GO GOLD supported Jonny Walton selected for Team GB for Rio Olympics

GB Rower Jonathan 'Jonny' Walton (pictured left) from Kirby Muxloe in Blaby has officially been selected for Team GB to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August. A true homegrown athlete, Jonny was introduced to the sport through his family's connections with Leicester Rowing Club and graduated from Loughborough University.

Jonny has represented the GB Rowing Team at junior and U23 level and has firmly established himself in the men's sculling squad during this Olympiad and raced with John Collins in the men's double during the past two seasons.

Jonny has been supported by Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport's (LRS) GO GOLD Funding Programme for a number of years (2007-2013) and spoke to LRS on his selection news:

"It's been a tough four years with lots of ups and downs and selection to compete at the pinnacle of my sport at the Olympics means so much to me.

Full focus can now be set on getting our best performance at the Games. I can't wait to get out to Rio to race for Team GB. Never is rowing in the centre of the City, so these Olympics are going to be special, rowing on the Lagoa below Christ the Redeemer in Rio is going to be amazing! We have some tough camps to go and our last race next weekend in Poznan, Poland for World Cup III.

The support LRS' GO GOLD Funding Programme gave to me was invaluable in my development as an athlete giving me access to things to help me train race and perform and may not have been able to afford. Thank you!"

In 2016, 109 athletes from 25 different sports were successful in receiving grants ranging from £100-£1,000, as part of Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport's, 2016 GO GOLD Funding Programme – Podium Level.

Podium level funding is provided by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council to those athletes who are competing at Regional level or higher.

The aim of GO GOLD is to support talented athletes who are being recognised by their National Governing Bodies of Sport as being our future Olympic, Paralympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth Games participants. Athletes must live and attend school/college in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.