The best thing about Manchester was the atmosphere of the tiny pool. The constant musical backdrop kept the crowd revved up and wildly enthusiastic. the spectators in the front row were so close they could shake my hand. The relaxed intimacy of the place had infused me with … Continue Reading→
With the start of the Melbourne games imminent, it seems once again that Australia will be the dominant forces, not only in the pool but in the games at large, buoyed as they will be by a partisan home crowd. In recent weeks a target of 100 gold medals, a games record, has been … Continue Reading→
Only 9 days before the swimming competition is due to get underway in Melbourne, Ian Thorpe sensationally announced today that he is withdrawing from the games.
The Australian swimmer, widely expected to win a number of gold medals, has been unable to overcome a bout of bronchitis and a viral infection which has hampered his preparation.
The … Continue Reading→
I was lucky that I had the chance to visit two very beautiful corners of the world for my two Commie Games.
I remember a wide-eyed youngster called James Hickman training with the Leeds group before the Games, and his excitement about the Games and life in general was infectious. … Continue Reading→
My abiding memory from Auckland was the 100 breaststoke final where I took silver in a memorable England 1-2-3 and the media feeding frenzy that accompanied our success.
Adrian had mixed feelings at the time and it took him a while to put his third consecutive gold into context, and … Continue Reading→