THREE teenagers will film athletes Linford Christie and Darren Campbell as they put young runners to the test in Broadgreen today.

Young people aged between 11 and 20 will take part in 60 metre sprints in Broadgreen roads in front of the Olympic duo.

Aaron Cardozo, 18, and 15 year olds Nevil Fernandes and Nikhil Oliveira will capture the action on camera.

Their work will then be posted on the event’s Street Athletics website.

Olympic 100m gold medallist Mr Christie said: “Street Athletics is an amazing project now in its fifth year. We have seen thousands of young people taking part in races across the country.

“For us it began on the streets challenging other kids from other estates to race against us, and if we hadn’t done that we never would have got to where we are today. We have been hugely excited about coming to Swindon with Street Athletics 2009 in an attempt to seek out the best raw talent the country has to offer.”

The young film-makers said they were excited about capturing the action of the day.

Aaron, a part-time sports coach, said: “I wanted to get involved in this event to help me gain experience of digital media equipment, and to have the chance to meet Linford and Darren. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

St Joseph’s Catholic College student Nevil said: “I’d really like to work in a media environment in the future, so this is an opportunity for me explore that career path.”

The top three girls and boys from today’s sprints will go on to compete against young athletes from 10 cities in Manchester on September 26 as part of the Street Athletics National Finals.

Mr Campbell, who won a European Championship gold medal in the 100m and an Olympic silver in the 200m, said: “Athletics has shown me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and Street Athletics will give young people in Swindon the opportunity test themselves whilst having lots of fun.

“To me, everyone who takes part will have taken that first step in achieving their dreams.”

Registration for the event takes place between 1pm to 2pm at the Broadgreen Community Centre on Broad Street. The first race will start at 2pm.

Anyone who would like to take part in the sprint can telephone Doug Imrie on (01793) 511033, visit the Facebook page ‘Swindon Street Athletics’ or visit www.challengeswindon.

org.uk for more information.