Local hero Louis Smith has unveiled a unique bronze sculpture displayed in his honour at Vivacity Premier Fitness in Hampton.
Peterborough Olympian Louis Smith MBE, interviewed and featured in the the current issue of ESP Magazine, has been taken to the city’s heart for his sporting achievements.
Vivacity collaborated with Peterborough City Council to bring the sculpture to Peterborough as part of The Peterborough Sculpture Trust. The sculpture, made by UK Sculptor Ben Dearnley celebrates the role Louis has played in inspiring young people to strive for sporting recognition and success since the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.
Shelagh Smith, Vivacity Chair said, “We are really pleased to have this sculpture on display. The location here at Vivacity Premier Fitness will enable many people to see this piece, respond to it, and engage with it. We hope the sculpture will act as a strong catalyst for young athletes who see in Louis something to aspire to themselves.”
Louis Smith MBE added, “I have been lucky, to have had the support of great people who saw the drive and potential in me, and in having the right facilities and environment in which to focus and train effectively.
“That is why it is so important to continue investment in the sports, to ensure that the younger generation have the support and opportunity to pursue a career in this area, as I have done.
“Hopefully this sculpture will serve as a reminder, that opportunity is out there and what can be achieved if you believe in yourself and pursue it.”
Vivacity work in partnership with the Peterborough City Council to help support inspiring artists and athletes in pursuing careers in these areas, as well as providing a platform for more creativity and activity in the city.
The sculpture, a torso in Bronze of Louis Smith was made by Ben Dearnley for an exhibition called ‘Avenue of Champions’, an exploration into the world of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in commemoration of the 2012 London Olympics.
ESP Magazine’s Anna Ruggiero recently caught up with Louis at the launch of his new range of hydrotherapy Hot Tubs with Cal Spas (www.calspas.co.uk) available at Posh Spas at Hampton.
Having bagged a well-deserved gold at the 2015 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships we couldn’t wait to congratulate him.
“It felt amazing! It’s been a bit of journey, to get back to where I need to be, stopping and starting with breaks, but I’m in a really good place and I’m enjoying training – not the pain so much but it’s going really well.”
Apart from being back in the gym he’s still frequently on our TV screens recently appearing in Murder in Successville and countless TV panel shows. It’s wonderful to see Louis doing so well and it amazes us how he manages to juggle such a busy schedule with a calm and focused attitude.
“I take it all in my stride, there is going to be a point when I’m not going on the BAFTAS and Celebrity Juice, or going for luxurious meals and it all calms down, so I just enjoy it whilst I can!
“The energy side? I eat well and have the right amount of sleep – but it’s a juggling act! Combining working with a full time sport is tough and sometimes you don’t get a day off but then sometimes I will get three days off, it’s just the way it all works out. Mum’s still there supporting me too and she still even drops me down at the train station!”
Read the full interview in the July issue of ESP Magazine which can beviewed online or this site or grab a copy now.
Photos at sculpture unveiling: Dave Glover.
Photos for ESP Magazine of Louis at Posh Spas: www.photographybyandrewjames.co.uk
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