Five of Britain's greatest Olympic legends have gathered together for a unique photoshoot for HELLO! magazine.Sally Gunnell, Tessa Sanderson, Sharron Davies, Jayne Torvill and Dame Kelly Holmes were photographed in glamorous evening gowns for the shoot, which is published just days before the London 2012 Olympics begin.Bringing together their shared experiences of the international tournament for the accompanying interview, Sharron tells HELLO! that all five of them share a unique bond.
"I know it's a cliché, but you become part of an Olympic family," says Sharron. "We all have a shared experience. It kind of defines who you are, and it's basically forever.""We all speak the same language," agrees Kelly. "We're all driven. We're all medallists. We're all determined, strong women, so there's a common ground, even though we have different lives. "Reflecting on her javelin gold medal at the 1984 games, Tessa says it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "Nothing has compared to it since, and every time I look at my medal I think, 'There are many battles I have fought but I've come out trumps.'"If I could bottle one feeling in my life, it would be that first throw and standing on that podium. I'd love to feel it again. But you never lose that little tingle. "Dame Kelly, too, says that winning gold in 2004 changed her life forever. "I was always the same person, but winning has given me a platform and opened doors. If I hadn't won the medals, I'd still be committed and driven, but being a champion adds value and meaning to you as a person."
All five women, selected as Olympic ambassadors, will be cheering Team GB on at the games later this month, even if they do occasionally hanker after the athletic spotlight. "I'd be there like a shot if you could make me ten years younger," laughs Kelly. "But I'm very proud to support our athletes and hope they do well. "See the full exclusive story in HELLO! Magazine, out now.