Phoebe Gill, one of the new sensations of Team GB at Paris GETTY IMAGES

The British athlete is learning fast. Last spring, she broke the world under-18 world record in the women's 800m. As a developing athlete, she has plenty to look up to. One of them is Tom Daley, the British flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony, alongside with Helen Glover.

Middle distance has always been one of the hallmarks of the UK. The 800m and 1500m distances have had several stars. The duels between Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett in the 1970s and 1980s are still remembered.

The British team has a leading figure for the women's 800m in Keely Hodgkinson. Last week, at the Diamond League competition in London, she won and beat her personal best. She was a silver medallist at Tokyo 2020, aged 19. She is now one of the big favourites.


Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain during a training session GETTY IMAGES
Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain during a training session GETTY IMAGES

Great Britain has added Phoebe Gill to the team for Paris. Last May she also achieved her personal best and broke the world under-18 record. A record that had stood since 1979. It was the first time she went under two minutes. She clocked 1:57:86.

She is only 17 years old. She is a good listener. She has received advice to think about the long haul of his career. She has to enjoy the moment, but he understands that he can't get everything right now. It is also time to keep learning. Even if she feels the desire to compare herself with other great athletes.

One of the comparisons she has heard about herself is with Tom Daley. Today, at the Opening Ceremony, the diver will be the flag bearer for the UK, alongside with Helen Glover. He first competed at the Games in Beijing 2008. He was 14 years old.



Gill likes the comparison. For her, Daley is an example of a person who inspires you. She would love to have a long career and set an example for future generations. Her experience is unusual, and telling it to young people starting out can serve as a guide.

Gill's is one of the stories to follow during the Games. But she still has a few days to wait. On 2 August she will make her debut in Paris. It is hard to know what to expect, but she has caught the eye and may be one of the stars of the present, not just the future.