Team GB Win Gold on Super Saturday.
OK, I have to admit that I was a little cynical about the London Olympic Games before they started. There was the ever-increasing cost (with some saying that the initial figure of £2.4 billion had ballooned to perhaps ten times that amount), the G4S security fiasco, and the fact that the Games was going to be so totally London-centric. But, when the opening ceremony arrived, I have to say my hardened, turgid little heart began to melt somewhat. Danny Boyle's spectacular extravaganza made me think twice about what the Games is really all about, and when one Tory politician even described it as having a political bias, that it was too left-wing, I began to warm to the whole affair. After all, anything that annoys Conservative MPs can only be a good thing, surely. Perhaps I should point out, though, that the guy who made those remarks is currently, I think, being investigated for attending a party in which Nazi garb was worn and extreme right-wing opinions espoused. Not surprising, then, that he might think a celebration of things like our beloved NHS too left-wing.
And so the Games began, and "Team GB", as they are lovingly called, made a modest start. After the first couple of days, I think we were around sixteenth in the medals table. But, as time has gone on, our performance just seems to have got better. And now it is that we have just witnessed perhaps one of the greatest days in British sport. "Super Saturday", as it is now being called in the media, brought us six of the most brilliant gold medals ever won by British sportsmen and women. Jessica Ennis, the poster girl for the Games, won gold in the heptathlon, breaking her own British record with 6,995 points. Mo Farah became the first British athlete to win gold at 10,000m. The British women's cycling pursuit team broke the world record (an astonishing six times, going faster each time they appeared on the track) and brought Britain the gold medal. Greg Rutherford won an unexpected gold medal in the long jump, with an 8.31m jump. Finally, two golds were won in rowing events. All in all, it was our most successful Olympic day since 1908, and that's not even mentioning that we will be represented in two finals in the tennis, securing us at least another two silver medals.
All this success is great not only for the athletes, whose hard work and dedication has finally been rewarded, but also for the public. In these harsh times our achievements at the Games have given us something to be proud of. So if you see me draped in a Union Jack, singing the national anthem, don't be too surprised!
And so the Games began, and "Team GB", as they are lovingly called, made a modest start. After the first couple of days, I think we were around sixteenth in the medals table. But, as time has gone on, our performance just seems to have got better. And now it is that we have just witnessed perhaps one of the greatest days in British sport. "Super Saturday", as it is now being called in the media, brought us six of the most brilliant gold medals ever won by British sportsmen and women. Jessica Ennis, the poster girl for the Games, won gold in the heptathlon, breaking her own British record with 6,995 points. Mo Farah became the first British athlete to win gold at 10,000m. The British women's cycling pursuit team broke the world record (an astonishing six times, going faster each time they appeared on the track) and brought Britain the gold medal. Greg Rutherford won an unexpected gold medal in the long jump, with an 8.31m jump. Finally, two golds were won in rowing events. All in all, it was our most successful Olympic day since 1908, and that's not even mentioning that we will be represented in two finals in the tennis, securing us at least another two silver medals.
All this success is great not only for the athletes, whose hard work and dedication has finally been rewarded, but also for the public. In these harsh times our achievements at the Games have given us something to be proud of. So if you see me draped in a Union Jack, singing the national anthem, don't be too surprised!
Comments
I went to see some judo and Posh Dave and Putin were there.
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Now David, that's some serious reporting. What an exciting post. I laughed, I cried, I even imagined you draped in a flag (sort of).
I'm outta here; stage left!
Dixie
Ah yes, moving on from the security fiasco, we then marvelled at the opening extravaganza and the quintessentially British theme, complete with a bit of NHS universal healthcare to show the world.
There has been a feel good factor during the Games and Britain, a rather reserved nation, realised that maybe a bit of pride, instead of all the doom and gloom, isn't such a bad idea.
I'm echoing your sentiments, David. Of course, I also can feel a bit of pride knowing that Canada won a gold medal on the trampoline event.
May the Games start some positive momentum.
Kind wishes and a Union Jack, your way, Gary
Yes, the Olympics do become infectious and addictive. Now we've exceeded the medal haul that we took in China with even more medals in the cycling. The crowd seems to be the extra member of our team, and it's nice that you got to see some judo.
As for Putin and posh Dave, I'm sure you couldn't wish to meet two nicer people!
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Glad you like this. And, as I said to bazza above, since writing this post Team GB have gone on to get even more medals. I think a lot of people in Britain have shed a few tears and draped themselves in the flag, as it were!
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Yes, the Games do seem to have brought some much needed relief from all the doom and gloom. I think Canada also reached the final in the women's football, but lost to the USA. I was gutted, because I was rooting for them on your behalf. Oh well, can't have it all, I suppose!
Very Best Wishes, and more medals for Canada, your way,
David.