All About Manchester

Great Expectations

You don't have to go to Beijing this year to experience the thrills and spills of world-class competitive sport. Manchester is hosting a record number of high-profile sporting events, featuring some of the world's best and up-and-coming athletes. Meet four of the guys we will be keeping an eye out (and fingers crossed) for.

Jamie Staff, UCI Track Cycling World Championships

A former BMX and triple track cycling world champion, 34-year-old Jamie Staff will be competing for a place in the GB team alongside the likes of Chris Hoy, Jason Queally and Craig MacLean.

You are a triple track cycling world champion. Do you still get the same buzz out of world championships?

Absolutely. Some years more than others, depending on how my form is. This year, because of the Olympics and the young guns on the team, I'm trying harder than ever and loving every minute of it. Can't wait for Manchester.

Why is this year's UCI Track Cycling Championships important for you?

Two reasons; the first being it's on home turf and the crowd will be nuts and the second, because it's Olympic year and we're all fighting for our places, so we need to do well.

What would be a dream come true for you, career-wise, this year?

The dream for me is the Olympics. The Olympic medal is the only one I'm missing!

You've been turning out personal bests this season so everyone has high expectations of you - how does that make you feel?

Good! I'm excited right now, but I'm sure I'll be nervous as heck on the day of racing both in the Worlds and hopefully the Olympics. It's my last realistic shot at going to the Olympics, so I'm giving 100 per cent in everything I do. I'm trying to be the best athlete I can be.

Who will you be looking out for at the world championships?

The French will be the ones to beat I think this year. They have a lot of depth in talent just like we do.

Why should people come to the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester?

The British cycling team is probably the most successful British team at the moment in terms of world medals, so what an opportunity for people to hopefully witness history again. We have the potential to be the biggest medal winners in Beijing too. Plus we ride faster the louder they scream...we need people there!

Nick Matthew, Hi-Tec World Squash Championships

Sheffield-born Nick Matthew is currently England's No. 1 squash player. The 27-year-old has been out of action for a few weeks after having an operation on his shoulder, but the injury has only strengthened his resolve to fight for the ultimate crown in the world championships.

How important is the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships for squash players?

It's the biggest event in our calendar so it's what every squash player is striving for. With it being held in Manchester it's even more exciting for us because we have an extra chance of doing well on home turf.

You represent England's best chance in this year's championships. Does that put extra pressure on you?

We're in a sport where when you step on that court you're in very close proximity with your opponent and expectations from outside go out the window; it's just you and him. I won't feel the pressure; if anything I'll be more confident because I'll have the advantage of playing at home. Manchester is a second home to me after Sheffield so there's no better place to win the world championships.

Who are some of the other top players competing in the world championships this year?

The top two Egyptians, Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour, who are No. 1 and No. 2 in the world and who will still be in terrific form, and the two French guys, Gregory Gaultier and Thierry Lincon, who have recently played in the final of the British Open in Manchester. James Willstrop, the home guy, is also going to be up there and so will David Palmer the Aussie.

Why does squash deserve more recognition as a sport?

Squash is a fantastic spectator sport; the ultimate one on one combat. So many people come to me when they've seen it for the first time and say 'wow, I didn't expect it to be so exciting'. It's a worldwide sport now; you have counties all over the world playing at high level and not just the commonwealth countries that you had in the past. I think it deserves to take that next step up to earn Olympic recognition - hopefully that will be achieved in my lifetime.

Why should people come to the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships in Manchester?

You always get the enthusiasts of the sport but people who've never seen it before will definitely be surprised with the quality on show. We have a couple of home-grown players who have a chance to win and that's a good excuse in itself to come down and offer your support. Other than that, you've got the best players in the world vying for the ultimate title and you have a unique opportunity to see that in Manchester.

Michael Rock, FINA World Swimming Championships

Liverpudlian swimmer Michael Rock, 20, is currently ranked No. 1 in the UK for 100m and 200m butterfly. This year, he is making his hotly anticipated debut on the world stage.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning two gold medals at the Youth Olympics and, more recently, achieving a time in the 200m butterfly which ranks me in the top 16 swimmers for that event in the world.

What does the FINA World Swimming Championships 2008 mean to you?

This will be my first world championships and the most prestigious competition I have ever swum in, so I'm really looking forward to the experience.

How do you feel about the fact that it is being held in Manchester?

I think that competing in front of a great home crowd and having my family and friends there to watch me will make this experience extra special.

Have you ever competed in a concert venue before?

No. I don't think too many swimmers will have experienced something like this before. The music and flashing lights will provide a fantastic atmosphere that will be unforgettable. The great setting and atmosphere will really excite and inspire all the swimmers there, so I think this could be the fastest world championships yet!

Which other athletes taking part in the championships do you rate most highly?

If Michael Phelps competes, I think he could smash a few world records. He is very strong in the latter stages of races and his underwater work is amazing, making him ideally suited to short course swimming. He could swim really fast in Manchester.

Why should people come to the World Swimming Championships in Manchester?

It will be a chance to see the best swimmers in the world competing against each other and breaking world records in a concert venue. It will be a fantastic experience for spectators.

Ian Jones, Paralympic World Cup

The best thing to come out of Wythenshawe in a long time, 18-year-old sprinter Ian Jones is a rising star of British disabled sport. This year, he has set his sights on Beijing but first he has to prove himself in the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

How do you feel about taking part in this year's Paralympic World Cup?

I'll be competing on my home track, with all my family and friends around me, so I think it will be a brilliant event.

You are hailed as one of the rising Paralympian stars. Does that put extra pressure on you?

I don't think it adds pressure; it's actually a bonus to know that the more I train the more people appreciate what I do. I enjoy it when people say I'm a rising star. It gives me an incentive to try and do better.

Why do you think this year's Paralympic World Cup will be a great show?

I think this year it will be extra special because it's the Paralympic Games year and everyone will be on top form. The world's best athletes will be there, trying to get the times for Beijing.

What are you hoping to achieve this year?

I'm trying to get my time down to the lower 50s. I ran 53 seconds last year and I'm hoping to do 51 this year. If I go to Beijing and win any medal that would be a great achievement for me.

Manchester World Sport 08 at a glance:

UCI Track Cycling World Championships, March 26 - 30, The Velodrome - National Cycling Centre, Sportcity.

9th FINA World Swimming Championships 2008 (25m), April 9 - 13, MEN Arena.

Paralympic World Cup, May 7 - 11, Sportcity and other venues.

UEFA Cup Final, May 14, City of Manchester Stadium.

BUPA Great Manchester Run, May 18, Manchester city centre.

Hi-Tec World Squash Championships Manchester 2008, October 11 - 19, National Squash Centre, Sportcity.

For more information visit www.manchesterworldsport08.com

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