UK Sport has optimistically predicted a medal tally of 41 for British athletes at this year’s Olympics in Beijing, with 14 of them coming from cycling, rowing and sailing.

From a Scottish perspective, this looks very positive, if our athletes can deliver.  Scots could be responsible for around 25% of all British medals won in China.

Three of the predicted six medals expected for the cyclists could come from one man, Chris Hoy.  Already a world champion this year in the men’s sprint and keirin, Hoy will hope to double up his achievements by winning, or medalling at the very least, in these events.  He may also pick up a medal for the team sprint.

Pressure is also on the canoe slalom team, comprising entirely of Scots – Campbell Walsh, Fiona Pennie and David Florence.  UK Sport wants two medals from its canoeists.

Sarah Clark, Michelle Rogers and, in particular, Euan Burton will also be seeking a podium finish in the judo events.

Meanwhile in rowing, Katherine Grainger’s quad team will hope to improve their form and pick up the gold medal that is expected of them.

UK Sport have also charged their swimmers with picking up at least three medals.  Kirsty Balfour, in the women’s 200m breast-stroke, will hope to match her world championship result from last year and claim one of those three, while Gregor Tait, David Carry, Caitlin McLatchey and Kris Gilchrist will also have ambitions of a top three final finish.

Elsewhere, runner Lee McConnell will hope to emulate her 4x400m bronze in Osaka at last year’s World Championships, while Daniel Keatings will be hoping for a strong showing in the Artistic Gymnastics contest.