On your marks...

It’s 08.08.08 and at 8.08pm Chinese time, one of the most controversial Olympics of modern times will open.
Following protests, torch hijacks and the approach to which families and homes have been ‘removed’ to make way for flower beds and athlete villages, the flame will finally be lit in Beijing – paving the way for competitors from all around the world to live out their career ambitions in front of a global audience.

I have no doubts that the protests will continue and probably intensify as the weeks go by, but for me as much as the political issues are important, growing up I have fond memories of Olympics gone by.

I was very much into my athletics as a child, still holding the secondary school record for 100m sprints (12.72 seconds – damn right!) and like many children had the dream of one day running for my country and for some reason, having the desire to be handed not just the gold but the smart Great Britain tracksuit too!

I guess my first memory then was of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell at the Barcelona Olympics, as Linford dominated the track the sheer determination and focus in his eyes (yes at that young age I was looking at his eyes you dirty buggers!) was inspiring to anyone watching.
My more recent memories include the extreme lows and desperation of Paula Radcliffe breaking down in Athens and the sheer ecstasy of Kelly Holmes not only winning two golds but the look on her face as she crossed the line. I remember my whole family on our feet, screaming at the television – I swear as she finished, we were all as knackered as Dame Holmes herself!

The down side this year will be the time difference, but I don’t think that will stop the local contingent gathering to watch our local lad. Tom Daley, the 14 year old diver from Plymouth is preparing for his first Olympics and a mass gathering is expected at the giant screen they’ve set up in Plymouth’s city centre to show the Games.

Although technically brilliant for his age, his aim was always London 2012, the fact he has qualified to Beijing will give him a massive boost in confidence and experience – I just hope the media don’t expect too much as he aims to do his best.
Of course it would be amazing and he is more than capable, but to balancing at the top of one of those boards the last thing he needs is the pressure of performing, which the British press seem to put on any potential star.

A historic event, the Olympics is one of the last true experiences to test human endurance both physically and mentally. The variety of sports on show can truly unite a nation and fortunately you don’t need to rely on tactical country voting or text numbers to define a winner – it’s all down to who can live up to the expectation and perform on the occasion.

Sadly, there are dream, medals and careers to be lost – but thankfully, idols, memories and the inspiration for future athletes to be gained. And the best part? This time in four years, it’ll practically be on our doorsteps here in the UK and I for one cannot wait.

What a feeling? Sorry, WHAT feeling?

I went to the world premiere of 'Flashdance the Musical' this week.

My two word review? Meh, nearly.

My one sentence review? If you're going to do a stage version of such a memorable and iconic dance movie, make the end audition piece everyone's seen as energetic and inspired as the film version and don't try to fill the much loved legwarmers still being well worn by 'Fame' and 'Rent'.

On a lighter note, if anyone could recommend an alternative song to 'What A Feeling' to have stuck in my head since Monday - I'd appreciate any answers on a postcard!