Oliver Wood is determined to continue Team GB’s team pursuit legacy in Paris, as he prepares for his second Olympic Games next month. After a disappointing seventh-place finish in Tokyo, Wood is looking to right the wrongs and bring home another gold for Great Britain. The team for Paris includes Wood, Ethan Hayter, Charlie Tanfield, and Ethan Vernon, with Dan Bigham replacing three-time gold medallist Ed Clancy. Despite the changes, Wood is confident that the team has what it takes to secure another victory in the team pursuit event, following in the footsteps of cycling legends like Clancy, Bradley Wiggins, and Geraint Thomas.
Reflecting on his experience in Tokyo, Wood recalls the disappointment of not achieving the gold medal that he had longed for since he was 16. However, instead of letting the setback discourage him, Wood used it as motivation to work even harder for the next Olympics. “I thought at least I don’t have to wait four years; I only have to wait three,” he said. Wood is passionate about inspiring the next generation of cyclists and hopes that their success on the world stage will encourage young boys and girls to get on their bikes and pursue their dreams.
As a recipient of UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, Wood has access to top-notch training facilities, coaches, and medical support, which are crucial for his journey to the Paris 2024 Games. His dedication and resilience were evident in his achievements post-Tokyo, with gold medals at the World Championships and European Championships in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Additionally, Wood claimed madison world silver alongside Mark Stewart in 2023 and is set to compete with Ethan Hayter in the same event in Paris, aiming to secure two medals for Team GB.
Wood’s ability to quickly move on from setbacks and focus on the next challenge has been key to his success. While some athletes dwell on disappointments, Wood prefers to analyze what went wrong and strategize on how to improve moving forward. He acknowledges the importance of the team pursuit event, which requires meticulous training and preparation, but also emphasizes the significance of the madison race. Despite the different demands of each event, Wood’s primary goal remains to help Team GB reclaim their spot on the team pursuit podium.
National Lottery players play a crucial role in supporting athletes like Oliver Wood, as their contributions fund vital resources for sports development from grassroots to elite levels. With over £30 million raised each week for good causes, including sports initiatives, the National Lottery continues to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes and the communities they represent. To learn more about how National Lottery funding benefits athletes and sports programs, visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.
In conclusion, Oliver Wood’s determination and passion for cycling have propelled him to success on the world stage. With his sights set on the Paris Olympics, Wood is eager to continue Team GB’s legacy in the team pursuit event and inspire the next generation of cyclists to pursue their dreams. Supported by the National Lottery’s funding and resources, Wood remains focused on his goal of securing gold for Great Britain and leaving a lasting impact on the sport of cycling.
