Beijing Diary Number 7

Let the action begin. Just picked up the start lists for Friday's competition and only then do you realise the enormity of the challenge event on event. You sure need to be in the form of your life to survive here. Sitting in a small room, only myself a chinese athlete watching the tv. Gearoid Towey the rower on the internet here as well. We briefly discuss his thoughts on the rowing lightweight fours semi final tomorrow in which he competes. Remember he also is one of those guys that has chased a dream forever, as has Eoin Rheinsich the canoeist 4th yesterday from a country that does not have a canoe slalom course. You need to be a special person to overcome those odds.

Talked to Billy Walsh, the boxing coach , on my way in to this area. He was overseeing Paddy Barnes doing a workout in the open in front of our apartment. I remarked you are doing well Billy, to which he responded, "Aye but we have no medals yet", and of course he is right.

Came in here through Tokyo last night, boy that was an ordeal. Turned up at China Airways with my documentation, as did the athletes, but they cannot find Patsy on the roster. The athletes are okay, but what now? Got to get outa here. Ran like never before, boarded a bus to another terminal, the time is getting tight. Now for another option, but there is a Jal flight to Beijing but its going now. Right what gate? Will never forget the number 71, the seconds ticking away and yes got the plane but it came so close, had nearly to chase it down the runway. Relief. What a relief.

Cannot wait now, this waiting is hard to deal with and it's of course a similar story with the athletes. Feel we got the timing of our arrival in here right so should be okay. The athletes mindset changes when he/she arrives in but therein lies the challenge to remain in control not to let this Olympic thing do your head in.

Michael Phelps is the biggest story globally right now but everyone here has a perspective their own personal perspective . Many will leave here fulfilled, others devastated, others with the experience and motivation to put the head down, and for many, in a lonely world train to acheive in London. That's what makes sport such a thrilling exercise, a human dynamic challenge that in my opinion makes the world a better place as these people raise the tempo.

Had an interesting email from Paddy Harte, Raphoe, enquiring about a James Duffy that won the Boston marathon in 1914 in a time of 2-25 01. Incidentally killed in World War II. In 1915 there are two James Duffys on Donegal roll of honour from that period both killed in action. Can anyone shed any light on this? It's an interesting Donegal story if it emerges as such.

When you are away like this you begin to think of the next challenge and for me its to get all at Finn Valley back to training to a routine, in fact those that are serious about the months ahead should begin to log miles right now to get ahead of the opposition. All set for the winter so old and young. Big weekend at Valley with the return of the bikers, hopefully the weather will hold. Last year when I was dealing with the heat in Osaka, back at home it was rain and plenty of it making life difficult. And so as Patsy Mc Gowan would say "talk at you" in a few days as the story begins to unfold.

Patsy Mc Gonagle
Senior/Olympic team manager
Athletics Ireland
0872226112

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