Some random thoughts on today's historic event - the first event of the 27th
Olympiad and trithlon's first even Olympic gold medal.
Fom Ian Hepenstall
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The scene and atmosphere in Sydney today was outstanding. The organisation
was absolutely bang - on - and a number of Kiwis quickly took up our places
in the seating under the Opera House.
The Sheldrake clan were there, new Tri NZ president Tom Pryde, and of course
the team personnel.
Evelyn Williamson looked really good and relaxed before the race, although
the hype and occasion were quite awesome. Graham Park had enough nerves for
us all!!!!!
The entire transition area was carpeted - as you would have seen on
television. We had large screens to view the race live, and the times from
the Champion Chip system also flashed up automatically.
The field was introduced individually as they paraded in front of the crowd.
There were 8000 seats by the Opera House, but some 50,000 tickets were given
away free for the Botanical Gardens area. And then there were parties galore
in the apartments along Macquarie St and thousands along the street. It was
a remarkable view.
While I am naturally biased, the superb pictures, location, drama and
excitement presented triathlon to the world in a way we could only dream
about. Say what you like about ITU present Les McDonald, but triathlon has
achieved a remarkable step forward this week.
As for the race - well from a New Zealand point of view, Evelyn just missed
the first chase pack out of the water. From that point a top-10 finish (I
believe Ev was in top-10 form) was always going to be difficult.
She did most of the work in a poor bunch who continued to lose time on the
chase pack and finished four minutes down.
Her 23rd placing was brave but ITU style racing is cruel. If you miss the
chase bunch on the swim, life is over. Her performance was very gutsy and
she looks in wonderful form. She was not alone - she was out with the likes
of Carol Montogmery.
By the way Montgomery has her arm in a sling after a crash - and her further
involvement in the programme - she is due to run the 10000m - is in doubt.
Sydney is a strength triathlon course - and the run proved a repeat of the
World Cup race earlier in the year. It is the first time I've seen Michellie
Jones lose a sprint finish but Brigette McMahon looked wonderful. There's a
grand piece on her in the Olympics site and also the New York Times site.
One thing of interest - the winner is 33 with a three year old son, and the
silver medallist is 32. A point to ponder.
Also neither chased World Cup races around the globe over the past three
years - although Jones raced more int he last 15 months.
It was the ideal entree - main course tomorrow. Can the Kiwis eat em up?