Beijing Diary Number 13

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)

Beijing Diary Number 12

Days of contrast. Yesterday, an aggressive performance from Olive Loughnane (pictured) in the 20k walk, 7th, outstanding right up there and eating them on the final few kilometres. Today, in the 50k we lose Colin Griffin from Ballinamore after 18k - disqualified - shattered and have just come from talking to him. I have no doubt he will return to Italy to train come October and live to fight another day.

Jamie Costin from West Waterford, also 50k, was preparing for the olympics in Athens 2004, when I got the call in a training camp in Cyprus that north of that city when a lorry came round the corner, wrong side of road, and wiped him out. He was flown home by air ambulance, lay on his back for months, and what resillience to come back qualify for this having qualified in Leamington last year, an event I flew over to have a look at. He struggled towards the end but got there and is back on his feet tonight after a struggle in his event to finish. There are many such stories of endeavour in sport, people overcoming the odds to acheive or simply to compete. That's how it is and really it just underlines once again for me regarding the children in Finn Valley - they need to want to do well themselves to be part of something, etc. So you can understand when I lose the head when many can't organise themselves to attend training Sunday mornings. I always have felt that is the acid test, the other aspect of life that is underlined time and time again. Just not here at this time is discipline and hard work. I noticed a fella with a a sign yesterday which read "free Hug" and I thought what a brilliant idea. Never witnessed that approach before. The word hug came to mind when I thought of training, too much hugging going on and not enough work so the man says. What man? Yer man Patsy. I know I know I know, there is the human factor of friendliness etc but let's adopt a no nonesense approach. How and why did I start on about this, maybe it's because it's nearly time to go home and I look forward to no prisoners being taken in the months ahead. Maybe, let's see.

I talked to Alistair this afternoon, came round the corner, he is sitting relaxing on the grass. Well what are you going to do about this 5k tomorrow night? He is all set for top 8, in good form and will talk a little more in depth tomorrow. I will bring him to the track, be in his ear, not over cook it and let's see where it brings him. Alistair has enjoyed his experience with us. This time the training camp, etc. and when he did an interview after his 5k heat the last night, he did it without the knowledge of qualification. Greg Allen, RTE, let me have a listen to it today when we were both hanging around. It was such a sad insight of a young man who lives in a US city, is lonely and dosen't know where to turn. I talked to him about that today and again invited him to come live in Ballybofey for a period as I have done before. We will see if he ever does decide to pay us a visit. I left the village for the first time yesterday in the company of Max Jones, who finishes his contract with the team after this. Went to a market, it was just too busy and ran out of it practically. Not so good, 'cause need to get some presents. Max who is Head Coach has been marvellous company on this trip. And just before I forget, who did i meet at the market but Darren O'Dea and Grainne O'Dea from Raphoe. Darren works for Manchester United and Grainne for Richard Simms and no matter how long it has been since we last spoke we seem to just pick up the conversation as if it was yesterday. In my position in Finn Valley you come in contact with so many people, some appreciate the efforts you make and realise the important impact it has been on their lives, others and it takes many years to get used to it just meet you as if they never set eyes on you ever.

And that brings me to respect at community level and that of course is as important at this level. Interesting if people relate to you with respect, you simply will them on to success. The reverse being you remain professional but do not have the same reaction for those that do not show respect. I am a wild man for respect and attitude. I think you will understand. Did not go to the track tonight, just catching up on laundry and you will be pleased to know they wash your clothes here and have them back in 12 hours. What else can I tell you? Oh yes the canteen which houses five thousand people at any one time stays open 24 hours. Hard to beat that but let me quickly add that I have watched my eating as you could eat yoursely into oblivion if you so chose.

What's the buzz today? Well, unfortunately it's the horse but it does not impact a lot on the morale here as the equestrion events competition are in Hong Kong. Hopefully all being well I'll be on a flight back into Derry Tuesday night and back pacing the track at Valley (pictured) Thursday . Finally, have got emails and messages from Valley people all around the world. Just to say I appreciate each and every one of them. Will send one last diary posting in next few days. Thanks for being with me through this format in the recent weeks, it has been good for me.

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)

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

(PLEASE reference www.finnvalleyac.com if you decide to use content from my diary. Thanks for your continued support)

Beijing Diary Number 10

Managing a sports team when all is going well is the place to be but the other side was the last 2 days. Sunday night in the stadium was disappointing and then today. Early morning David Gillick and Eileen OKeefe fail to qualify then along came Paul Hession (pictured) and did the business in round 1 of the 200m to keep the day alive. So we return to the track tonight with the Athenry medical student.

This morning was also memorable as when the Chinese favourite in the 110m hurdles, Liu Xiang, failed to race due to injury. You could see the disbelief in the people, just in shock, all 80,000 of them. They had previously minutes earlier got worked into a frenzy to welcome him on to the track. He was along with the Cuban, the pre race favourite, and is the biggest sports star amongst 1.3 billion people. I will never forget the reaction and the silence.

