Olympic Countdown: Flying the flag in Atlanta

For nearly four years Linford Christie knew that there was always one question on the lips of almost every journalist to whom he spoke.

No sooner had Christie won the 100 metres gold medal at Barcelona in 1992 than he was being asked whether he would return to defend his title in Atlanta four years later. European and world championships have their places of importance in the athletics calendar, but, ultimately, nothing matters quite like the Olympics.

Last week Christie finally gave his answer - yes - and will join the other members of the British team hoping to earn a lasting place in the hearts and minds of the sporting public.

In the second of our Olympic pull-outs we concentrate on the British challenge in Atlanta and focus on some of the men and women with the best chances of winning medals at the Games, which begin next week.

Photograph (left): Lynn Simpson, a British favourite to win gold in the canoe slalom event (Photograph: Empics)