Thunder Bolt-‘Seeing is believing’

Witnessing a World Record is an amazing experience for any sports enthusiast!
When I decided to go to Berlin for my summer break little did I know the feast of sporting entertainment lined up for me. Most people pack regular items to go on their hols, I went armed with a Sporting Champions banner, binoculars and a big dose of anticipation.

At Heathrow, the first attempt to get support for our athletes was bestowed on British Airways check-in staff. They smiled for the camera as the Champions banner was draped in front of their Olympic 2012 promotion.

Although I didn’t have tickets for the first night at the Olympia-Stadion, I knew Chris Tomlinson was jumping his way through the qualifying rounds so I was keen to get to watch him.

Arriving at the stadium was fantastic in itself. A whole fest of colours and culture clad the approach to the front gates. Having purchased my ticket I was ready for action!

Inside the arena it was breath taking, the line up for the evening looked great on paper but the reality exceeded all expectations. As I watched one physical endeavour after another I tingled with excitement.

There were 3 highlights for me. The first was watching Bekele’s running partner in the men’s 5,000m try to catch up the pack after losing a shoe in the first 100m. The crowd clapped every stride of his catch up laps and cheered as he picked off the stragglers one by one.

The second came in the form of a diminutive yet characterful German high jumper, Ariane Friedrich silenced the crowd with a single finger raised to her lips. The roar that followed her glide over the bar was unbelievably emotional.

Finally, Bolt’s 200m was a triumph of athleticism. He had to work hard but you could tell he has the capacity to go faster. It is incredible to think that was his second World Record in 5 days.

Bolt’s talent and infectious character has put athletics back on the map.
I was privileged to witness at first hand many fine athletic performances from all nations and in all disciplines. Oh what a night!