Libby Clegg is a blind sprinter in the Paralympics GB team in Tokyo. Libby won double gold in Rio but since then has become a mum to Edward.

Libby reveals here here struggles over the last year after the Games got postponed last summer. She was at the peak of fitness last spring after appearing on Dancing on Ice. But has really found the last year hard - not being able to be with her training partners because of social distances and a lack of opportunity to compete.

Libby admits she is not where she'd like to be following an injury and her mental struggle. She wasn't selected for the Games, but got called up as a reserve. And she tells me how she really doubted her place in July and thought about pulling out. She turned to a doctor, sports psychologist and her partner Dan for help before deciding that she should take up the place. She's now happy and in a good place mentally.

That's it for the series. Many thanks for listening over the last 8 months and thanks to all you athletes for taking part.

Charlotte Moore ie a wheelchair basketball player for Paralympics GB. Tokyo will be her second Games after making her debut as a 17 year old in Rio.

She's been playing since she was 8 when she had a chance meeting whilst shopping with her mum at Sainsbury's when she was approached by the coach of a local wheelchair basketball team. She's never looked back from that chance meeting.

She's played lots of sport and even got to carry the Olympic Torch on the Torch Relay ahead of London 2012.

Charlotte talks about the extraordinary issues they've had as a squad during Covid which has limited severely the time they've been able to spend training together.

GB just missed out on a medal in Rio as they finished 4th. Charlotte's hoping it'll be at least one better this time!

Natalie Powell is in the Judo team for the Tokyo Olympics. This will be her second Games.

Natalie talks about what she learnt from competing at Rio five years ago. And one things she will definitely be doing for the Olympics is come off social media - and she tells me why.

Natalie has also increased her step count this year to prepare for all the walking that's needed at the Athletes Village.

Chelsie Giles says she has found her voice through judo. She's competing at her first Olympics in Tokyo

She started judo at 8 years old and has loved it ever since. She tells me why. And she talks about achieving her best ever results which have given her belief in herself.

Today we're in British Columbia in Canada with Tim Baillie, gold medal winner in the Canoe Slalom C2 in London 2012.

Canada has had some tough restrictions during Covid but life for Tim has become more relaxed in recent months with schools returning. It's a very outdoor life and even the nearby ski slopes have remained open.

Tim reflects on 2012 and the challenges of life after a gold medal. In many ways, it did not bring the opportunities some people suggested it would. But the medal moment is still a massive part of Tim's life. And then there's the story of Tim getting two gold postboxes for his London medal.

Thanks for listening today. I hope you're enjoying this series of podcasts. I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - I'm not getting paid or taking any personal sponsorship. If you'd like to make a donation drop me a line at markshardlow@icloud.com or go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

He left the UK just in time to enjoy the freedoms of New Zealand during the pandemic. Tim Brabants is a doctor, specialising in Accident and Emergency, and a record-breaking canoeist.

Tim was GB's first ever gold medal winner in any canoe discipline when he came first in Beijing in Canoe Sprint.

He's now coaching with the Olympic Squad in NZ and although life is fairly normal over there - pubs, restaurants, shops are all open with limited changes - there are downsides. Teams haven't been able to leave the country to travel to international events.

Tim takes a very pragmatic position. "It's just sport" and controlling the pandemic is far more important. And Tim knows what his hospital colleagues in the UK and NZ are going through.

Tim competed in four Olympic Games(sorry Tim, I forgot London!) and has two bronze medals as well as his gold.

Here's the link to my Just Giving page if you'd like to donate to the cancer charity, Maggie's.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Rob Woodhouse is steeped in the Olympics and Paralympics. he won a medal for Australia in the IM in the pool in Los Angeles in 1984. Since then, he's become an accomplished pundit for ABC Radio and RB as a regular at the Games. He's also represented some of Britain's great Olympians and Paralympians as their agent. Becky Adlington, Chris Hoy, Adam Peaty and Richard Whitehouse. And his niece and nephew are both Olympians too!

