The films are part of P&G's "Thank You Mum" campaign which recognises and celebrates the dedication and sacrifices mums make for their children every day.

All eight films reveal the highs and lows of what it is really like to raise an Olympian or Paralympian.

Throughout, mums share their most intimate thoughts, hopes and fears – from the elation of seeing their child triumph to picking them up after crushing defeat.

The eight films feature Carol Hoy (Sir Chris' mum), Alison Powell (Jessica Ennis's mum), Alison Rushgrove (Ben Rushgrove's mum), Pat Radcliffe (Paula Radcliffe's mum), Pauline Pendleton (Victoria Pendleton's mum), Pat Payne (Keri-Anne Payne's mum, video below), Rose Kwakye (Jeanette Kwakye's mum) and Kim Tancock (Liam Tancock's mum).

Among the stories told, Pat Radcliffe recounts how she spent hours driving her daughter Paula across the country to participate in long distance athletics competitions during her school years.

In another, Pauline Pendleton discusses her emotions when she watches her daughter Victoria compete in cycling and Kim Tancock (pictured below) talks of the sadness felt watching her 15-year-old son Liam leave for swimming training in Australia.


"Through P&G's sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and our 'Proud sponsor of Mums' campaign, our intention is to shine a light on the amazing work mums do every single day in raising their children," said the Olympic Games project director at P&G UK and Ireland Nathan Homer.

"For the mums of athletes competing in the Olympic Games in particular, London 2012 will be one of the most exciting, yet nerve-wracking experiences any mum will go through.

"Their hard work and dedication to their children has never been more important and through these unique films we get the chance to hear their perspective and to celebrate and thank them for what they do."

P&G is also launching the "Raising an Olympian" series globally.

These films share 70 athletes' mums' stories from across the world including those of Teri Johnson, the mum of American gymnast Shawn Johnson, and Sumitra Raut, the mum of Indian athlete Kavita Raut.

Click here to watch the eight UK films as they are released over the next few weeks.   

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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