Talking about big stars on the world stage. In the village is Ronaldinho the Brazilian soccer star, here to boost the Brazilian team who play neighbours Argentina later. He is not elegible as you need to be under 23 for olympic soccer and on the Argentinian team is Messi. Noticed Nadal the spanish tennis player and gold medal winner at a security check earlier. Federer was about a few days ago but is gone now after his early exit. The olympics creates a special multi sport mix, the rich from some sports and the rest, but all chasing the same thing, a medal or a performance. (Pictured: Ronaldinho & Messi)

Spent a while with Richard Simms in the stands this morning. His man came through 200m preliminaries okay and he was outlining how down to earth and normal Bolt is. That's not always the case with elite athletes regardless of sports.

Back to the computer. Relieved a class run from Paul Hession. Into the semi now after round 2 victory. Here is a well grounded young man, knows the task and has it pretty well sussed. Let's see what tomorrow night brings. For Paul to make final would be unbelievable, no white men make sprint finals. Simply, if you look at it, all the sprint finalists are from a genetic pool that were taken as slaves from West Africa many moons ago and now are Caribbean, African or US. That's the way it is, have a look at final start lists for 100m/200m. One interesting aspect of competition and the evaluation of same is that some athletes will internalise, be self critical, and be determined that they will use the experience to further improve. These are normally the more successful athletes. The other type of athlete is the one that pretty much looks round to see who or what they can blame the performance on should it be bad. Such is life and the challenge that comes with being a manager.

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)

Beijing Diary Number 9

Just back in from marathon. What a happy enjoyable experience it was for Pauline Curley. Firstly the weather is about 20 degrees so no problem there and she exploded into the stadium with such energy, waved her way through the lap to the 70,000 Chinese in there from early morning, hands raised at the end and kissed the ground A very emotional meeting with herself and the team management when she came out to meet us, interviews complete. Have to say relieved because different conditions could have spoiled the experience and these days and this morning will live with her forever.`(Pictured: Pauline Curley)

Last night sure there never ever was anything like it in history before. Usain Bolt breaks the record, taking it easy in the final stages devastates the field a pure natural. And he is over to his agent and manager, Finn Valley man Richard Simms, pulls him out of his seat and celebrates also with Grainne O Dea, Raphoe, who of course works for Richard. And there is Marian and physio Jess. What a thrill and boost for the Milford man and no doubt Enda Doherty who has been involved in London with this team prior to departure to Jamaican training camp. He will have been jumping with delight in Lurgybrack. A massive boost for Richard who began his athletics at Royal and Prior per the influence of Michael McGranaghan, a teacher in that school at that time and as they say the Milford man ran with the opportunity from that point on. Nothing fazed him.
We are all so proud of him, of Marian and Grainne and their involvement at this level with the biggest global sports star on the planet at this stage and now for the 200m, the title, and possibly Michael Johnson's world record. (Pictured: Ricky & Usain (lighting) Bolt, Olympic Champion & World record holder (9.69))

Will grab an hours sleep and head to stadium once again for our evening session. Roisin McGettigan whose entire family connection are from Kilmacrenan lines up in Steeple final , hopefully a new Irish record. Finally, Mark Connolly texted in the middle of the night to relay the news from Croke Park re:Tyrone. A happy Aghyaran Man.

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)

Beijing Diary Number 8

The weather is the topic everywhere. Here it's such a pleasant surprise not anything like we dreaded. Sure it's warm, in around 30 degrees and the humidity is bearable. Long may that continue. At home i believe its horrible.

We are into the action, yes a really strong start from Roisin Mc Gettigan and the attitude she brings to a race is really encouraging. Not overwhelmed anymore by this scene as she explained to me when I picked her up from the finish area last night. So she's in tomorrows final.

Fionnuala Britton gave it her all, a seasons best, and in the years ahead we may see this athlete in a marathon come London. Alistair was in a slow 1500m which kicked in a last lap, 51 secs , which he was unable to handle but I was encouraged by the manner in which he engaged and if he can clear a niggling hamstring injury by next Wednesday do not write him out of the script.

Up early this morning, I should sleep. In the warm up area for a 9 am start with Robert Heffernan, as he wishes people to call him and isn't he right. That's what his mother christened him. An athlete competing in an event such as this is up to eat and prepare at 6 am and in the case of Pauline Curley tomorrow it's a 7:30 start, up and about at 4 am. Put that in your pipe and smoke it . The walk went really well, 8th overall, a tremendous result. His reaction I would sum up as satisfied, but slightly disappointed. Which is the way to go as at 15k you could have thrown a towel over the leaders, including Robert, but when the boot was put in at that point the field was scattered. This guy is 30, good enough to stake a claim for major Games medals all the way to London.

Joanne Cuddihy is a story of survival. Competed at just after noon in the 400m, has coped with injury since April and this beat her. As a competitor capable of making the final it did not deter her from going to the start line to claim her olympic spot which she clearly deserves. Of course there were tears. Joanne is capable of winning the European championship in Barcelona 2010 should she decide to pursue that goal. As medical studies that have been put on hold need to be addressed. That's it on the competitive side.