Rob spoke to me from Melbourne, Australia, to tell me about life with Covid on the other side of the world and its affect on elite sport. And life has gone on pretty much as normal!

Rob talks about his favourite Olympic moments and why he loves the Games. I really enjoyed our chat.

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - who do great work to anyone affected by cancer in the UK. If you enjoyed the podcast I'd love it if you'd donate the cost of a cup of coffee...

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

She scored a hat-trick for England in midweek - Ellen White talks about playing international football again. Covid has meant no England games for a year - but Ellen has a big smile on her face this week. And a souvenir ball for her trophy cabinet.

Ellen speaks about the Olympic preparations - and what she's doing to earn selection.

Ellen also co presents the Track and Ball podcast with Paralympian Richard Whitehead and she talks about their latest guest - Team GB sprinter Adam Gemili....who talks about his early career playing football, mixing it with Usain Bolt, London 2012 and how he hit a low point in 2020 after the Tokyo Games were postponed.

You can see and hear the the Adam Gemili podcast here

https://pod.fo/e/b9aaa

https://youtu.be/x46I95whzug

And if. you want to support Destination Tokyo with a small donation to charity - here are the details

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

She won swimming medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016. But in Tokyo she'll be in a canoe and aiming for her first Paralympic gold medal.

Charlotte Henshaw has had a phenomenal time since switching sports. She talks us through the process and what she's learnt along the way.

Charlotte also talks about the qualification event for this summer.

You can find Charlotte at @chenshawgb

And if you'd like to make a small donation to my chosen charity you can find details here

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Dan Greaves has competed and won medals at 5 Paralympic Games - with his debut in Sydney in 2000.

The delay to the Tokyo Games has helped "Discus Dan" who has recovered from a career threatening injury he picked up in 2019.

Dan's coach is in Dubai and his coaching sessions are via an ipad. He's used to it. His previous coach was based in Arizona.

We also talk about Dan's role on the Athlete's Commission and his thoughts on the new 'super shoes' which have helped some very fast times in recent weeks.

Dan's now a dad of 2 but in great shape

Dan also presents That Greaves and Rooney Sports Podcast - and they've got some great guests. Check them out here

https://that-greaves-rooney-s.captivate.fm

@discusdan

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - and the details are here

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

We recorded this podcast just as the Prime Minister announced the easing of lockdown in England. And for Shona McCallin that means many things, including a return to coaching her local hockey team in Maidenhead.

Shona talks about why she chose to coach whilst being on the GB squad and what she's learning.

We also talk about the run up to Tokyo and the need for acclimatisation.

If you'd like to leave me a small tip for producing these podcasts - all money I raise is going to Maggie's Cancer Centres. Here are the details and why I've chosen Maggie's.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

It's been a tough few days for GB boxer Sandy Ryan. She's spent 9 years hoping to make an Olympic Games. But her hopes of making it to Tokyo are over after her Qualifying event was cancelled because of Covid.

Sandy's struggled with a shoulder injury but she's recovering well and was hoping this was going to be her year. The Commonwealth Games gold medal winner describes the pain of missing out.

Best wishes Sandy!

I'm making these podcasts to help raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. To read my story and to donate please go to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

An Olympic great, Sir Chris Hoy, is on our throwback Friday. It's an excerpt from a much longer interview given to the Track and Ball Podcast.(A brilliant podcast series, by the way, more details further down).

Sir Chris talks about the 2004 games in Athens and how a conversation with the sports psychologist Dr Steve Peters changed his mindset.

Sir Chris is now an author too and his latest book is Be Amazing. He says many athletes doubt themselves. And he shares the techniques and need for hard work that led to his successes.

You can follow Track and Ball Podcast @trackandballpod

You can hear it here https://podfollow.com/1528282730

And you can find Richard Whitehead at @marathonchamp and Ellen White at @ellsbells89

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. I'm doing these podcasts without any payment. If you'd like to make a donation it'll go straight to the charity

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

This episode explores captaincy and leadership with Adam Dixon, skipper of the GB Hockey team.

Adam's held this position since February 2019 and gives me the inside track on how the hockey squad operates.

