Beijing Diary Number 11

"Thats what we do baby" - the words of Usain Bolt as he really went for it just now in the stadium and broke Michael Johnsons record. 19.30, what a performance and what a reaction an hour earlier having returned to warm up I saw him acting himself, rolling around, when pretty much everybody else was trying to remain controlled. He is a one off a complete natural. After his 100m victory, the formalalities over, Richard brought him over to the apartment which he has rented for the duration of the Games right outside the village gate to meet up with his mother, and he is really a natural in every sense. Down to earth, so good to report. (See BBC report Bolt's Irish connection)

Thomas Chamney coped grand in the 800m and then there was Alistair (pictured), boy did I want him to qualify for final. Warm up went well, was in his ear telling him we have been down too many tunnels in recent years and it did not work. He seems in control, goes about his warm up, all okay and its time to walk the walk. To the check in, it's like going to be shot if you are not ready. Anyway, off we go and the words are it's a race just like any other, get in there and engage. He handled it well, qualified, a massive boost for this young man and I am delighted. Simply put, I have become very close to him in the good and bad days over the last few years around the world. Tonight he is one of 2 white men in the final. Paul Hession did really well in the 200m and is top 10 in the world coming out of here. He takes responsibility for himself, no crap.

Just took a call from Newstalk on the olympic council having a go at the sports council. I nearly took the head off the fella back in Dublin telling him we the athletes didn't wish to be involved in rows, etc., and I was fed up with this crap every games. We have a task here and it's about competing what ever way it goes. Think he was sorry he rang. I had the same from RTE earlier looking for controversy. They have too much time on their hands and a good row would suit them great. Then for the next 4 years nobody in the media gives a damn except the dedicated athletics media. Sorry to sound so exasperated.

Tomorrow morning Olive Loughnane is in action and we have strong expectations, let's see.
Trying to get my head round how we can improve and I do have a strong plan but the question is will it get support or will personal interests mess it up, mess up the aspirations of the young and not so young athlete for another period of time. It rotates round a real high performance structure with a support system. Not unsimilar to how the boxers operate and they certainly have laid down a clear marker.

Interesting how the print media and television are chasing Richard now, so many calls from back home wanting to speak to him. He had the winner of the 400m women last night the British girl. Was talking to Vivienne Cheryiuot the Kenyan girl that ran the Stephens day race at Valley. Look out for her in 5k final and she had been unwell after that through January-April, so really encouraging to see her mixing it with Ethiopians. Fingers crossed the Valley 5k winner can get a medal. (Pictured: Vivienne and me at Finn Valley, St. Stephens Day,2007)

Argentina beat Brazil in the soccer men, about 70,000 in attendance, and yes Ronaldinho did play. Seemingly they can use a small number of players over 23. My mistake.

Thank you to everyone for texts and messages, its very encouraging because believe it or not it gets lonely here particularly if you have a bad day in competition. Boxers are doing admirably as no doubt all at home are aware. We do not get to the bouts but hoping maybe later in week to go along.

Patsy mc Gonagle
Senior/Olympic team manager
Athletics Ireland
0872226112
http://www.finnvalleyac.com

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