Athletes given helping hand by Virgin Trains

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Gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE is the latest athlete to have their name emblazoned on the front of a Virgin Pendolino train.

Virgin Trains has continued to highlight its sponsorship of the travel for a number of sportsmen and women who hope to represent their country in upcoming major sporting events. Beth was on hand at Liverpool Lime Street station to see ‘her’ train, No. 390022, arrive from London.

The Virgin Trains sponsorship initiative is supported by Alstom, which built and maintains Virgin’s Pendolino train fleet.

The initiative, ‘Supporting British Athletes’, enables a number of sportsmen and women to attend training camps, key competitions and championships up and down the country.

With the numerous events taking place in the run up to the sporting events in 2012 in London and 2014 in Glasgow the ability to train and take part in competitive events is an important part of these athlete’s careers.

Beth Tweddle has amassed more titles and medals than any other British Gymnast before her. The three-time world champion has almost single-handedly helped to reinvent British gymnasts in a prestigious career spanning ten years.

Her global record now places her in the ‘greatest of all time’ category within her sport. After competing in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, Beth hopes to make the podium in 2012.

Beth said; “It’s not just about the competition, but also the preparation and lead up, so being able to travel on my namesake will be my lucky charm.

“I have been fortunate enough to receive many awards and commendations throughout my career. I train to win gymnastic medals and so it will be a real honour to win an Olympic one on home turf!”

Gary Iddon, General Manager, Liverpool at Virgin Trains, said:

“We think it’s fantastic that Beth has agreed to have one of our trains named after her. As such a well-known athlete we take great pride in being able to help Beth on her journey to the record books and wish her all the best of luck in her up-coming competitions.”

Richard Woodroofe, Alstom Transport UK’s Mainline Operations Director said:

“Alstom is delighted to support this initiative with Virgin Trains. We identify with the determination and commitment needed by the athletes to deliver top performance and wish Beth well for the exciting challenges ahead.”

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