Saturday, 8 May 2010

Soaking Saturday...

Where do you get inspiration? Do you look for it in books, from the media, from those around you?

In my work, the media has to be my inspiration. Where do people want to go on holiday? What will they do when they get there? Very simplistic!

Today I was timekeeping at the Surrey County Outdoor Athletic Champsionships in Kingston. From under 13s to seniors, Surrey's finest competed in runs, jumps and throws. And boy wasn't the weather naff?

There were 8 of us timekeeping in the stand and space was tight. It was cold. Wet. But the banter kept going and I was sat next to the lovely Mike F from Croydon - previous 800m champion, coach of many, official extrodinaire... and all round fun guy, with a joke for every situation.. Fantastic!

I watched world class atheletes of their age groups lead less experienced but none the less, just as enthusiastic athletes to claim outstanding personal bests.. I watched a race which had just one competitor; but boy that man did not slow down for a second - he gave the race his all when it could have been just so much easier to take it easy knowing he'd won gold! I watched youngsters step out onto the track and field to perform in their very first competitions, and I watched tears as some fell, some couldn't do as well as they had hoped and the joy in the faces of those who did better than they could have every dreamed. How could you NOT find inspiration in any of these moments?

Little N was very upset about her high jump performance today. She wanted to do better. To jump higher. She trains hard. But she was so nervous her legs shook, she told me. Her coaches took her in hand and told her what she needed to do to be better. She didn't jump higher...but...she won the GOLD under 17 womens high jump medal!

I am proud of her for her achievement. Well done Little N!

Luckily Stav got to watch his little girl, then disappeared in a taxi to Heathrow - no delays - and onto NYC. Poor Alex was left at home with Mad Dog, but they are both fine!

Tomorrow will be a day of rest. Little N was due to compete in the 2nd day of the "Surrey's" in the long jump, but I have just found out, she has withdrawn (not inspirational, at all!)... So tomorrow I think I'll just stay in bed, pull up the covers, keep warm, take the drugs....and relax!

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