Essex is going for gold! The county is well represented at the Olympics in Athens, which opens tonight.
Colchester hurdlers Sarah Claxton and Andy Turner, gymnast Beth Tweddle, whose family come from Manningtree, rower Laura Casey from Colchester, Witham swimming champion James Gibson and Canvey's decathlete Dean Macey are all aiming for glory.
And within days we could be celebrating our first medal.
Today Gibson's proud dad spoke of his nerves ahead of watching his son take on the world's best this weekend.
John Gibson, father of the Commonwealth and World champion swimmer, said: "We leave today and are getting very nervous. We're hoping that things are going to go very well."
James takes his place in the heats of the 100m breaststroke tomorrow hoping to make the final on Sunday evening.
Mr Gibson said: "The team and James have been preparing well in Cyprus. The British team have treated the swimmers really well."
James won Commonwealth and World gold at 50m breaststroke.
Published Friday August 13, 2004
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