Building is reminded of an interview we once did with a certain young person whose career would surely have belly-flopped without the backing of this sector

Tom Daley shutterstock_299424482

Source: shutterstock.com / Mitch Gunn

Construction can be a springboard for a stellar career

Talking of young talent in the construction industry, Building is reminded of an interview we once did with a certain young person whose career would surely have belly-flopped without the backing of this sector, writes Deborah Duke. 

Back in 2008, a young Olympic hopeful named Tom Daley had just qualified for the Beijing Games in the individual 10m dive competition and the 10m platform synchro competition. He was – at just 14 years old – the UK’s second-youngest ever Olympian. 

But what’s that got to do with Building? Or, indeed, building? Well, Tom’s uncle,

Kevin Selvester, and his company the M&E specialist building services contractor, ABS, sponsored Daley for two-and-a-half years after his father’s illness meant money was tight, paying for a van for the family to travel to competitions, and flights to Beijing.

The teenage Daley expressed his gratitude for the assistance: “It has been so helpful having the sponsorship from Kevin and his company. Their funding has helped me get to Beijing in February and Mexico a few weeks ago, and I’m going to Nanjing, China, next week for the World Series.”

Sadly Daley didn’t reach the podium in Beijing, but has since won two Olympic bronze medals. Just goes to show how far construction can take you.    

Click here to read the article from 27 June 2008

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