Caroline with the man himself

In the run-up to the Olympics I joined in celebrating Brighton-born medal-winner Steve Ovett, as a statue of him was unveiled on the seafront.

The statue was paid for by members of the local business community and replaces one that stood in Preston Park until it was stolen in 2007.

Steve Ovett himself attended the unveiling and I was thrilled to meet him: I still remember the national fervour around the rivalry between Steve and Sebastian Coe at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where Steve won Gold for the 800 metres race and Bronze for the 1500 metres.

Steve has also set world records for 1500 metres and the mile run.

Steve’s feats are no doubt an inspiration to many in the GB athletics team, whose events get underway today, and his statue is a reminder that all sporting achievements start from somewhere – and our city is a great place to start!

To further mark Steve’s links with the city, earlier in the day a special Council meeting made Steve Ovett a Freeman of Brighton & Hove.