Sunday 5 August 2012

Super Saturday.



Apologies but I can't be long writing this, I have far too much sport to watch.  I'm still feeling the love after Saturday night's gold medals at the Olympics for Great Britain.  Jessica Ennis (heptathlon). Greg Rutherford (long jump) and Mohammed Farah (10,000 metre race), all won gold last night and it felt like the country was jumping up and down.

I'll be the first to admit that during the build up to these game I had been sceptical that we could pull it off and I was not alone in my doubt.  It goes to show how much self confidence has plummeted in this country when we only worry about failure and would rather save the money and not even try.

But I was wrong.  The strength and dedication of the athletes involved, the fact that it is all happening only 200 miles away from my house and the feeling that we can do it if we are prepared to put the work in is a massive rush.

After watching Britain's achievements in athletics on Saturday night I was up and down the gym at 08:30 on Sunday morning.  I wasn't the only one, normally at that time on Sunday it would be fairly quiet but today it was full of people I've never even seen there before.

I even want Andy Murray to beat Federer and normally I can't stand Murray.  He never smiles, is dull to listen to and I saw him signing autographs for some children with a look on his face like he had trodden in dog shit.

We are currently third in the medal table and I can't see us rising above the U.S. or China but it doesn't matter.  The U.S. have dedication and self belief by the bucket load while China are so focused and united it is scary.  But the look of joy on Jessica Ennis's face when she stepped out to collect her medal and the huge roar of love from the crowd made my eyes fill up, something that sport has never made me do before.

We can do it if we try, we just have to believe in ourselves.

We are GREAT Britain and the rest of the world is now finding that out.

12 comments:

Pat Hatt said...

Great that the country is coming together indeed, Canadians would just rather drink beer I think haha

Outcast said...

I agree so much with the sentiments in this post man, we should all be so damn proud after yesterday's amazing medal haul. I don't think we'll top the leader board either but that doesn't bother me at all, I just want to see us beat our gold medals haul for the 2008 Olympics and we're so close to that now! So proud yesterday and today.

Kinley Dane said...

Ah, what a great post! It makes me feel guilty for not following the olympics very closely and not getting all excited when the U.S. wins medals. When you think about it, it actually is amazing what these athletes are accomplishing.

I'm glad Great Britain is doing so well and making you so happy!

Belle said...

I have felt so happy for Great Britain during the games. Good for you guys!
I'm also very happy with Canada's medals. We don't usually do very well in the Summer Olympics, but I've been thrilled to see our athletes out there doing a great job.

Al Penwasser said...

GOOD FOR YOU!
Rule, Britannia and all that...

Al Penwasser said...

And, Pat? Nothing wrong with drinking beer, my friend. I won this weekend's Synchronized Bud Lite Imbibe with my brothers.

Bart said...

whats with this gooogle+ thing, it makes everything so much more confusing, i almost didnt find my way to this site. as for the olympics I am totally missing them, not enough time in my busy sched that and the olympics play live while i am at work.

Amy said...

I haven't seen much of the games, but was watching some recap while on the treadmill yesterday. I got so caught-up in the triumph of athleticism that the "whir" of the treadmill woke me up to tell me I was walking too fast for my selected pace. Very inspiring indeed!

Jules said...

Hear, hear! I'm loving it. I can't stand Murray either, he's a mardy arse but I too was happy he won for GB. If you scale down China and The States to our size then we are actually winning!

Miranda Hardy said...

I love that feeling of being a part of a team. That's how I feel with my writerly friends.

Enjoy the rest of the olympics.

Gray said...

I'll admit. The last time I watched the Olympics, Keri Strug was vaulting on a bum ankle.

I'll also admit that I am a closet Will and Kate fan. Nobody better ever find out.

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

All of the athletes have been so inspiring! I remember when the Olympics were in Utah, that was neat being nearby. ;)