Former Miss Gloucester lands 2012 Olympics role

[divingbrit]

MODEL Susie Godwin knows all about savouring the taste of victory.

But this summer the former Miss Gloucester crown holder will be dodging the limelight herself and making sure the celebrations of Olympic athletes go without a hitch.

After a rigorous application process, the 59-year-old, who won the Gloucester title in 1969, has been selected as a volunteer to work behind the scenes at London 2012.

The grandmother-of-one will be leading one of the 25 teams ensuring the medal ceremonies run smoothly at both Olympic and Paralympic events.

"I'm patriotic and it is a real honour and privilege that we will be having the Olympics in this country in my lifetime.

"I think we should all get behind it and support it 100 per cent. I can't wait.

"I think it's going to be an amazing experience," she told The Citizen. Around 250,000 applications were received by Olympic organisers and, after an extensive interview at Warwick University back in May 2011, the Cheltenham resident was among those selected.

She will be an escort team leader at the London Velodrome where the cycling events take place, and 500-acre Hadleigh Farm in Essex for the mountain biking.

During the Paralympics, Susie, who is also a volunteer for charity Help for Heroes, will be at the Excel North Arena 1 where a host of indoor sports are taking place.

"I will be able to watch all the athletes and will have a ringside seat," she said.

Although the sporting extravaganza does not kick off until July, there is plenty of work for Susie ahead of the opening ceremony.

A lot of training will be required with an initial orientation ceremony at Wembley arena this week.

Susie, who works as a model and stars in numerous adverts, is keen to find out how many volunteers, known as Games Makers, there are in Gloucestershire, and would like them to contact her at susie.godwin@h4hcounty. org.uk.

The Olympic torch is being carried through Cheltenham on May 23 and, if possible, she would like everyone to meet up to see it.

This is Gloucestershire