It was a little after 9am on the Wednesday of half-term week and yet the queue to get into Filton College in Bristol already stretched out of the door and into the June sunshine.

They were queuing - 100 talented youngsters aged between 13 and 21 and the same number of parents, carers and coaches - to register for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust (DKHLT) Backing Talent South West day.

It's the latest in a series of far reaching, ambitious projects, launched and directed by Holmes, the 800 and 1500m double Olympic gold medallist from Athens 2004.

Half an hour or so later the youngsters, who ranged in competitive level from county to international, filtered into the campus theatre to hear why Holmes started her charity and what to expect from the day ahead.

But before Holmes appeared the audience were reminded of those extraordinary six days in August 2004 when Holmes won her golden double.

Six years have passed but it's impossible to watch the replay of Holmes's look of utter disbelief as she crosses the line in the 800m, momentarily unaware of what she's achieved, and not be moved.

When the dust from that life-changing summer finally settled, Holmes faced the same question all elite performers must, at some point or other, answer.

What do I do next?

And how do I find meaning in a life where I no longer spend each day training to be the best I can in my sport?

What she came up with was a Trust which draws on the experience and example of elite past and present sportsmen and women, who may themselves be transitioning into new careers, to encourage, stretch and motivate multiple groups of young people.

These could be young sports performers, like those gathered in Bristol, or young vulnerable people who the Trust helps with placements, work opportunities and athlete mentoring.

What unites the work of the Trust is a core desire to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in life, and sport, and Holmes's own commitment to make a difference. 

She leaves those she touches with the sure fire belief that if you work hard, like she did and don't give up when adversity smacks you in the face, which it will, dreams really can, and do, come true.

Once Holmes appeared on stage, to a captivated audience, she introduced the team of past and present athletes who would make the day ahead happen.

So double Olympic cycling medallist, Bryan Steele was the leader of one group of 25 young people while Adam Whitehead, the European and Commonwealth swimming champion led another. 

Alongside team leaders other athletes brought specific skills so former rower, and now businessman, Toby Garbett,  a double rowing world champion, taught the youngsters about the importance of a healthy lifestyle hoping to pass on information he wished he'd known at their age.

And, as a former international triathlete, I was invited to lead the media and communication groups aided by Sarah Winckless, who won a bronze medal in the women's double scull at Athens and who has just been named Chair of the British Olympic Association's Athlete Commission.

As I talked about how to deal with the media and what to expect at press conferences the young performers had burning questions of their own.

"Where should you put your hands when interviewed?" asked one netball player.

"Should you ever say, 'no comment'?" ventured another.

And then, out of the blue, "Who's the worst person you've ever interviewed?"

There's no contest on that one but since the person in question is still competing I decided not to share the answer.

When the 200 re-grouped at the end of the day, exhausted and yet at the same time exhilarated, the changes were evident.

For many the chance to meet a real life Olympian, touch a medal, or talk to an elite sports performer about their experiences will live long in the memory.

And as the day drew to a close, nine hours after it started, still they queued.

This time though it was to have their photo taken alongside Holmes or to ask her to sign the T-shirt each had been given as a memento of the day. 

Patiently, and with considerable charm, Holmes obliged them all.

And if that, together with the genuine commitment of world-class athletes to give freely of their time and knowledge to the next generation of young rising stars, isn't a real, lasting legacy I don't know what is.

Cathy Wood was editor of the Daily Mail Ski Magazine before moving to become ski correspondent on the Daily Mail. She later became travel editor before going freelance. She represented Great Britain at elite level triathlon and writes on travel, skiing and sport.