There is no doubt in taekwondo star Bianca Walkden’s mind that support from back home was one of the driving forces behind her Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games success.
The 29-year-old left the Olympics with a taekwondo bronze medal in the 67Kg+ division, giving her a second medal to go alongside her Rio 2016 exploits.
With no fans in the stands because of the Covid-19 pandemic, athletes at this year’s Olympic Games had to take solace in the fact they were being cheered on by millions back home in Britain.
And after revisiting a local mural in Liverpool, commissioned by the UK’s leading technology-led estate agent and the official estate agent of Team GB for Tokyo 2020, Purplebricks, Walkden reiterated the strength home support gave her in Tokyo.
“With no family or friends, or people shouting in the stands, it was a lot different in terms of the atmosphere,” said Walkden, who was grateful for the “Team GB Home Support Relay” campaign, which encouraged the nation to get behind Team GB stars in Tokyo.
“But we knew that everyone back home was cheering us on, screaming for us. Just knowing that they were behind us along with the rest of the country was unbelievable.
“You don’t realise it but it does touch all the athletes and it does give them a lot of encouragement – we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Street artist Jo Hicks was the brains behind the design, taking inspiration from the designs of children from Blueberry Park Primary School.
Part of 10 unique designs across the country, the mural is situated on the corner of Brick Street, at the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
And the murals have a dual purpose, encouraging support from home for Tokyo 2020, as well as inspiring the next generation of Team GB athletes.
“The Home Support campaign, with Team GB and Purplebricks connecting, has been one of the best ideas they’ve had,” said Walkden.
“It’s lifted the spirt of the athletes with the support back home and with all these fantastic pieces of art, kids can be inspired to dream and be what they want to be.
“I really appreciate being a role model for the next generation. I want to inspire them through my performances.
“If one of them can look at me, and just one of them is inspired to try something new or take up a new sport, then I’ve done my job.”
COVID-19 saw the Olympic cycle for athletes go from four to five years, adding a year of training to what was already an arduous and vigorous process.
However, the flipside of the coin is that Paris 2024 is now just three years away.
And Walkden has her eyes firmly set on a golden-Games in the French capital.
“I definitely am already on the path to Paris 2024,” said Walkden.
“Paris is only three years away now, so why not go when there’s a crowd and hopefully, I’ll come back from that with a gold medal!”
Purplebricks is working with communities, athletes, and local artists to create commemorative murals for Team GB, encouraging the nation to show home support and get behind the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. Visit @PurplebricksUK or https://www.purplebricks.co.uk/team-gb
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here