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Sally says: lead by example!

Former Olympic champion and mother of three, Sally Gunnell, spoke exclusively to iVillage.co.uk's Gavin Conway about the importance of getting kids into sport and exercise at an early age

With childhood obesity and the health problems related to it on the rise in the UK, concerns are increasingly being raised about the often sedentary lifestyles children are leading.

Gunnell, who has three young boys, is adamant that the key to long-term health is to start kids playing and exercising at the earliest opportunity.

She said: 'I've always said you're never too young to get active but it also has to be enjoyable for the kids. It's about having a variety of things to do and making it a way of life.

'A lot of it boils down to us as parents and trying to find that time to devote to them and support them.'

She added: 'Going round schools these days and seeing how many kids can't catch a ball or balance on one leg makes you think they haven't ever been taught the basics.

'This has to come from parents because there's no way they're going to get to school and suddenly enjoy it as it will be an instant turn-off for them.'

Gunnell, one of the most decorated UK female athletes of all time, having won European, World and Olympic gold medals, believes parents need to lead by example when it comes to lifestyle.

'Obviously, computer games are addictive and certain food advertising can be very persuasive,' she said.

'But it all comes back to what you're exposed to as a child and if that's sitting there watching TV all night and eating pizza then that's what you'll think of as the norm.'

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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