Time to Read – World Record Time
‘We’ve just won; we’re going to be on a stamp!’”
As you read this the 2012 London Olympics will have come to a close, and the city awaits the start of the Paralympic Games later this month.
It is testament to the success of the Games, that they even overshadowed Woking FC’s first match back in The Blue Square Premier!
So many inspiring stories, athletes and memories from across the spectrum of sports and countries. The variety was amazing – the sheer speed of Handball (one vacancy – Handball goalkeeper. Only task – to pick the ball out of the net), how vicious women’s hockey can be (It’s not the winning, it’s the broken ankles) and the confusion that is sailing (“If Ben Ainslee can just finish above 8th and keep The Netherlands and two other boats behind him, he wins Gold”).
However, this week I am going to pick out one single moment among so many that reflected the spirit of the games. Of course Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt or any number of focused Chinese athletes could feature… instead I go with the unexpected.
Sophie Hosking and rowing partner Kat Copeland won Gold for Team GB in the Double Skull 2000m event. Hosking was overlooked for a place in Beijing four years ago and Copeland is in her first season as a rower. Indeed, they only teamed up four months ago for their shot at Games glory.
And the first words Kat Copeland said to her rowing partner after crossing the finish line? “We’ve just won; we’re going to be on a stamp!’”
And with The Royal Mail producing stamps for every gold medal competitor, now they are.
With my love and best wishes
David
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