This week Guardian reporter and sports fan Andrew Moores talked to Knutsford's young stars about their sport and what chance Knutsford had of producing a champion

DEAN Wilson never made a name for himself at school.

But next year the former Knutsford High School pupil could become a world champion.

He will be in Thailand to compete in the World Thai Boxing Championships - and looks set to lift the title.

"It's going to be really exciting because I didn't think I would ever be able to do it," said Dean, now 20.

It will be a highlight of a career which last week saw him become British Mua Thai Welter Weight Champion.

"I wasn't very good at school, but this has been a real achievement.

"I have had to train, train, train, but now I have this opportunity I am going to take it."

For more than two years Dean has worked out in the gym - coached and encouraged all the way by manager Vinnie Shoreman.

"He is a different person to when he first came along," said Vinnie.

"When he first joined the gym he was quite a timid lad, but has now grown as a person."

Dean is one of a group of young talents to emerge from Vinnie's gym and he now believes Knutsford has a real chance of being a world force in the sport.

But first, he says, people have to forget their prejudices about boxing.

"It does have its aggressive side, but we learn to control it," said Dean.

"And it's better that we fight in the ring than in the streets."

Another coach trying to produce a champion is Knutsford's John Walsh.

His coaching courses at Knutsford Tennis Club have been well received because he's made the sport fun.

"You have to come down to the children's level to help them to enjoy it," said John, a member at Knutsford Tennis Club since he was 14.

"If you find a good player then you can coach them individually or get them in a group with others of a similar level."

Robert Forde shares a passion for racquet sports.

The Mere Squash Club member started off playing tennis, but is now England's Over 40s squash champion.

"To be a champion you have to be determined, disciplined and physically strong," said Robert, who at 44 has been Knutsford's best squash player for the last 25 years.

"The buzz of competing is what keeps you going and I think any competitor is there to win."

But despite his class Robert believes it would be unrealistic to imagine Knutsford producing a champion in the next five years.

"There is no chance Knutsford will produce a champion because there are just not enough people in the area."

Kristian Kolby prefers the track to the court.

He quit his A-level studies to concentrate on another ambition - competing in Formula One.

"I was away for four days a week and it was getting too difficult to study as well," said the 19-year-old Dane.

"I had this choice in front of me and I had to take racing because I can always go back to my studies later.

"This year I have been learning about driving and next I think I can win the championships."

Peter Cate is also looking for success in motor racing.

He competes in the Ford Credit Fiesta Championships, but his dream is to race touring cars.

"It would be the ultimate to drive touring cars," said the design engineer, whose dad raced in the 50s.

"I love the competition, the speed and being in control of your destiny in the race."

Next year Peter, from Mobberley, is hoping to drive in the Vauxhall Vectra Challenge as he nears his ambition to compete in touring cars.

Keen cyclist Emma Davies prefers two wheels.

Earlier this year she competed in the European Pursuit Championships.

But it's been an uphill struggle.

As a junior - with no separate event for girls - she would always be left to compete against the boys.

"It was pretty tough because I would qualify and then lose in the first round," said Emma, 20.

"Things have changed now, but races have been cancelled where not enough women have turned up to compete."

Earlier this year she was injured and decided to occupy her time by going back to college to study sports studies and business management.

"It has been tough, but I would like my career to go on for at least another 10 years and my hope is to get a medal at the 2000 Olympics," said Emma.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.