Holmes confident in Dubai's ambition

Dame Kelly Holmes, the Olympic double gold medallist, said she had 'no doubt' Dubai would be ready if it were selected to host the Summer Games in 2024.

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Dame Kelly Holmes, the Olympic double gold medallist, said she had "no doubt" Dubai would be ready if it were selected to host the Summer Games in 2024.

Qatar's successful bid for the 2022 World Cup has paved the way for more championships to be hosted in the Middle East, she said.

The UAE National Olympic Committee announced it was planning to bid for the 2024 Games in July this year, concluding 70 per cent of the infrastructure to stage the event was either already in place or in the pipeline.

Sunday, on a visit to Dubai College, Holmes said: "There is no reason why they should not be able to go for it. I think it will give Dubai time to work out what's needed, in terms of infrastructure and expectations, and what works to give the best experience for the athletes. The only thing they would have to consider is the time of year, but I have no doubt by then they would be ready to do it."

The former Olympic champion, who ran to glory in the 800m and 1,500m in the 2004 Games in Athens before retiring the following year, was visiting Dubai in her role as an ambassador for a British telecommunications firm.

Her role involves visiting schools around the world in the run-up to next year's London Olympics to act as a mentor and coach to young sports enthusiasts and disenfranchised youth.

She spent the morning talking to pupils from five Dubai schools about her own academic failure and subsequent path to success before taking part in keep-fit sessions with pupils aged between 16 and 18.

Holmes said she was "extremely excited" about the 2012 Games, where she will be playing an ambassadorial role.

"I am putting my neck on the line for this, but it is going to be one of the best Games ever," she said.

Peter Hill, the headmaster of Dubai College, said she was a role model for students and teachers who "strive to achieve excellence".

Guy Warrington, the British consul general, added: "Dame Kelly is one of the UK's greatest Olympians and an inspiration to us all. The UK is extremely excited, and proud, to be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year."