Exclusive - Lewis: 2012 Olympics are not London-centric

Denise Lewis believes the London 2012 Olympics will benefit the whole country rather than just the capital.

With only a year to go before the Games start, there has been criticism from areas of the UK that the event will be too London-centric.

Lewis though, a Midlander herself, believes that whilst most visible improvements can be seen in east London, the entire country will feel a lift because of the event.

Speaking to Stubbs and Quinny, she said: “London is the epicentre for the Games but I expect the energy and momentum to boom up and down the country.

“In particular it’s not just about the fortnight of sport that we’re going to see, it’s about the legacy and the enthusiasm that is already taking place up and down the country.

“Birmingham is going to host the Jamaica and American track and field teams. That’s going to be awash with colour and vibrancy, there’ll be a lot of celebration in the Midlands.

“There’ll be a lot of countries coming to the UK that are going to use the facilities around Britain. Look at the local schools and see how they are using the inspiration of the Games to infuse their kids through education. You’d be surprised and impressed by what has been achieved.

“Only because the Olympics are here are we able to offer such a thing. The wider significance is legacy. We are always criticising the fact that we’re becoming a little bit too much like America, unhealthy kids, obesity on the rise.

“I’m hoping that we get a generation that think a little bit more about a healthy lifestyle and are a bit more conscious of the way we’re living.”