AS GREAT Britain's athletes compete on the Olympic stage, one Chaplin from Oxford is ensuring they know God is with them.

Jules Wilkinson, who lives near Abingdon Road, has travelled to Rio de Janeiro to help the country's Olympians to ensure they can preach Christianity during the games.

The mother-of-four said the trip had been "amazing" and that the atmosphere in the athlete's village was fantastic.

The 47-year-old added: "I cannot think of anywhere like it.

"The atmosphere is amazing, we have 205 different nationalities that have been brought together with a common purpose.

"They are living together and it's all so natural. There are so many different sports going on too.

"To be somewhere where everyone who is here is at the top of their profession is special thing."

Mrs Wilkinson, who is a member of St Ebbes Church in Roger Bacon Lane, was asked to make the trip to South America as part of her work with Christians in Sport.

As a member of the Christians in Sport’s Performance Team Mrs Wilkinson has been based in the athletes’ village.

She said one highlight had been seeing a top level tennis player training professionally and athletes of another sport – thought to be wrestlers – trying their hand at the game.

In the village, there is a multi-faith centre with a Christian room, which is shared between the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox chaplains.

Mrs Wilkinson said she does not reveal which athletes are active Christians to protect their integrity.

She said that having been to the World Athletics Championships in Beijing last year she had been able to build lots of contacts with athletes from around the world.

She added: "The day before they are competing I send them a handwritten note with a Bible verse on.

"My role will just be an extension of what I do day to day, which is meeting up with athletes and encouraging their relationship with Jesus.

"The Olympics is the pinnacle of their sport and therefore it will be the most pressure they will experience in their careers.

"I’m not a psychologist. I’m not adding anything to their sport and not trying to. I’m simply there to represent Jesus and open God’s word with people.

"It's a really fun atmosphere."

Thirty four athletes from Oxfordshire are competing at the games in Rio. Most are competing in rowing events, with others representing the country in windsurfing, hockey, equestrian and athletics.

Jason Prior, form Wantage, was the man entrusted with the vision to transform the former Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix track in Barra da Tijuca into the Olympic Park.