Kelly Holmes led the praise for 1,500m runner Laura Weightman after she became the first athlete from her 'On Camp with Kelly' scheme to book her place at an Olympic Games.
The 20-year-old, who is coached by former world champion Steve Cram, won the Olympic trials in Birmingham at the weekend to guarantee her place in London.
"It was fantastic to witness Laura's win and her official selection in the women's 1,500m at the Aviva 2012 trials on Sunday," said Holmes, who has turned her attention to mentoring young, middle-distance athletes since winning double told at the 2004 Games.
"Laura has had a great year under the guidance of her coach Steve Cram, she has matured in her approach, belief and performances and thoroughly deserves selection.
"We are all proud of her at 'On Camp with Kelly' and a large team of us were there to cheer her on as she received her gold medal. She also text me to say how pleased she was to see us all there as she stood on the podium.
"In the next six weeks, Laura will be part of Team GB wearing her Olympic kit with pride. You never forget your first Olympic Games; it is something really special for any athlete. But a home Olympic Games is just incredible and I don't think people realise how much this is going to take over our nation, everyone will be touched by the Olympics."
Weightman said: "I'm so excited; I'm going to the Olympics.
"It's certainly a dream come true and it is just starting to sink in, but still seems a bit surreal to know I will be competing in the Olympic stadium in six weeks' time."
The best-known graduate of 'On Camp with Kelly', world silver medallist Hannah England, missed the trials through injury and is hoping to be the selectors' discretionary choice for the Games.
