Olympic joy for Hair Design student

Shannon Fairhall, 18, from Walderslade, will be the envy of millions when she takes part in the extravaganza on the first day of the London 2012 games, on July 27.

But Shannon – who is studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing at MidKent College’s Medway Campus – has her mum Eleanor Firman to thank for the opportunity to perform on the world stage.

And that’s because Eleanor, who works on the College’s Advanced Computing and Engineering team, applied on her daughter’s behalf.

Shannon said: “I haven’t danced since I was little and knew nothing about this at all, but my mum applied in secret and I somehow managed to get through.

“The audition was absolute madness but so much fun. I’ve no idea what the organisers were looking for – maybe it was people who looked like they were enjoying themselves.

“I was completely shocked when I found out I’d been selected for the ceremony, especially as it was my 18^th birthday the day before the audition and I was so tired the next morning. But I still gave it my best and can’t wait for the Olympics to come round.”

An estimated audience of one billion people – 15% of the world’s population – tuned in to watch the spectacular Beijing Olympics opening ceremony in 2008.

London has a difficult task living up to such a splendid event but Shannon, who has been sworn to secrecy about the exact details, is confident it will be a massive success.

“It will definitely do the country proud,” she said. “We’ve got months of rehearsals to go, including for hours every day for the last few weeks, and when it all comes together it will be absolutely fantastic.

“Unfortunately the demand for tickets was so high that my family and friends will have to watch it at home on the telly with everyone else.

“I’m thrilled and so excited to be taking part but I’ll probably be the one to fall over in front of everyone, although at least then my mum will be able to spot me in the crowd.”

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For all media enquiries, please contact Steve Knight, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 01634 383277 or email steve.knight@midkent.ac.uk.