Team GB sprinter Richard Kilty flying the flag for the North East
It's a week until the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris
It is one week until the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris for North East athletes.
Team GB Olympic sprinter Richard Kilty from the North East will be competing this year in the men's 4x100m relay.
He said: "If it's an Olympic games, everyone who steps foot into that arena is motivated as you don't get any bigger than the Olympic games.
"I remember on selection day driving up and down in the car just all around Teesside, stopping off at about three or four different coffee shops trying just to do something with my time as you're nervous.
"But when that call comes in and you've been selected it's an amazing feeling.
"We have a very strong squad this time and we're all out there for redemption."
Richard Kilty is from Teesside, but trains at Gateshead Harriers. He told Hits Radio North East that he hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes.
He said: "I'm not sure how many Olympians in the North East we have this time. I know we had two boxers, a swimmer and myself last time.
"I'm always proud to fly the flag for Teesside and the North East at every game."