Rio 2016 Olympics: Lorraine Ugen determined to make mark after missing London 2012 by 1cm

Long jumper: Lorraine Ugen
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
David Churchill16 August 2016

Team GB long jumper Lorraine Ugen has told how she is determined to make up for the heartbreak of missing out on a home Olympics by just 1cm.

The Londoner, who will compete in the women’s long jump heats tonight as she bids to make tomorrow’s final, believes she is in contention for a medal.

She told the Standard she has been driven by picking herself up after disappointments, including failing to make London 2012. The 24-year-old said: “Going through that stage where I couldn’t get things right at major championships, it helped me build some strength and to know some things don’t come easily.

“I think 2012 was the first time I believed I could be an Olympian. People told me I could be before that, but I didn’t really believe it.

“I like the fact I’m now going to Rio as someone who’s in contention for a medal rather than just a filler.”

Ugen, who is based at the Fort Worth training camp in Texas, joined Bexley Athletics Club as an under-17 and is now part of Thames Valley Harriers Athletics Club. She came fifth at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2015 World Outdoor Championships.

Also getting her campaign under way today will be fellow Team GB jumper Jazmin Sawyers, who says she “thrives” on the idea of being a role model to aspiring young athletes.

In Pictures: Team GB's medal run at Rio 2016 Olympics

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The 22-year-old, from Stoke, told the Standard: “I’m not out there intentionally being a role model, I’m just trying to do the best I can. But because everyone is so accessible through social media, I get messages saying ‘You inspire me to do this’, or ‘I improved and you’re my role model’.

“It makes you realise people are looking up to you and you can do more than just things for yourself. I love it. I thrive on the whole thing.”

Also in the long jump today is Team GB’s Shara Proctor, who in August 2015 became the first British female to jump over 7 metres, earning her a world championship medal in Beijing.

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