Beijing Diary Number 3

It's interesting to note the daily routine of a training camp pre a major championship. All athletes work their pre planned programmes and you find walkers and distance runners out round the local Paddy fields at 8.30 or indeed there is the option of the local golf club. But as you can understand you must be there and gone by 8 am. (Picture:Fionnaula clearing waterjump).



Visited the track 11am approx today. Eileen O Keefee (pictured) the hammer thrower was doing an intense weight sesssion while Paul Hess and David Gilllick were on the track nothing too serious and add in Rte interviews done and dusted. Back to hotel, lunch and now hitting the computer and the athletes have headed to an electronics shop. I am heading for a walk with Director Of athletics Max Jones to visit local Art Gallery. Back to track at 4.30. All hands on deck then and evening dinner.

David (pictured in gym) has lined up a screen to have us watch the Colin Farrell movie 'In Bruges'. Should be good craic and as important pass valuable time .

This managerial roundabout that I find myself on right now began in 1992 to Soeul to the world junior champs. A journey into the unknown and memorable not only because it was my first major assignment but that I was out of the country at what was to become a defining sports moment for Donegal. Late in the evening local time I went to a phone box to ring my late father. I remember the moment clearly, asking the question, he messing me about delaying the answer pretending not to hear me and then the result really stands out. Rushing upstairs so far from the excitement of home to relay the news to team members who when I think about it now did not give a hoot. Will there ever be a GAA moment in time such as that again. Only the players who now represent the county can answer that.

The journey continued to european ,world, olympic games, world student games, european and world cross etc. in various parts of the globe. Not forgetting European champions cup cross-country with Finn Valley. The first journey to Italy in that context to Cassino with my good friend Peader Mc Granaghan and my son Conor who invariably accompanied me . So many memories but for another day.

The challenge here for this squad is to be the best there has ever been at an olympics based on overall performance. That's what will make it nervy as Aug 15th approaches.

The injury situation continues to improve lets keep our fingers crossed that all is on an upward swing and all athletes are in a position to do themselves justice after years, yes, years of dedicated disciplined preparation.

Its time to hit the road once again to the track on the bus and walk the 4 miles back. Nneed the exercise and I will be back to update in the coming days.

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

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