Jamie Staff

Jamie Staff MBE - Cyclist

Born in Ashford, Jamie Staff has progressed from a teenage BMX rider to an Olympic champion who has won just about everything from the World Championships downwards. He qualified for the Great Britain Cycling Team at the first attempt. At the Commonwealth Games in 2002, he was a member of the silver medal winning England Team Sprint trio, an impressive semi-finalist in the sprint (during which he broke the national 200 m record) and the winner of a bronze in the Kilometer.

However, he surpassed all expectations when he helped GB to win a gold medal in the Team Sprint at the UCI Track World Championships in 2002, less than a year since he had started track cycling.

After disappointment at the Athens Olympics in 2004, Jamie came good in the World Record-breaking British team sprint trio at the 2008 Olympics. Staff was responsible for the fastest ever first lap in a team sprint. In December Jamie was part of the Cycling Team awarded the BBC Sports Personality Team Award for his exploits in China.

Jamie recently picked up another gold medal at the World Cup event in Denmark, well done Jamie.

Congratulations to Jamie who picked up an MBE in the the New Year's Honours List.

1) What is the highlight of your long successful career?

My greatest achievement would have to be the Olympics, but not just winning it. It was my dedication into the task of achieving it.

2) Who was your sporting hero when you were growing up or even now?

My idols were Andy Ruffell and Craig Schofield in Bmx in the early days, Pete Sampras was a idol because of the amount of time spent at number one. I know its harder staying number one than just attaining it. Chris Hoy is an idol to me and inspired me to better myself. He's very dedicated and Professional.

3) What do you think are the benefits of taking part in sport?

Sport gets you fit, it gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who have the same interests as you. It makes you mature early I think and gives you huge amounts of confidence. I was very shy and not very confident when I was younger.

4) And finally what do you do in your spare time?

I spend as much time with my family. I spend a lot of time planning my training and now personal appearances! I try to be a good roll model and ambassador to cycling.
If I had some time to myself I would love to play golf. I also enjoy snow boarding, wake boarding and I would love to own a motocross bike again! If only I had the time!

Jamie has his own website to find out more about him and his achievements.

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Please check Jamie twitter site

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Read about Jamie picking up an award recently from Ashford Borough Council to celebrate his Olympic achievement.

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk

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Jamie Staff