One of his big challenges has been keeping the group together over the last year over lockdown. He also talks about a more open and honest approach. This time last year, the squad were under performing and they see this summer as a second chance.

He and the leadership team have spoken to former England cricket captain, Andrew Strauss and rugby's Dylan Hartley to try to learn from them. Amongst the learnings were setting standards in training that lead to improved performance.

I'm doing these podcasts without any payment and hope to raise sponsorship and contributions from listeners to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. Here's the detail

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Today I have 3 swimmers as guests. Adam Peaty won gold in Rio and is completely dominant at his event. He's favourite to retain his Olympic gold medal.

Adam talks about what he hopes to achieve in Tokyo and how he keeps delivering the times.

Adam also talks about coming to these games as a dad.

My other guests are Max and Joe Litchfield, the brothers from South Yorkshire. It's their first major games together.

Thanks for listening.

Patrick Huston talks us through his mental rehearsals - the way he visualises his performances. It's all part of his preparation in the build up to the qualification events for Tokyo.

It's about visualising success and Patrick spends up to an hour and a half a day doing this. And he gets a notification every 2 hours with a positive reminder to reinforce the message.

It's a glimpse into a sport many of us aren't familiar with. And Patrick is a great salesman for archery.

You can follow Destination Tokyo on twitter @desttokyo

And here's details of how to make a donation to my chosen charity Maggie's Cancer Centres.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Former World Champion hurdler Dai Greene articulates the frustration at trying to find competition just 5 months out from the Tokyo Olympics.

Covid had devastated the indoor season and Dai is disappointed that more hasn't been done to help elite athletes.

He's not competed since last July and whilst he understands that travelling around is very difficult at this time, it is a set back.

Dai's also reveals board games have been a big part of his lockdown and has some recommendations!

You can follow Dai on social media @daigreene

If you'd like to donate to my chosen charity Maggie's Cancer Centre you can find details at

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

At last! Competition in the UK. And marathon swimmer Alice Dearing was back in the pool for the first time in 11 months.

Alice normally competes in open water - but grabbed this opportunity as British Swimming put on a competitive meeting in Manchester.

She talks about how she loved the event and describes how it worked....and hopefully paves the way for more competitions and a return to recreational pools being opened.

Thanks for listening. You can find Alice on social media @alicedearingx

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres through these podcasts - you can find out more and make a small donation at

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Some great thoughts to ponder on in this episode with GB Paralympic gold medal winner Emma Wiggs.

For starters, we talk about the resignation of the head of the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee, Yoshiro Mori, for making inappropriate remarks about women. We move on to discus the role of the Paralympics in breaking down barriers.

And there's Emma's journey to Tokyo - which took a big bump with a wrist injury in the gym. It was potentially career ending and Emma struggled with her mental and physical health.

Thanks to Emma for a great chat. You can follow her on social media @emwiggsy

I'm raising money with is podcast series for Maggie's Cancer Centres. If you'd like to make a donation and read the story behind it please look at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Olympian Ellen White has become the all-time top goalscorer in the WSL this week. She's also been named in the England squad once more for the next international.

Paralympian Richard Whitehead is back from warm weather training with Tokyo in his sights.

The pair present their own podcast, Track and Ball, and they've been taking questions from schools in the last two episodes in the form of q and a's. And here are two entertaining snippets.

Firstly - do elite athletes each chocolate? And what chocolate do they like?

And then there's the uncertainty around Tokyo. How are they coping and what tips can they give.

Here's the link for Track and Ball Podcast https://podfollow.com/1528282730

Big thanks to Richard and Ellen.

If you'd like to support Destination Tokyo - then I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres and if you'd like to donate the price of a coffee you can do so here...

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

George Peasegood has a very powerful story. But he doesn't always realise it. That's because he loves what he does.

George is one of the world's best para-triathletes and hopes to be heading to Tokyo. He was just 2 1/2 when his left leg got trapped under a ride-on lawn mower.

His leg was saved, but as a teenager he needed nine months of operations to correct differences in leg growth.

Throughout all of this, sport has been a great motivator. And with his active family's encouragement, he ended up in triathlon. George will be keeping us posted throughout the year on his journey to Tokyo.

Destination Tokyo is a daily ten minute podcast - running Monday to Friday. I talk to athletes, coaching and journalists hoping to be at the Tokyo Games this summer.

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres , who do an amazing job. So if you're enjoying the podcasts maybe you'd consider donating just a couple of pounds.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Here's an expert's way of keeping motivated to exercise when conditions are not great outside....

Martyn Rooney is one of the most experienced members of Team GB's athletics squad - with an Olympic medal to his name.

But his tip might hurt. He suggests finding an exercise you really don't like and do that. Martyn's a great believer in hard work. And talks a lot of sense.

Martyn's not only a guest but a great podcast host. You can catch him with Paralympian Dan Greaves on that Greaves and Rooney Sports Podcast...here's the link https://podfollow.com/1458149570

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres and if you're enjoying the podcasts you might like to give me a 'tip' which goes straight to the charity.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

He runs marathons; spends hours training. And has a full-time job in teaching.

Kevin Seaward is hoping to be with Team Ireland in Japan this summer. He is an Olympian from Rio and finished 4th in the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

But aside from the miles training on the road, he's also part of the leadership team at Beauchamp College, a large school in Leicestershire. And he loves having two jobs.

I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - which provide emotional and practical support for cancer patients and have been amazing to my family. If you can spare £2-3 please make a donation to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

thanks! Mark

No trips to bars, restaurants and sights. No travel on public transport without permission. Restrictions at venues. The details are coming out which'll shape how athletes, the media and officials must behave in Tokyo during the Games.

The guest today is Andy Stevenson, who works on the Games for Channel 4 and BBC Radio Sport. Andy is a Paralympic specialist and has some harsh words too after hearing about a dramatic drop in the number of disabled people exercising in the UK in the last year. The report is from the Activity Alliance. And Andy has some pretty frank views - with personal experience.

I'm making these podcasts to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. If you've enjoyed them - I hope you''ll consider making a small donation...

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Ali Jawad was 15 when he was asked if he'd become a drugs cheat or be a clean athlete. The question came from his coach, who was making a very powerful point. And since then the Paralympic Powerlifter has championed clean sport.

Ali's finally got some competition. Lockdown and his recovery from Crohn's Disease has left him with so few opportunities over the last 5 years. But he's preparing for a qualification tournament next month.

These podcasts are released Monday to Friday. If you'd like to leave me a small 'tip' as an appreciation - I'm raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centres.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Moe Sbihi has won medals at the London and Rio Olympics. Gold in the coxless four in 2016 and bronze in the eight in London.

I spoke with Moe just before he left for Tokyo and he reflected on the last few months and the benefits for an inexperienced team of an extra year.

This is Moe's third games and he reflects on the differences between Tokyo and his experiences in London and Rio. Moe had his honeymoon in Japan and is slightly sad that it's so different as he felt this was going to be the most amazing and different games.

Moe talks about not having his wife and his young son out to watch him. At 6'8 he also talks about long distance flying in Covid times.

Thanks for listening!

A really honest account of what it's like living and competing in a bubble for a month.

GB's top ranked mixed doubles pair of Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith talk about their time in Bangkok. And lessons they've learnt from their experience. And lessons we might all benefit from too.

Marcus says he found it very hard to focus on his badminton and maintain his hunger after being forced to stay in his room for up to 23 hours a day. He appreciates they were privileged to travel and play - but learn a lot about how he needs to adjust to the new way of competing during Covid times.

Lauren describes how she had to battle with motivation and a different sort of fatigue and. how planning and more structure and routine will help them in the future.

I'm making these podcasts to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Here's one of the few athletes who've had to endure Long Covid. Jonny Walton contracted the Corona Virus last Spring - and it's after effects were "scary" as Jonny struggled to return to fitness.

Thankfully Jonny is back to fitness and this year he and his British Rowing colleagues had to ditch their warm-weather training. Instead, they've had a camp at the hub of England Football, St George's Park.

And Jonny has another unusual sideline. He and his partner make fruit gins.

If you'd like to make a donation to my chosen charity - Maggie's Cancer Centres - then here's the link. £2/3 would be great!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

There are set to be three new dads in Team GB's hockey squad for Tokyo. And that's a rarity.

Adam Dixon is Team GB's newest dad, becoming a father in late January. The England and GB Hockey captain talks about the life-changing moment and what it means for his sporting day job.

The delay to the Olympics means there'll be three fathers training for GB Hockey, which is certainly out of the ordinary.

And Adam hasn't let lockdown stop his life. When the Olympics were cancelled in 2020 he brought forward his wedding.

But it's back to business today as he returns to training after the birth. It's been a challenging year as captain. They've had little match action, either for club or country, so they've had to be inventive to prepare themselves for the Olympic Games.

I'm using these podcasts to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. You can find out about them here https://www.maggies.org/

And you can make a donation here.... https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

If you are enjoying the podcasts please consider donating the cost of a cup of coffee. Thank you!

Sal Montgomery has a special place in Helen Glover's life. She saved her husband from drowning. And Sal gives a unique insight into how Helen returned to the GB Rowing Squad having had 3 children in the last 3 years.

Sal is an extreme canoeist and adventurer and accompanied Helen's husband, Steve Backshall, on a TV trip to a remote part of Bhutan. She talks about the terrifying moment. But also in glowing terms about how Helen manages family life alongside a return to elite sport. Sal spent the summer with the family as Helen began her training on the river.

I've also got contributions from a team mate, Jonny Walton, on his admiration for one of the stars of world rowing. And from British Canoeing's Director of Performance, Brendan Purcell, who thinks it's an exciting boost for the GB team.

Thanks for listening to the podcast. I hope you're enjoying the series. I'm making them to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres, who've been a great help to my wife and family over the last year. If you can spare the price of a cup of coffee that would be much appreciated....it's simple to donate...

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

How do you balance athlete life and being a parent. Today double gold medal winner Helen Glover announced her intention to compete in Tokyo. We hear briefly from her performance director - with more to come tomorrow.

Diver Tom Daley talks about being a dad and how that's changed his approach to sport.

And BBC Sport's Nick Hope brings news of the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic stars.

With thanks to Track and Ball podcast https://podfollow.com/1528282730

Here's Nick's articles

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/boxing/55775887

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rowing/55760658

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2881685748784101

And here's the link to make a donation

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Shona shares her coping mechanisms and how she's turned to dogs to help her through injury and lockdown.

She was a consistent member of the GB hockey team which won an historic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Shona has just returned from 147 days out with an ankle injury. It's the latest setback for her. But Shona has learnt a lot about the mental strength needed in tough times and that has helped her through Covid.

Shona is always an insightful guest with a lovely sense of humour and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I'm raising money for the brilliant Maggie's Cancer Centres by doing these podcasts. You can set the donation to as little as a £1. If you're enjoying these podcasts, I'd love for you to give me a small token of support

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Athletes and their food; And football and the Olympics. Two guests today. Stef Reid, medal winning Paralympic Long Jumper. And Ellen White, footballing Olympian from London 2012.

Stef talks about food. She was a finalist on Celebrity Master Chef and loves her time in the kitchen. She's got some great advice for those of us who've looked at exercise and diet in January.

Stef talks about the challenges preparing for Tokyo and a few wise words about ignoring all the speculation about the Games.

It's the second part of the interview with Ellen White. She takes us back to London 2012 and the Team GB women's football team playing at Wembley. And she also discusses the relevance of football in the Olympics.

Thanks for listening. I'm doing these podcasts to tell athletes' stories and also to raise money for the incredible Maggie's Cancer Centres. If you're enjoying them and fancy giving me a 'tip' which'll go straight to the charity then please go to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Charlotte Henshaw is a medal favourite in her 'new' sport of paracanoe after competing at 3 Paralympics in GB's swimming team.

But she's recently had surgery and had a diagnosis of endometriosis. So we talk about female athlete health and how the condition has affected her.

We also discus mental health during these Covid times and Charlotte explains how she deals with the uncertainty over the Games and how she used similar method to deal with her anxiety watching the news in the early days of the pandemic.

If you enjoyed the podcast and would donate to Maggie's Cancer Centres please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

My wife was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year - and Maggie's have been brilliant. This is my way of helping to give back.

Amidst the uncertainty, the athletes carry on, hoping Tokyo goes ahead this summer.

There's been more uncertainty for GB football. Phil Neville, likely manager in Tokyo has moved to the US. Ellen White is an Olympian from 2012 but also played for Neville whilst top scoring at the 2019 World Cup. She tells me why he was such a good manager and coach.

There are similar themes from Luke Greenbank when talking about his coach Mel Marshall. It's great to see Luke pre-selected for the swimming squad for Tokyo. The official announcement coming this week.

Destination Tokyo is a ten minute topical daily podcast talking to Olympians and Paralympians. I'm also using it to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - and if you can spare every just £1 or £2 then it'd be much appreciated

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Today is a lively chat with Olympian Patrick Huston, who competed for Team GB at the Archery in Rio.

I first met Patrick at the European Championships in Nottingham five years ago and he always has something interesting to say.

He revealed he had a positive Covid test a couple of weeks ago and talks about how he's been training whilst in self isolation.

Patrick has lots of views on the mental side of sport preparation and he talks through how he's dealing with uncertainty.

No Episode on Thursday this week - but back soon. If you'd like to donate to Maggie's Cancer Centres, my chosen charity, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Darren Pearcy is the Team Manager at Skateboard GB as the sport makes its Olympic debut. And this is a great insight into the culture of a very non-traditional sport.

Darren talks about what he does to help his team of two teenage girls in Tokyo making sure they are well looked after.

Darren talks about this major new platform for skateboarding and his hopes that kids who don't like traditional sports will be engaged and take up the sport. He talks about its unique culture - which is about a lifestyle as much as a sport. Friends, fashion, art, music.

Thanks for listening!

Today's guest is one of Britain's Paralympic stars - Richard Whitehead. His gold medal moment at London 2012 was one of the highlights of the Games. He repeated this at Rio in 2016 but at 44 he will need to be at his very best to make it a hat-trick.

Richard's currently in South Africa and talks about why athletes are going overseas - despite the pandemic and the steps he's taking to be secure.

We'll hear about his gruelling training plan and what it's going to achieve. And why he's gone into podcast hosting.

If you'd like to make a donation to Maggie's Cancer Centres please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Today's guest in this ten minute podcast is Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad who's hoping a Covid vaccination will help his Tokyo preparations enormously.

Ali has Crohn's Disease which makes him clinically extremely vulnerable.

He's competed in three Games, including a silver in Rio. The last four years have been incredibly challenging and it's touch and go if he makes Tokyo. His body has suffered with his bouts of illness but is determined not to give in. Getting to the Games will be an achievement.

Even before lockdown he had to self-isolate because of the severity of his illness. So his home gym has been in place for some time. And now he's gearing up for his next competition, scheduled for Manchester in March.

Thanks for listening. I'm producing these podcasts to tell athletes' stories but also to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. If you've enjoyed listening, maybe you'd consider a small donation.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

I've a lovely guest to finish the week. It's Donna Fraser who has just been awarded an OBE in the New Year.

Donna's making a big contribution to UK Athletics as its lead in Equality, Diversity and Engagement. She is full of enthusiasm and warmth and brings a lifetime of competitive experience.

So it's interesting to hear her views on the disruption to training schedules and uncertainty around the Games. She also brings a wealth of knowledge about racing. And we relive the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the 400m final, won by Donna's training partner and Australian idol Cathy Freeman. Donna finished 4th but could well have had a medal had she stuck to her race plan.

And during lockdown, she's been leading exercise classes for her street! A great example of bringing a community together.

