Olympic Success

WEEK 2  AUGUST 2012

It has been 16 unforgettable days here in London of world class sport, of heroism and heartbreak, of admiration and dedication. Apart from all the incredible triumphs and successes, the atmosphere was amazing, the ceremonies were breathtaking, and all the venues with their iconic backdrops were just superb. I was lucky enough to go to quite a few events and the organisation was superb. Everything ran like clockwork and the volunteers were all perfect ambassadors who gave so readily of their time, smiles and goodwill to ensure such smooth logistics at all venues. And to top it all off, their enthusiasm was beyond infectious. The quotes this week all speak for themselves whatever sport you play or whatever you do.

“When you’re sleeping, I’m working. I’m toiling through the night. It’s what great men do”
Yohan Blake, Gold medal in 4 x 100 relay, and silver medallist in 100 and 200 metre sprints.

“What’s the secret of my success? It’s all hard work and grafting. It’s been a long journey grafting and grafting, but anything is possible.”
Mo Farrah, Double gold medallist, 5,000 and 10,000 metres

“I’m the same kind of guy before all this happened.”
Michael Phelps, Swimmer and most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals, including 18 golds. (No-one else, in any sport, has won more than nine.)

“It had been about all the little things, doing everything right in the lead up. Just making sure I was in the best shape ever.’
Jessica Ennis. Gold medal, heptathlon

“Honestly this medal means so much to me – it’s unbelievable,”
Tom Daley. 10 metre Platform bronze medal  

“I told you all I was going to be No. 1, and I did just that.
Usain Bolt – Olympic Double Treble -100m, 200m, and 4 x 100m relay

Following the outstanding success of the British Cycling Team, bringing home 12 medals, including 7 golds in the velodrome, British Cycling Performance Director, Dave Brailsford said how they focus on the little details to get marginal gains. “The principle came from the idea that if you broke down everything you could think of and improve it by 1%, and then put it back together again you will get a significant increase. There’s fitness and conditioning but there are other things that might seem on the periphery like sleeping in the right position, having the same pillow when you are going away and training in different places, hygiene… They’re tiny things but if you clump them all together it makes a big difference.”

“It’s just really belief for me, it’s just believing in yourself,” she concluded. Giving it a crack, knowing that you can do it.”
Sally Pearson, after  winning the 100m hurdles final.

“To step out here for an Olympic final is more than I could ever have hoped for. It’s been a truly humbling experience.
Oscar Pistorius, after the double amputee “Blade Runner” ended his Olympics by running with the South African quartet in the 4x400m relay.

Britain you ‘did it right’ and I am sure a generation will be truly inspired. All good things come to an end…only to mark a new beginning. Bring on the 2012 London Paralympics.

Ann