Kelly Holmes won her two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens

Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes says Great Britain should be targeting more medals in athletics.

The 38-year-old 800m and 1500m star told BBC London 94.9: "Team GB are competing really well and very highly.

"As a sport we should be winning a lot more medals. We need to capitalise on those who have got full potential, who are self-driven and motivated.

"And not say that it's about money that's being given to them, because it hasn't shown that's worked up to now."

Holmes clinched gold medals in both the 800m and 1500m events at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

After her retirement in 2005 Holmes has focused on mentoring young up and coming athletes.

"In Beijing we had more finalists and more personal bests, but we want more medals and I think they are on their way," she added.

"Athletics is a showcase for the Olympic Games, so the expectation is that the sport will produce more medals.

"I think we have got young hopefuls and hopefully the experiences they have had in Beijing will mean they come to the fore in 2012."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version