AN OLYMPIC dream has come true for a Fylde physiotherapist who has set off for Atlanta.

Lytham's Luke Smith, 32, jetted out on Saturday (July 13) to the American city for the most prestigious sports event of his life - the Olympic Games.

Luke (pictured), of Westby Street, said: "This is the culmination of all my hopes and dreams."

Luke has worked at the Commonwealth Games and Student Games in his career, but for the first time he is advising British competitors at the Olympics.

After travelling to Atlanta for just a week of preparation, he will not have had much time to acclimatise before the Olympic Games begin.

He must get straight to work, but he expects it to be hard going with the Atlanta climate - 90M-bc and 95 per cent humidity.

He said: "I am a headquarters physiotherapist which means I will deal with various British teams, including the athletes, but will be working mainly with the boxing and table tennis teams."

He must ensure all warm-ups go as planned, deal with injuries and give advice, which will be easiest with the table tennis squad which he has worked with many times before.

Luke said: "It is fantastic to go to my first Olympic Games. It is hard to believe it is all happening.

"I am tremendously excited."

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