China Olympics and beyond

With Beijing soon to start, I know all the teams are in the final stages of preparation. One of my friends from the circuit, Sofia Bekatorou - the Greek gold medallist from 2004 in the 470 Class - has asked me to give her a last minute boost to her programme. So I'm off to Qingdao soon, and will get to experience for myself the fog and the tides that everyone has been talking about.

While so much sporting interest is zeroing into this Aug/Sept, I've had occasion to help find advice for a couple of youngsters in long distance running and Triathalon - best coaching, study-sport balance etc. With 2012 coming, it is really encouraging to talk to some excellent people in UK Athletics with an approachable yet practical commonsense attitude. This is especially important as I note that parents are encouraging of their very talented youngsters to consider a sports career, whereas normally I think academia and business would take precedence. Its great to have such a good infrastructure in Sport in this country - very uplifting!