Once again, I am drafting an article sat under a tree, outside Winchester Cathedral, watching the two large screens showing the Olympics. It has just started drizzling, and the tree isn’t offering much protection. Added to that, I have timed my lunch break to coincide once again with sports that I know little about.
Yet none of that matters.
They could be showing anything, and it would still be a great way to spend an hour, because I am sharing the experience with so many other people all here for the same thing. As such, it seems the perfect opportunity to reflect on my Olympic highlights so far (sorry for the very British emphasis). In no particular order:
- The C2 Men: To get two medals was pretty special, especially after the lack of success for the team in the individual events.
- Wiggins. What a way to round off what has been an incredible six weeks.
- Bolt. Did we really doubt him?
- Ennis. It must have been difficult for her to focus these past few years, but it didn’t show.
- Rutherford. His post-gold interview was a joy to watch.
- Farah. Considered the pre-race favourite, but there were a whole ten thousand metres where it could have all gone wrong. I saw the finish in a pub and the level of cheering was such that you would have thought England were beating Germany on penalties in the World Cup. Rupp’s silver should shut his doubters up, too.
- The male gymnasts. Shame they were bumped back down from silver, but bronze is a fantastic achievement.
- Women’s football. Getting the same coverage as the men!
- Ainslie. Difficult final race, but he did it.
- BBC. So far so good.
- British Rowing. What a team.
- British Cycling. What a team.
There’s only a few days to go, and though I don’t want to wish the Olympics away, I can not wait for the remaining action. If all goes to plan I’ll be rounding off my Olympic experience watching Scott Overall and Lee Merrien in the men’s marathon.
And then? Rio!
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