BBC appeal for local ‘Olympians’

 

Yes, that’s right, don’t rub your eyes or shake your head, the Much Wenlock Olympics and, if you do, then BBC Wales would like to hear from you.

 

BBC Wales is making a series called ‘Wales and the Olympics’ in the build up to London 2012 which will recount the history of Welsh people in the modern Olympic Games.

 

In the mid 19th century, an Olympian Society was created just across the border in Much Wenlock and an annual sporting festival has been held there ever since.

 

Researcher Chris Howells told us: “With Much Wenlock just 30 miles from the Welsh border, it’s a distinct possibility that a number of competitors in the 19th century would have come from the Welshpool area.”

 

If you know of any Welsh people going to compete in the games or perhaps you have an ancestor who won an event or contributed to the development of the Wenlock  Olympics please contact  Chris at chris.howells@bbc.co.uk or call him on 07710 851455.

 

The 125^th annual Much Wenlock Olympics are currently underway and will continue until July 11.