor McIlvenna spread about victim Caoimhe Morgan in hours after he took her life
News
Boy racer banned from the roads after speeding down motorway at 100mph
News
Revealed | Why popular Belfast restaurant was charged with food hygiene allegations
Olympics
Aidan Walsh’s Olympic dream hangs by a thread after dramatic point deductions cost him dearly
Olympics
Meet the NI twins both aiming for Olympic glory: ‘I signed his name in autographs… they wanted him’
Swimming
Olympic boost for Daniel Wiffen as big rival will miss Paris
NI man who drummed non-stop for almost a week declared Guinness World Record breaker
108 miles of pain: Meet the Carrick couple behind NI’s most punishing race
D: Ream singer admits he’s tired of politicians hijacking smash hit song
1
LATEST | Rumours of Rory McIlroy dating TV golf broadcaster addressed in US media report
2
Coleraine rebuff Cliftonville over their top striker as Jim Magilton sweats on his own hitman
3
Meet NI super-mum crowned Ireland’s strongest woman a year after taking up sport
4
Michael Dunlop: The pressure is off now I’ve equalled Uncle Joey’s Isle of Man TT record
5
Ulster’s losing bonus point in Limerick sets up Play-Off clash with Leinster
Murdered in her own home: Belfast man given life sentence after killing of Caoimhe Morgan
Ring doorbell footage of Taylor McIlvenna entering Caoimhe Morgan’s home and then leaving after her murder.
Watch: Red Bull Skydive at Poolbeg towers in Dublin
11 penguin chicks hatch at Chester Zoo
Germany show Ireland hockey team no mercy as Mark Tumilty weighs up Olympic calls
Fermanagh hit three goals in Lory Meagher Cup final win over Longford
Tyrone keep the dream alive with victory over stubborn Clare
Florentino Perez hails latest chapter in Real Madrid’s European Cup ‘love story’
Harry Kane trains with England as he bids to return to fitness after back issue
Hockey
Germany show Ireland hockey team no mercy as Mark Tumilty weighs up Olympic calls
Fermanagh
Fermanagh hit three goals in Lory Meagher Cup final win over Longford
World
ANC talking to all parties as South Africa looks for way forward after election
Tyrone
Tyrone keep the dream alive with victory over stubborn Clare
Football
Florentino Perez hails latest chapter in Real Madrid’s European Cup ‘love story’
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