Lizzie Armitstead used to be last pick at school

Lizzie Armitstead, who won Team GB's first medal at London 2012, has claimed that she used to be the last pick in school sports.

The 23-year-old took the silver medal in yesterday's women's road race.

She said: "I was the girl that made up the numbers on the team. I was into everything. I was the sort of girl that was on every school team.

"Even the bloomin' football team. I was put in goal. I always lost the big tournaments by letting goals in, but they needed the numbers.

"I loved every sport but I was never fantastic at anything until cycling came along. That was the sport that luckily found me."

Marianne Vos of the Netherlands won gold in the race.