Three boxers still closing in on medals as I type this and exciting days ahead in athletics hopefully. The time will fly now. Was sitting in the canteen early today, you will imagine that I never leave this canteen, when along came Michael Phelps. Now he didn't come over and say how are they all at Finn Valley, nor indeed did he say is Neil Martin and Patsy Doherty still running, but just to watch him calmly go about the start of another day was interesting. They come in all shapes and sizes. From absolute giants from the world of volleyball, basketball, etc. ,to strong weight related guys, to small people most likely gymnasts. 10,000 of the most talented people in the world in one place at the one time, Beijing.

Talking of Beijing I have never experienced anything like this facility, the stadium, the warm up, and ancillary facilities. Thought Sydney was going to be the best ever, now it's a script that I will have to rewrite . Walked back from the stadium last evening very interesting. London and any future olympics will have a lot to do to equal this in so many respects.

Its the nature of the animal I suppose that I am beginning to consider how can we improve our programme back at home in a changing world to prepare for not just London but beyond. The minister visited the village the last day and there is certainly a serious onus of responsibility on his shoulders to fight for a strong budget for sport in a depressed economy. And on the Sports Council, who are represented here by olympic medallist and CEO John Treacy, that they get clear value for money for their investment in sports groupings. (Pictured: A long way from Ballybofey! Pierce O Callaghan and Patsy at IAAF technical meeting)

Finally one of my coaches here is Anne Keenan-Buckley, who as a young girl I remember on a Ballyfin team coached by Jimmy Finn. My memory for those early days is vivid, that used battle with Finn Valley. Indeed I have one clear memory of a race in Maynooth, might have been 1974, the national intermediate, a thrilling contest and Susan and Bridgeen Doherty, Doreen Gallagher and Mary Ann Mc Gowan would have been on duty for Valley at that time. Anne has since continued to capably manage the national cross-country teams and competed in Soeul olympics 1988. So it's certainly encouraging having her here and a link with a world of cross country long ago.

Sorry to hear the bikers were washed out of it as events and people related to events is the future of our area bringing people in in all its different guises. Hopefully it's something either the Finn Valley community or the Donegal County Council will actually do something about at some point, namely the appointment of a events manager to lead and develop same. Looking forward to getting this job done, hopefully with a successful outcome and straight into training for the winter months, all hands on deck.

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

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Beijing Diary Number 7

Let the action begin. Just picked up the start lists for Friday's competition and only then do you realise the enormity of the challenge event on event. You sure need to be in the form of your life to survive here. Sitting in a small room, only myself a chinese athlete watching the tv. Gearoid Towey the rower on the internet here as well. We briefly discuss his thoughts on the rowing lightweight fours semi final tomorrow in which he competes. Remember he also is one of those guys that has chased a dream forever, as has Eoin Rheinsich the canoeist 4th yesterday from a country that does not have a canoe slalom course. You need to be a special person to overcome those odds.

Talked to Billy Walsh, the boxing coach , on my way in to this area. He was overseeing Paddy Barnes doing a workout in the open in front of our apartment. I remarked you are doing well Billy, to which he responded, "Aye but we have no medals yet", and of course he is right.

Came in here through Tokyo last night, boy that was an ordeal. Turned up at China Airways with my documentation, as did the athletes, but they cannot find Patsy on the roster. The athletes are okay, but what now? Got to get outa here. Ran like never before, boarded a bus to another terminal, the time is getting tight. Now for another option, but there is a Jal flight to Beijing but its going now. Right what gate? Will never forget the number 71, the seconds ticking away and yes got the plane but it came so close, had nearly to chase it down the runway. Relief. What a relief.

Cannot wait now, this waiting is hard to deal with and it's of course a similar story with the athletes. Feel we got the timing of our arrival in here right so should be okay. The athletes mindset changes when he/she arrives in but therein lies the challenge to remain in control not to let this Olympic thing do your head in.

Michael Phelps is the biggest story globally right now but everyone here has a perspective their own personal perspective . Many will leave here fulfilled, others devastated, others with the experience and motivation to put the head down, and for many, in a lonely world train to acheive in London. That's what makes sport such a thrilling exercise, a human dynamic challenge that in my opinion makes the world a better place as these people raise the tempo.

Had an interesting email from Paddy Harte, Raphoe, enquiring about a James Duffy that won the Boston marathon in 1914 in a time of 2-25 01. Incidentally killed in World War II. In 1915 there are two James Duffys on Donegal roll of honour from that period both killed in action. Can anyone shed any light on this? It's an interesting Donegal story if it emerges as such.

When you are away like this you begin to think of the next challenge and for me its to get all at Finn Valley back to training to a routine, in fact those that are serious about the months ahead should begin to log miles right now to get ahead of the opposition. All set for the winter so old and young. Big weekend at Valley with the return of the bikers, hopefully the weather will hold. Last year when I was dealing with the heat in Osaka, back at home it was rain and plenty of it making life difficult. And so as Patsy Mc Gowan would say "talk at you" in a few days as the story begins to unfold.

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

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