Well I've been pretty quiet, not just because I'm glued to the Olympics, but its actually been quite a struggle to get my normal hours of training in, plus trying to fit in seeing as many live events as possible. And I'm pleased to say that my Dad is now home from hospital so I'm visiting him as well, before I head over to the US for the final build to Las Vegas. Life is good, body feels great (apart from being beaten to a pulp daily) and I'm more inspired than I ever thought it was possible to be!
Its been a totally amazing Olympics, as we all know, and to have been in London, with some events flying right past my front door (the two road cycling races, and the Time Trial) just makes it even more special. I was already an Olympic-obsessed fan, and this Olympiad has exceeded all expectations.
Here are some highlights that I witnessed:
- the road races were all about celebrating the success of British Cycling with all the local residents of South West London. My whole street it seemed was in the Olympic spirit and came out in their union flags on the first weekend. The atmosphere was so amazing, despite the gold going to Vinokourov in the men's event, we could still revel in Lizzie Armitstead's silver the next day. I actually watched the men's finish from a local church, who were very welcoming to anyone who wanted to watch - even with beer and crisps (check the photo out!) And as for Sir Wiggo of Kilburn, and his dominance by 42 seconds on the Time Trial? Well, we renamed Hampton Court Bridge in his honour!!
I managed to get tickets for the Tennis on the first Monday. This was truly amazing, again because of the atmosphere, and everyone just being able to enjoy the big players in the colours of their home nation without as much of the stuffiness of a Wimbledon Grand Slam. For me, the most special part was being able to get really close to my sporting idols. Check the photos out....
Tuesday marked some rowing at Dorney, and I was just so pleased to see so many of my idols who came to their fame while I was still rowing, some 10 years ago, still racing. Alan Campbell of course is a local Tideway Sculler, who I used to train with, and he symbolises the spirit of giving it everything on that one big day - even having to be lifted out of the boat by Sir Steve Redgrave after his final. Here he is winning his semifinal.
Its been a totally amazing Olympics, as we all know, and to have been in London, with some events flying right past my front door (the two road cycling races, and the Time Trial) just makes it even more special. I was already an Olympic-obsessed fan, and this Olympiad has exceeded all expectations.
Here are some highlights that I witnessed:
- the road races were all about celebrating the success of British Cycling with all the local residents of South West London. My whole street it seemed was in the Olympic spirit and came out in their union flags on the first weekend. The atmosphere was so amazing, despite the gold going to Vinokourov in the men's event, we could still revel in Lizzie Armitstead's silver the next day. I actually watched the men's finish from a local church, who were very welcoming to anyone who wanted to watch - even with beer and crisps (check the photo out!) And as for Sir Wiggo of Kilburn, and his dominance by 42 seconds on the Time Trial? Well, we renamed Hampton Court Bridge in his honour!!
After Tuesday of course, the gold rush began, and we had to be near a TV at all times just to keep up! I am so proud of our Velodrome, Rowing, swimming, track and field and Equestrian teams - its been amazing just watching performance after performance where individuals and teams have delivered on the day.
One thing I have noticed is that, in every event that we have excelled, there has always been a game-changer, a father figure, or matriarch who has inspired the future performances. Take the cyclists following in the footsteps of Chris Boardman, David Millar, then Sir Chris Hoy and Vicky Pendelton. Then there's Jess Ennis emulating Denise Lewis's success, and our gymnasts following Beth Tweddle's leaps and bounds. I know this sounds obvious as someone has to get there first, but look at the differences in ages of our Dressage Team, the pro helping the newbie in our Women's 470 class (Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills), and of course the women's pair of Helen Glover and Heather Stanning. Clearly the Brownlee's have been setting the pace for each other now for some time, so to see them take it home to a gold and bronze yesterday in Hyde Park was very poignant.
There is something in here about believing in our own performance. We as a nation are so keen to be the underdogs, and its been wonderful to see us actually, for once, trusting in our own ability. That is what it takes to see someone else perform and think 'I could do that'. Just to believe is half the battle. We could all follow the footsteps of our heroes, if we only believe.
I am fuelled in every session right now by the amazing performances of team GB, not to mention the other athletes from around the world who are laying it all on the line for that one elusive gold medal. So onwards and upwards, I feel that each of us can be inspired in our own way by what we see at London 2012. And just remember, the only failure here is the failure to do your best. That is what I shall be aiming for at Las Vegas. And meanwhile, just one last little race on UK soil this weekend - at Worthing. A bit of fun, but I will still be trying to nail it, as always!
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