Olympic gold medal winner Laura Trott OBE is supporting charity Asthma UK as the face of its online resource for young people.

Trott, 20, who won two gold medals in track cycling at the London 2012 Olympics, has suffered from severe asthma – her career is a testament to the successful management of this long-term condition.

Asthma UK’s award-winning Facebook page Big Up Your Chest provides health information and a forum for 16–25 year olds living with asthma.

The charity supports over five million young people living with asthma, and aims to halve their hospitalisation rate over the next five years.

As a young child, Trott developed severe asthma and took up sport to help her regulate her breathing.

“I was overjoyed when I won two gold medals for track cycling at the London 2012 Olympics – I couldn't believe how far I'd come and I was so proud to fly the flag for Britain!” she said.

“I was able to achieve these amazing victories because I manage my asthma by taking my medicines and making sure I’m looking after my condition sensibly. It still impacts me physically as I tend to get a dry cough after I’ve been training, so I have to be aware of my limits.

“I hope that I can inspire other people my age with asthma through my own accomplishments and show that with the right treatment, management and attitude to asthma, it doesn’t have to hold you back.”

David Hiles, Head of Health Promotion at Asthma UK, commented: “We are thrilled to have Laura on board. Her fantastic achievements make her a huge inspiration to young people with asthma, who can ensure they are managing their condition properly by using the Big Up Your Chest page.”

The UK economy has shown 1% growth in the last quarter after nine months of recession, but analysts are unsure whether this represents a true recovery.

The slight upturn in gross domestic product (GDP) falls far short of a return to the output levels seen before the financial crisis of 2008.

The Olympics are thought to have given the UK economy a temporary boost alongside the automatic ‘dead cat bounce’ following a steep decline.

The term ‘dead cat bounce’ comes from a saying in the financial sector: Even a dead cat will bounce if it you drop it far enough.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK’s GDP increased by 1% between July and September after falling by 1.1% in the previous three months.

However, the ONS noted, this included a 0.2% boost due to Olympic ticket sales, with further benefits from hotel and restaurant activity and temporary jobs.

In addition, the preceding three months had been unexpectedly difficult due to bad weather and the Jubilee public holiday.

The emphasis placed on these minor factors underline the absence of major dynamic change in the UK economy.

“While the news is positive, the estimate must be put in context,” said David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce. “Compared to a year earlier, the figures show that the economy is stagnant.”

Richard Halstead, Midlands Region Director at EEF (a manufacturers’ organisation), likewise warned: “With survey data, particularly in our major markets, pointing to difficult trading conditions in recent months, it’s unlikely this pace of expansion will be maintained into the New Year.”

In the last quarter, the production sector grew by 1.1% – an encouraging figure for the pharmaceutical industry.

With less than a year to go until the London Olympics, Medtech Business is launching its very own showcase of skill and achievement: the Medtech Olympics

Reward and recognition are considered to be among the key characteristics of an engaged workforce. But how do employers set about delivering it? Where can talented employees get public recognition for their achievements? The answer is right in front of you.

Medtech Business is giving medical technology companies the chance to recognise employees who have demonstrated true Olympic qualities of determination, endeavour and ability in the workplace. And delivered outstanding results in the process.

We will be recognising achievements in the following categories:

Sales and Marketing Excellence
for employees who have delivered outstanding results on a specific project

Leadership and Management
for managers who have demonstrated true leadership, effective planning and strong management

Teamwork
for teams that have delivered outstanding results

Innovation
for employees who have effected meaningful and innovative change within their company or in a customer-facing environment

Best Newcomer
for employees who have been with an organisation for less than one year and demonstrated exceptional achievement

So who is giving some gold-medal performances in your organisation? Who has really raised the bar and achieved outstanding results? Who deserves to be on the corporate podium when the national anthems are being played?

How to take part
To nominate a colleague in any of the above categories, simply send us their name, job title and 50–100 words on why they deserve recognition, along with your own full contact details – and we’ll do the rest. Each month, we will be publishing the best of the best.

Send your nominations to joel.lane@healthpublishing.co.uk

Medtech Olympics – recognising talent
in medtech sales and marketing