WHO? A former gymnast, heptathlete and hurdler, the Blackburn Harrier took up pole vaulting in 2008. Hailing from Chorley, the ex-Parklands High School student, 20, has fast become one of the most talked about UK athletes after a series of stunning performances. IN THE GB TEAM? Bleasdale faces qualifying in June, but it should prove a formality after clearing 4.87m in Lyon in January, a jump that shattered her previous indoor UK record. She climbed to the top of the world rankings with that effort alone.

MEDAL? It is clear that Bleasdale is a genuine prospect for a podium place. A gold medal may even be in the offing, though she must overcome current Olympic champion and world record holder, Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva, and an expectant home crowd.

QUOTE: I want to go to the Olympics and get the experience but I think I can compete with the top jumpers in the world. The way I am jumping, I think I can go there and do something special.