Hello everybody,

Welcome to your own webpage. I hope that you are able to use it to keep yourselves informed about events that are taking place throughout the club and especially those of the junior section.

I was asked to write a few words about myself for the launch of kidzone.

As you may know I am not from the North East, I was born in London and brought up in Devon before moving to the area to go to Durham University. I chose Durham because I had heard about some very good coaches in the North East and I knew that the facilities at Gateshead Stadium were so good – and the rest as they say is history.

I joined the club and was soon competing for the senior men’s track and field team in the Northern League - yes there were still separate men’s and women’s team then. In those early days I always had the desire to succeed but never did I dream that I would set world records and be an athletics and religious presenter on BBC.

I guess that the success I have had should be an inspiration to all. I have had a very supportive family, excellent coaches, good facilities and ambition. I bet that this is not any different to most of you, the future stars of the club and country.

When I moved up to the North East I would dream about the Olympics – there was not much mention of them until they were just about to start and very little afterwards. Nowadays it is totally different – not only are we talking about the next Olympics in Beijing but the one afterwards on our own doorstep in London, just a short train journey away from the club.

We have the focus, the coaches and the facilities so lets see how many of you can join me in proudly having the title Olympian. But remember, it does take very hard work.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Edwards.