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Sally Gunnell: Health crisis is our problem

Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell spoke exclusively to iVillage.co.uk's Gavin Conway about why schools are failing our kids and how more investment in local facilities is vital in improving the health of the nation

Seventeen years ago, Sally Gunnell etched her name in the record books, claiming gold in the 400m hurdles at the Barcelona Olympics.

Now a mother of three, and with London 2012 fast approaching, she has voiced her concern at the lack of sport being played in schools and admits it is now time for parents to take matters into their own hands.

'Kids are only doing two hours of sport a week compared with 45 hours on a computer,' she explained. 'So it's a case of trying to get kids away from the computer and the TV, and getting active.

'As a parent, you realise they're not doing enough in school and that actually we need to be the ones who drive them down to the athletics clubs, the football clubs, whatever they may be.

'We need to be there to encourage them and give them that support. Obviously we don't want them to lead unhealthy lifestyles or to have health problems in later life and we've got to really encourage it from a young age.'

Gunnell also believes that a lack of provision for young people is a key factor when it comes to tackling youth crime and anti social behaviour.

She added: 'When you're talking about the current 'street culture', if kids actually had places to go to do things it might not be such a problem.

'Sport can be such an important part of life. The kids are able learn different things and important life lessons, such as how to deal with disappointment, winning gracefully and being part of a team.'

Sally Gunnell is supporting the launch of the Aviva UKA Academy - a new approach to grassroots sport that aims to provide opportunities for every child in the UK to get involved in athletics regardless of age or ability.

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