Meet the Team Visa Hopefuls

Over the coming months, some of the most talented young athletes in Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Serbia and Croatia will receive help and guidance from current and former Olympic champions.

Known as the Team Visa Hopefuls, they have already achieved significant results in international competitions but are yet to win a medal on the greatest sporting stage of them all.

The Hopefuls, who will learn from the Team Visa Mentors while also sharing their own experiences with other young Hopefuls, aspire to qualify for and compete at the Beijing 2008 Olympic or Paralympic Games.

The Hopefuls for Beijing 2008 are: