World-class athletes know that success only comes with dedication and training, but one Birmingham sportsman is taking no chances in Beijing – so will wear his “lucky” Aston Villa socks while competing at the Olympic Games.
Hall Green high jumper Tom Parsons is just one member of Team GB who have revealed their pre-competition superstitions and rituals.
The 24-year-old, who works as a librarian at Aston University and never takes part in the high jump without his claret and blue socks, will be going for gold later this month.
A survey of Team GB athletes and paralympians, conducted by the National Lottery which has funded the UK’s elite athletes for the past decade, also reveals teenage high diver Tom Daley will take his beloved toy monkey to China for his Olympic debut.
