Funding boost brings Grainger’s 2012 target closer

For the second consecutive year the pistol shooter was hand-picked as part of 264 athletes across England and Wales to receive funding, plus expert tuition from the likes of Olympic silver medallist Leon Taylor.

After winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol at the Disability Shooting International last year, Grainger appears on course to bag a position at London 2012.

But with only three spots available on the women’s team compared to eight on the men’s, the 40-year-old admitted she would have to produce the form of her life to make the Games.

“It is going to be really tough and a really busy year but I am going to try my absolute best to make the team,” said Grainger, who also was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Olympic Park in east London.

“I have been going all out with training and competing and the year is only going to get busier - my wedding to my fiancé Craig has been on hold until after the Games.

“It is more mentally challenging than anything because we have to keep a low heart rate to get more accuracy so I also have to do a lot of fitness training.

“It is going to be even harder in London because everyone will be cheering you on. It is weird, what is an advantage to everyone else could actually be a disadvantage for the shooters.”

In partnership with SportsAid, the Lloyds TSB-backed initiative is designed to ensure more talent reaches the top of their sport.

In total 346 talented athletes are part of the programme, with 82 Bank of Scotland Local Heroes north of the border also receiving funding towards training and competing.

And Grainger admits she is only too pleased to be back on the scheme.

“The money mainly gets spent on ammo because I certainly get through it,” she added. “The grant helped me no end and I was just improving as much as I could as quickly as I could - and this year will be no different.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, provides support and funding to 346 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. Since 2008, the programme has supported 1,000 athletes. Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes