It's all over the day after the night before. The Beijing Games comes to a close as spectacularly as it began. Some stats and reflections - a staggering 21 world records were set in the Water Cubes swim pool but no one will remember that in years to come and it's one individuals fault, yes, Michael Phelps and few can complain. Interesting that in winning 8 gold he prevailed in two by 0.01 sec - by the skin of his teeth or more like the tip of his finger.In the national stadium it was Usain Bolt who stole the show with equal doses of blinding speed and youthful exuberance and he becomes the poster boy and we will have to wait for another occassion to see the 400m record fall to the Jamaican.
Then there was the Chinese leading the medal tally and in a sense the crumbling of the US, not since 1992 has the Americans not led the medal table. So we are living in a post America world and our neighbours, the British, had a great games but not in terms of medals in athletics. Finally always remember there are no winners without losers and for every gold there are silver, bronze and also rans. Great victories are built upon the disappointment of others. Close doesn't cut it. As China's olympic badminton champion Lin Dan put it "Competitive sports are cruel". Queen's WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS sums it up time and time again at major events - "No time for losers Cause we are the champions of the world".And what of Ireland, a small island off Europe, from these Games. People will remember the three boxing medals and in time little else. Those of us in athletics will remember our particular story, a story of improvement yet of disappointment with four athletes in finals and three top 10 finishes. Improved from Athens one top 12 and Sydney only Sonia really. The other aspect ofcourse, the potential of what is the current squad a group of athletes capable on a good day of making six global finals so the sport is on the up. Yes there are always improvements that can be made in terms of individuals and round structure and development for the future and therein lies the challenge for the Board of AAI and the various committees. There are so many dedicated people in our sport that feel passionately about it that I am encouraged that we will continue to improve with the help of the Sports Council.
For me just looking forward to a journey that touches down in Derry tomorrow and i don't care whether its raining or not and straight into organisation of annual Schools cross country. A meeting at Finn Valley in recent years that normally attracts 800 young athletes. That's October 1st and 3rd and thereafter another cycle of domestic underage, senior and masters athletics.
Finally, I had a good management team with me here and that's vital as it has been back at home in Valley. The coaches, the committee people, I have been blessed with excellent support that has resulted in the unique situation that is Finn Valley and I have always drawn on their goodwill when tackling the Irish leadership position. So it's back to basics, the Beijing olympics but a memory in the weeks and months ahead but what a memory. Well done China.
Patsy mc Gonagle
Senior/Olympic team manager
Athletics Ireland
0872226112
http://www.finnvalleyac.com
(PLEASE reference www.finnvalleyac.com if you decide to use content from my diary. Thanks for your continued support)
2 comments:
Hi Patsy,
Congratulations and well done to you and to al the athletes that had the privilage to represent their country. The blame game and all that crap goes on but yet how many get the chance to test theselves against the best in the world.
My favourite part of the whole games was the chance to call on every Irish athlete and hope and pray that they might progress. Through Richard Simms and Ussain Bolt Finn valley got great media coverage on both channels.
When the team get back to dublin you should all come out with your heads held high knowing that you gave it your best and as you said yourself life goes on and London is only a stones throw away when we might be lucky enough to get a medal on the world stage
Hi there Patsy,
Heartiest congratulations to you and all sixteen athletes who achieved the standard to compete in the games. I have to mention Robbie, Olive and Jamie who really did us proud. I've watched these athletes in many a race and indeed have competed with Robbie and Jamie in the past and was delighted to see them doing so well.
They have all had their ups and downs in the past, particularily Jamie who didnt think he would walk again but they are proof that if you want something badly enough then you keep pushing until you get it.
Its easy for people on the sidelines to be critical but you know better than most the time, effort and commitment it takes for these athletes to be physically and mentally fit (and of course to be injury free) so that they can compete to the very best of their ability.
Its great to see Richard doing so well and still flying the flag for Finn Valley. Is Bolt coming over for the 5k on Boxing day? Hope to be back up with the gang in the Winter. I'd need to find the running shoes first though!
James Gibbons
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