Tavistock's Olympic women's pentathlon bronze medallist Kate Allenby has written to town mayor Judith Williams expressing appreciation for the support she received from people in the area. The Times reprints the letter:
DEAR Tavistock,
What can I say?
With the support of the whole town and country in Sydney, I couldn't help but capitalise on that good luck on October 1. Thank you, Tavistock.
But it wasn't just October 1, not even the Olympic qualification period, but all those people who put in all that time and commitment to a young girl who believed in living her dream (even if I did get there via a pretty twisty route!)
I was staggered by the reception I received upon my return to Tavistock the other week. It was a wonderful experience and a fantastic opportunity to thank all those people who braved the rain. I can't even start to thank people individually because the list is far too long.
The rose-bowl I was presented with is sitting in the middle of the mantelpiece at home next to my medal (when I'm not dropping and bending it).
I'd also like to apologise for being such a terrible pupil to all my coaches past and present — I know I wasn't easy to coach. Thank you for sticking with me!
It was fantastic to see all the sports clubs I belonged to are still thriving and producing such a wealth of talent from the Tavistock area.
Keep going, guys, the Olympics is an experience I'd recommend to anyone!
Love, Kate.
l PS: If anyone is planning a holiday for 2004, I can recommend Athens in August (?). Saving that, Millfield School on July 16-21 next year is a gold destination I'm told (World Pentathlon Championships).