Long jumper Lelliott to keep level head at EYOF

 LONG jumper James Lelliott is refusing to make any bold predictions ahead of this week's European Youth Olympic Festival in Tampere. 

FEET ON THE GROUND: James Lelliott is refusing to get carried away, despite heading to Finland for the European Youth Olympic Festival

Lelliott is one 62 British youngsters making the trip to Finland, as Team GB bid to improve on the 23 medals - nine of which were gold - won last time out in Belgrade in 2007.

The 16-year-old Millfield School pupil, who was born and lives in Poole, is coached by Brian Kemp at Bournemouth Athletics Club.

Lelliott has a season's best leap of 7.13m recorded at the Bournemouth AC Spring Open back in April and the British youngster, who came fourth in the World Schools Cup in Estonia earlier this year, is convinced more of the same will see him challenging for medals in Finland.

"I don't really go into competitions aiming for something - it will purely be a case of going out and doing the best that I can," said Lelliott.

"If that's enough, then I'd like to think that I would be in with a shot of a medal but we'll just wait and see really.

"I'm looking forward to being part of a multi-sport event - it'll be great to see what the other events are like.

"I want to use this as a stepping stone for bigger competitions in the future."

Lelliott has seen his long jump personal best dramatically improve in 2009, having started the year with a best leap of just 6.60m 12 months earlier.

In 2009, Lelliott has beaten his 6.60m personal best on 12 separate occasions and the Brit is hoping his dramatic recent improvements continue when it matters most.

"I'm so looking forward to it now. It's been a pretty amazing experience for me already and I haven't even competed yet," he added.

"My year started off on a massive high - I went to the indoor nationals not expecting to get a medal and I ended up winning that.

"The PB's have just kept coming and coming for me this year, which is just a dream come true for me to be honest - I can't believe I've got a GB vest.

"I got the letter a couple of months ago saying that I was in the running and I have just been hopeful since then."

The British Olympic Association selects, runs and manages Team GB at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It promotes the Olympic Movement, enhances athlete success and develops Olympic sports in the UK - www.olympics.org.uk