Local stars gear up for 2012 Olympics

FIFA’s big wigs had not been persuaded by England as the country was selected for the 2018 FIFA worldcup.

But in recent London 2012 Olympics preparations are on peak these days.If the British athletes don’t deliver gold medals in their respective sports then there’s no point having the best stadia, volunteers and transport system.

And keeping this thought in mind our top stars are already focussing on 18 months time.For them 2011 will going to be as significant like the Olympic year itself.

To boost confidence 11 of Greater Manchester’s finest will be encountering with the world’s best in the next 12 months.

Here, Trevor Baxter looks at 11 local sportsmen and women for whom 2011 will be a crucial year heading into the London Games.