Public vote to choose the next Great Briton winner!

These are the eight finalists for the latest stage of the British Airways’ Great Britons programme – now it’s up to you to vote for a winner

You don't need to be a sports fan to know that the 2010 Olympic Winter Games took place in Vancouver, Canada, last month. Next up is Britain – The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games kicks off on 27 July 2012 and will see 26 Olympic sports played by 10,500 athletes in 34 venues, and 20 Paralympic sports played by 4,200 athletes in 21 venues.

Inspired by this celebration of sporting excellence, British Airways, the official airline partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games, has launched its own search for home-grown excellence called Great Britons. Every UK citizen resident aged 16 and over who needs support to develop their talent in their chosen field can apply – and it’s not just future sports stars they’re after.

The judges are looking for talented individuals and groups who epitomise the values associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and who strive to be the best. Only those who can demonstrate that they are determined, competitive and courageous enough to follow their dreams will win. The winners get flights to British Airways destinations and use of its luxury Executive Club lounges, plus a winner’s pack, which includes a camcorder.

One of the Great Britons judges is Denise Lewis, who won a Gold Medal in the Heptathlon at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, despite injuring her Achilles tendon shortly before and being advised by her doctor not to compete.

“I got involved in Great Britons because I know what it takes to have a passion and to need someone’s support and help to realise your dream,” she says. “It’s important that an iconic brand like British Airways is doing something to draw out people’s passions and inspire them.”

Have your say and vote for one of the Great Britons finalists? Click here or on the image on the right to meet the contenders.

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