The World Class Programme was first introduced after the low point in Atlanta 1996, when GB won just one gold. It had an immediate impact by giving podium and potential podium athletes not only funding, but also an array of specialist coaching, training, performance, medical, scientific and technological support.
It meant that by Beijing 2008 GB had moved into the top tier of Olympic nations with a fourth place medal table finish, including 19 golds. In London 2012 it was third place with 29 golds, in Rio 2016 it was second place with 27 golds, and in Tokyo 2020/21 it was fourth place with 22 golds.
So far in Paris 2024 GB are in fifth place with 14 golds – which, if you take the range of 14 sports categories in which they are the world’s best, and equated them to the 15 positions on a rugby union field, would give you almost an entire World XV.
Such a team would be unstoppable, because there is a widespread belief among top rugby union coaches that you require six worldclass players in your starting 23 to win a World Cup.
Esta historia es de la edición August 11, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 11, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
