By Martin Walker
Angie Winstanley-Smith is expected to represent Newton Aycliffe in the Olympic Games this evening.
The 26-year-old is in Team GB’s women’s water polo team, which plays its first group game against Russia tonight (6.20pm).
Angie and Boro goalkeeper Jason Steele, who is in Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad but is yet to play, are the only two Newtonians to represent Aycliffe in this summer’s Olympics.
Good luck messages have been sent to Angie, via Aycliffe Today, ahead of her big game this evening.
Great Aycliffe Town Council leader Bob Fleming said: “It’s fantastic that we have two people from Newton Aycliffe in the Olympics, representing not only the country but the town, and we should be very proud of them both.
“We wish Angie all the very best of luck for tonight’s game and for the rest of the tournament.”
Angie went to Woodham Community College and was in the same tutor group as Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who earlier this year won an FA Cup and Champions League medal.
Turnbull told Aycliffe Today: “I know it’ll be a very proud moment for her, and we’re all willing her and the Britain team to win.
“I remember how good Angie was at Athletics and how committed she was to swimming. She’d swim before and after school just about every night. Her dedication was unreal, and that’s what you need if you have ambitions of becoming an elite athlete, as she has.
“I wish her all the very best of luck and will be watching every game.”
Woodham College assistant head teacher Danny Morgans, a former head of PE who briefly taught Angie before she left for Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form college, said: “Everyone at Woodham was delighted when Angie visited us a few weeks ago, with her torch and wearing her Team GB tracksuit.
“We all wish her well, and we’ll be watching with great interest!”
Phil Wilson, the Labour MP for Newton Aycliffe, said: “I’ll be watching Angie’s game tonight and I’m sure the whole town will be.
“It’s great to see people from Aycliffe being involved in the Games – let’s hope she brings a medal back!”
In a Video Interview with Aycliffe Today earlier this month, Woodham head teacher Christine Forsyth said: “It’s always wonderful when you see former students succeeding.
“Whatever they’ve chosen to do, it’s brilliant to see that they’ve actually fulfilled their dreams, and to have two former students in the Olympics is magical.”
Olympics coverage tonight runs 6-7pm on BBC2, then 7-10pm on BBC1.
Team GB’s second group game is against Australia on Wednesday night (7.40pm), followed by the third and final group game against Italy on Friday night (6.20pm).