Destination Tokyo comes out Monday to Friday - with each episode around ten minutes. I'll be talking to those involved in the Olympics and Paralympics. I'm also using the podcasts to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. You can find details here

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

So there are 7 guests packed into just over ten minutes of this daily podcast! I love it when the Olympic and Paralympic teams are announced and the athletes can mark the moment.

These are the first announcements of 2021 and of course they come at a time of great uncertainty.

There's some great chat here about how the shooters have adapted and coped during lockdown. I especially love the story of Ryan Cockbill's garden not being long enough - so he has to sit in his en-suite bathroom to fire his shots on the electric target.

So many of this squad, Olympians and Paralympians, have had serious accidents and we talk about this and the resilience it's given them.

So thanks to the 7 who spoke to me today

Aaron Heading

Kirsty Hegarty

Matt Coward-Holley

Lorraine "Raine" Lambert

Tim Jeffrey

James Bevis

Ryan Cockbill

and to Team GB and Paralympics GB for making this happen.

I'm Mark Shardlow, a broadcast journalist who's worked at a number of Olympics, Paralympics, European and Commonwealth Games.

I'm using this podcast to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - a charity that's been so good to my family during 2020. If you've enjoyed listening I'd really appreciate a small donation...the price of a cup of coffee would be great.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

I've got two great guest today. Alice Dearing is aiming to be the first black woman to represent Team GB in swimming.

With so much speculation about the Games this summer, Alice tells me she's of the mindset that there will be an Olympics. She feels it's so important to keep focused on the goal and not to slacken off.

Alice is an open water swimmer, but barely trains here in the UK. So for her, it's pool based training and competition.

She tells me that she found it quite emotionally difficult last year when the Games were cancelled as she was in great shape.

Dai Greene knows this will be his last Olympics. And he's adapted to change by turning an outbuilding at the farm where he lives into a makeshift gym. He's also sharing his training plans - good and bad!

He also reveals he was a British Record holder at MacDonalds in his student days! And is now putting his experiences there to good use! He's in charge of the oven for his partner's new sourdough pizza business.

I'm making these podcasts to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres - you can find details at

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

If you like the podcast and can donate the cost of a coffee from time to time that would be great.

Three great guests today. From Bangkok there's badminton's Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith and here in the UK Andy Stevenson, from the Paralympic Podcast 'A Winning Mindset'.

Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith were both part of Team GB at the Rio Olympics. Marcus and his men's doubles partner, Chris Langridge, won bronze.

Marcus and Lauren are in Bangkok this month with a rare chance to play competitive badminton. There are three major tournaments in three weeks. But competing comes at a price. They have to stay in their hotel room - apart from when they're training or playing matches. But for this pair, it's a small price to pay as they prepare for the pinnacle of their sport, the Olympics. With doubts being raised about whether the Games will go ahead, Marcus and Lauren tell me they're preparing assuming it will take place.

They also talk about the new love in their life, Luna, their recently adopted dog who's given them plenty of lockdown joy!

Andy Stevenson is a journalist who specialises in para-sport and he has some interesting views on what might happen. Andy's been talking to athletes from all over the world over the last 12 months and he's impressed with the resilience they've shown during this time. Andy believes that comes from the way they've lived their ordinary lives.

As for the Games, Andy believes they will happen but in a very different way. He also, radically, thinks the Olympics and Paralympics should happen, even if it is next year.

I'm hoping to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres from these podcasts. If you enjoyed listening and wanted to give anything from £1 please go to

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Welcome to the first edition of Destination Tokyo - these are ten minute daily podcasts looking ahead to the Olympics and Paralympics.

The first of our regular contributors is Martyn Rooney who's got on his first plane for almost a year! Martyn, an Olympian over 400m on the track, has headed to Dubai for some warm weather training.

He talks to me about this being a bonus year - he'd planned to retire last summer. But has found a year off has rejuvenated him.

We're also joined by BBC Olympic Reporter Nick Hope to talk about the prospects for Tokyo 2021 going ahead and some of the headaches sports and countries are facing over the next few months.

