British teachers aim for gold at Olympics

At least four British teachers will be representing their country at this year's Olympics in Beijing, which start today.

Michaela Breeze, a weightlifting PE teacher from Ivybridge Community College near Plymouth will be representing her country for the third time, having come in ninth place in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Music teacher Hester Goodsell will be joining her as a rower in the women's lightweight double-scull pairing, as are PE teachers Alistair McGregor from Leicestershire and Tandi Gerrard from Leeds, competing in the hockey and diving events respectively, the Times Educational Supplement reports.

"Most of the pupils don't take too much notice of me being in the Olympics, but I like to think I can inspire some of them," Ms Breeze told the newspaper.

Two schoolchildren are also taking part in the games - 14-year-old diver Tom Daly is the youngest member of Team GB, while 17-year-old A-level student Charlotte Graddock is the most junior player on the women's hockey team.

The Olympic games will open in China today with a lavish ceremony, expected to feature around 10,000 performers.