WYRE Forest’s quartet of Olympians face their dates with destiny when the London Games explodes into life tomorrow.

After seven years of hard work and preparation, the eyes of the world will be on the nation for the Greatest Show on Earth.

And right at the heart of the tournament, local foursome Amy Smith, Naomi Folkard, Alison Young and Rachel Bragg will be hoping to channel the hopes of the country and take their places in the history books.

Recurve archer Folkard, 28, will be the first of the district’s representatives to get into the action, when the ranking rounds take place at Lord’s cricket ground tomorrow.

Naomi’s parents will be cheering her and her on in the team event on Sunday, before the individual rounds commence the following day.

Partner Jon Nott will be watching from the sidelines and keeping his fingers crossed the tournament is a big success, after working at the venue since April.

“Naomi is feeling very calm and confident ahead of the games,” said Nott, who is a field of play group leader.

“The venue is looking fantastic, a 5,500 seater stand has been constructed and everything is ready to go.”

Swimmer Smith commences her quest for glory in the Aquatics Centre on Saturday morning in the 4x100m freestyle relay, before moving into the individual rounds on Tuesday, with the 50m freestyle commencing on Thursday.

Bob Walters, who is team manager at Wyre Forest Swimming Club, remembers the 24-year-old standing out from an early age.

He said: “Amy started to really stand out aged 11 and you had a feeling she could go along way in the sport.

"She only ever raced for the club before going to Loughborough, so she’s a homegrown talent and we’re all very proud of her.

“Everyone at the club wishes her to go out there and do her best.”

Meanwhile, sailor Young, 28, will be hoping to ride the crest of a wave in the Laser Radial category in Weymouth.

The former Bewdley High School pupil, who started her path to London as a child at Trimpley Sailing Club, is expected to compete for a medal after topping the ISAF World Cup standings and winning the Skandia Sail for Gold.

Cheering her on will be friends and family in Dorset and father Keith Young cannot imagine the journey his daughter has made.

“When we started taking the family to Trimpley you couldn’t have predicted the journey Alison has gone on,” commented Keith.

“She’s developed so much even in the last year and we’re hoping there will be wind because that will suit her.”

Volleyball player Bragg is also braced for an early Olympic start as Great Britain’s ladies kick-off their pool stages against Russia on Saturday at Earls Court (2.45pm).

Father Pete Bragg said: “China has more people playing volleyball than our population, which illustrates what we’re up against in London.

“It would be great if we can build a legacy for the sport.”