Olympics: Elena Baltacha inspired by father’s medal

AS SHE prepares for her Olympic Games debut, British tennis player Elena Baltacha said she is inspired by her footballer father Sergei’s bronze medal more than 30 years ago.

Baltacha’s father, who played for Dynamo Kiev before continuing his career in with Ipswich Town and St Johnstone, won his medal as a member of the Soviet Union side at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

“He said it was probably the most amazing experience of his life,” said the Ukrainian-born British No 4. “He has shown me loads of pictures. He said it was just unbelievable to be part of something that big.”

The 28-year-old, who was knocked out of Wimbledon earlier this month by defending champion Petra Kvitova, added: “It is such a special occasion and he is just so proud that I have managed to get my spot here.”

Baltacha, whose father will follow her efforts on television, will get two chances to bring home a second medal for the family, as she is playing in both the women’s singles event and the doubles with British No 2 Anne Keothavong. “He said just try and experience everything you can while you are in it and it will be something that you will never forget,” she added.