By Will Jennings in Paris
EMILY CAMPBELL insists the inclusion of an eyelash technician in her travelling entourage will make her ‘feel like a boss’ - and help propel her one step higher on the Paris Olympic podium.
The big-talking Nottingham weightlifter, 30, clinched a historic silver in Tokyo to become the first ever British female weightlifter to win an Olympic medal.
She did so at a behind-closed-doors Japanese exhibition centre but three years on, will be joined by dozens of friends and family in the French capital this weekend.
And that even includes her own personal ‘lash tech’, with Team GB’s queen of bling renowned for her striking appearances and always putting on a show when she struts her stuff on the big stage.
Campbell competes in her women’s 81kg category in Porte de Versailles on Sunday and hopes both looking the part, and a bumper East Midlands contingent in attendance, can fire her to glory in one of the final events of the Games.
“My family had a watching party in Tokyo when everyone was in the garden going nuts and they had a great party,” said Campbell, an ambassador for Aldi who will benefit from their Nearest & Dearest programme in Paris.
“This time, they've got tickets, they're going to be making that trip over to France, and it's going to be really special.
“It does almost help us lift the bar when we've got that support.
“We’ll finally get to experience a proper Olympics instead of hearing about what it's like from other people, so it will be incredible to finally experience what it’s truly about.
“I’ve even got my lash tech coming out, as you’ve got to slay at the Olympics.
"I like to say if I look good, I lift good. I need to feel and look my best to succeed.
“My attention to detail with my image enables me to feel empowered whilst lifting.
“My appearance and hair is so important to me, especially on competition day, I want to feel like a boss when I walk out there.”
Campbell was one of four British female weightlifters selected for the Tokyo Games but will fly the flag solo in Paris.
She will also look to bring the Games to a close in the best possible way, with her event taking place on the final day of two thrilling weeks in the French capital.
And she added: "This time I am going to take a wealth of experience of the emotions of how to deal with being there, taking in everything but also to enjoy every single moment.
“You can get so worked up around competition day, but you’ve got to take in the journey that gets you there.
“I am so excited with the crowds that are going to be there this time, it will be a whole different atmosphere, a whole different buzz.”
Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024.
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