Twenty-five-year-old Fiona Pennie, the grand-daugher of former Forfar GP Don Pennie, is competing in the women's canoe slalom event, the heats of which get underway at around 8 am on Wednesday.

Speaking to the "Dispatch" and "Herald" earlier this week, Mr Pennie said his fingers were firmly crossed for Fiona in what will be a tough test of her skills.

"The standard of competition is so high and you also have to take the heat and humidity into the equation, so it will be all down to what happens on the day," he commented.

With the excitement building, Fiona will be cheered on by her parents, Nigel and Maureen Pennie, from Crieff, who have flown out to Beijing to get a ring-side seat.

And, all going well, should the several times Scottish champion make it through the heats, she will be back in action on the Thursday - bidding for gold, silver or bronze.

We are sure readers will join the "Dispatch" and "Herald" in wishing her every success in her quest for Olympic glory.