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Jade gets firmly behind the bid

24 February 2005 - This article is from the bid archive

Long jump star Jade Johnson shows she's firmly behind London 2012

Long jump star Jade Johnson has confirmed she's firmly behind London 2012 - by carrying a Back the Bid message on her briefs.


Johnson revealed her unique message of support to a sell-out crowd at the Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena.

The south London athlete, whose fourth round leap of 6.52m was an indoor personal best, said the passionate support of the crowd had inspired all of the competitors.

"This is why we deserve to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games," she said. "This crowd is fantastic!"

Spectators also enjoyed a 1,000m win for double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes and an indoor pole vault world record by Russia's prolific Yelena Isinbayeva.

But there was disappointment for Britain's sprinters in a much anticipated 60m showdown featuring world record holder Maurice Greene, European champion Jason Gardener and local hero Mark Lewis-Francis.

Lewis-Francis was one of three athletes disqualified for false starting, while Gardener trailed home fifth in a race won American Leonard Scott.

Before the meeting, Greene had given his backing to London's 2012 bid.

"London could put on a great Games," he said. "The fans would enjoy it and the organisation would be good."

24 February 2005