Olympians praise Stratford's transformation

Mon 6th August 2012, 10:02 am

Olympic 400m silver medal-winner Christine Ohuruogu and 400m hurdles contender Perri Shakes-Drayton have praised the transformation of their home town, Stratford, in preparation for the London 2012 Games.

"When I was growing up I hated the fact I lived in Stratford," said Ohuruogu in the Evening Standard. "It was a dump and I just wanted to be somewhere better. I had friends who lived in Romford and that seemed so glamorous by comparison — I used to dream of living in Essex.

"Now because of the Olympics, for the first time in my life I’m proud to say I come from Stratford and it’s my friends from Essex who are jealous! It’s incredible to see the transformation of the area — that’s the best legacy of this Games."

Shakes-Drayton, who competes in the 400m hurdles semi-final today (Monday 6 August), said the streets she loves have changed "drastically" thanks to the Olympic developments. Where the Olympic stadium now stands, she once browsed the Sunday market and there is now a "Tesco Express on every corner".

She said: "Stratford looks amazing. It’s a lovely place and I’m proud to say that I’m from there."

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