I'm raising money from these podcasts for Maggie's Cancer Charity. My wife developed bowel cancer in 2020 and Maggie's have been terrific for her and the family. If you enjoy listening, then I'd appreciate you donating the price of a cup of coffee(or more) to help a great cause.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

George Peasegood is going for a unique treble at the Paralympics in Tokyo this summer. George has qualified for the para-triathlon and for the road race and time trial in cycling. He's going to have a mad week in the intense heat and humidity of Tokyo.

George talks about competing in all three events and how he's preparing including time in the heat chamber. He comes across as very laid back about it all in a matter of fact way that makes it sound easy. It's not, of course!

George has been charting his training since January and we wish him all the best with his final preparations.

Thanks for listening!

Patrick Huston is part of the Team GB Archery squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Patrick has been giving us a unique insight in this podcast into his Olympic preparation and his love of a very different exercise routine. Definitely check him out on social media!

Today Patrick takes us behind the scenes at the Team GB Holding Camp where athletes make their final preparations ahead of moving into the Athletes Village and on to competition.

He's loving his stay overlooking Yokohama Bay and is impressed with the effort that's been put in to make it a Team GB Home!

Nick Hope will be reporting on the Olympics for BBC Sport. He's one of the most knowledgable Olympic reporters around and definitely worth a follow at the Games on @NickHopeTV

Nick talks about arrival in Japan and the warm welcome at the airport. He discusses the various Covid measures in place. And then there's the climate with the end of the rainy season being marked by some heavy downpours.

It's a great insight from one of the first reporters on the ground in Japan.

Thanks for listening!

Beth Dobbin will run the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics for Team GB and she has quite a story to tell. As you'll hear Beth is absolutely thrilled to be going to the Olympics. Since she was a young girl, it's something she dreamed of. She well remembers Dame Kelly Holmes winning in Athens with her dad screaming at the TV. And then in 2012 she was obsessed, buying lots of memorabilia to fill her room.

But Beth's path has been far from easy. She feels she has made it against the odds and she doesn't know how it has happened. She has a history of epilepsy and had a serious seizure in her teens. She didn't really improve her times until she came off the medication she was on through her teenage years so consequently she won little as a junior.

Beth wasn't funded and she had multiple jobs to try to bring the money in whilst allow her to train as much as possible.

If you'd like to make a donation to Maggies Cancer Centres here's the link - they do amazing work!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/destinationtokyo

Hollie Pearne-Webb is the Team GB women's hockey captain. She was part of the gold medal winning team in Rio. And she had a key role in that victory. Hollie took the penalty shuffle that gave Team GB an historic gold against the Netherlands.

Hollie talks about the penalty moment and what it meant. She discussed captaincy during Covid and how she likes having a job alongside playing hockey.

The team have just arrived in Tokyo ready to defend their title and we chat about going in to the Games as holders.

Thanks for listening!

Alison Peasegood has been named in the GB Paralympics team to compete at Para triathlon. Alison Peasegood will compete in PTVI which is for athletes with visual impairment, less than ten per cent vision.

Alison won silver in Rio and she's back for more with her new guide Nikki Bartlett. Alison talks about the challenges of social distancing when needing a guide to train in swimming, cycling and running.

It's helped massively that she chose to marry a triathlete! Her husband is planning a marathon bike ride from their home in Scotland to his parent's house in Cambridgeshire to watch the Paralympics.

Alison recently one bronze in her first race in nearly two years in the world series event in Leeds.

Richard Whitehead is competing in the T61 200m at the Paralympics in Tokyo.

Richard won gold in London in 2012 and Rio 2016 but a hat-trick is going to be a challenge at the age of 45.

Richard talks to me from Japan and tells me about the atmosphere and conditions in the training camp.

Things have changed as Richard's been reclassified from T42 to T61 ,which is for double leg amputees. Richard feels this is to the detriment of para-athletics. It also means he can't now compete in a 100m as that event, which he won silver in rio, has been removed.

Richard has started a foundation to coincide with the Paralympics to help others with disabilities.

He also has his own podcast with Team GB footballer Ellen White called Track and Ball with a stellar guest list. Check it out! https://www.trackandball.co.uk/