Safety first for sports student at Rio 2016

Charlotte Jenkins, from Wolverhampton, was rewarded after promoting Olympian values at her secondary school during the London games.

The 21-year-old, who is now studying health, exercise and physical activity at University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth, will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Brazil this summer.

Charlotte said it was her grandfather and late father who turned her into a sports nut and she was 'over-the-moon' to be selected as a steward.

She continued: "My dad introduced me to football and golf at an early age. When he passed away I became very close to my granddad, who was a keen cross-country runner.

"I watched the athletics and swimming with granddad. As a glutton for punishment, I did every sport I could at school.

"When I found out I'd got a place at Rio I told my mum I was going no matter what."

Jenkins was made head sports ambassador at South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy during London 2012 after pledging to promote Olympic values at the school.

Four years later, she has been accepted onto the Olympic volunteer scheme, which saw applications sent in from all over the world.

The process included filling in an application form, conducting an online interview and taking French and Spanish aptitude tests.

Jenkins will fly out for a week's training in July to receive her uniform and will stay in fully-catered accommodation within the Olympic Village throughout the games.

She thinks working in a sports summer camp as a university ambassador had also helped prepare her for what lies ahead at the Olympics.

She said: "I think I'll cope with whatever they throw at me in Rio, as I had 80 international students aged 11 to 17 on one five-a-side football pitch.

"I had to improvise and they loved what I was doing so much that they asked to carry on working with me instead of enjoying their evening entertainment."

Joe Layden, programme leader at St Mark & St John, said Jenkins had shown real dedication and commitment to sport.

He said: "I'm sure the opportunity to work in the Olympic Village will be one which she will relish and will provide her with great opportunities and experiences to help in her career."