Olympic hopeful tells of his routine way to the top

The pommel horse specialist, who took bronze in Beijing in 2008, was the star guest at a Lloyds TSB event at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Carnegie Faculty attended by more than 200 business people.

Mr Smith, 22, took questions from the audience on how he is getting ready for the games and how he copes with the pressure.

He said: “The only thing I have the power to control is my performance. If I do the work beforehand I have the chance to do well.

“If I do my routine clean, what more can I ask for? If I can get out there and do my best routine, I will be happy.”

Lloyds TSB is a sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics. Martyn Kendrick, the area director for commercial banking, said he hoped the games will help kickstart the UK economy.

He told the audience: “Tonight’s event is about bringing pride and confidence back. Hosting the Olympics will hopefully do this.”

Mr Kendrick added: “We are facing a strong headwind and much uncertainty yet in Yorkshire, in comparison with other regions, we have been the region that’s been outstanding in terms of confidence.

“Why? Because of the attitude and resilience of Yorkshire people with a strong industrial background in manufacturing.

“Manufacturing remains strong and will hopefully lead us out of the downturn. We are also seeing some upturn in services. These are all positives.”

Mr Kendrick said many of the skills associated with successful sportspeople are equally as applicable to business.

“The focus on determination, resilience and discipline are just a few of the life skills that are totally transferrable,” he added.

Mr Smith suffered a fractured finger during training this week, but nevertheless heads to China on Wednesday to compete against the reigning Olympics champion.

Lloyds TSB spokesman Andy Webber said games authorities have awarded £9bn worth of contracts.