Paul Groves reports from Beijing, where he's been posted by the Foreign Office, that at a star-studded reception at the Ambassador's Residence this evening Heather Williams, representing British Triathlon, met with the Olympic & Paralympic Attache, Ben Ladd. Also there was Ursula Morrish, from London Unlimited, attached to the Mayoral Office in London and with specific focus on ensuring the contacts of these Games meet up with those appointed for 2012. Ursula is herself a good swimmer and cyclist and will be keen to meet with John Lunt, recently confirmed as Triathlon Competition Manager.

Paul Groves, currently on secondment to the Embassy there, has given assurances that he will ensure meetings between John and Ursula as well as providing whatever support he can to the British triathletes before they arrive and once they are in Beijing.Paul will be there until October and will be working with ITU to ensure a safe and fair delivery of triathlon to the World's best athletes.

The reception was a great success - despite the absence of the Ambassador, who was away leading a team of diplomats in the South West who had been rushed down to the disaster area - and was formally hosted by his wife and other senior diplomats.

It was the first opportunity for all Team Leaders, for all Olympic Sports, to get together in the Residence and to meet up with the Embassy staff who will do their upmost to ensure that our path to success is truly paved with gold.