Olympic Update

I've finally got a minute to sit down and write a bit about whats been going on for some of the athletes Husband manages out in Beijing.
They first 2 days were a disaster. He had 3 athletes who were all favourite to medal walk away with nothing.

Asafa Powell (Jamaica) who was the world record holder in the 100m before Usain Bolt blew it apart not once but twice this year was one of the favourites to challenge for the Gold medal. However, things did not go to plan and a 5th place finish in the final was what he had to settle for. His fellow country man Usain Bolt, who Husband does not manage, walked away with everything. The gold medal and a new world record.

Then there were the 2 shot putters, Adam Nelson (USA) and Reese Hoffa (USA). Both these men are hugely talented and huge in general and have been number 1 and 2 in the world for years now, so there was no doubt that they would both medal, it was just a matter of who would get the gold and who would get the silver. But disaster struck and Adam fouled his first 3 attempts and as a result, did not get a further 3 attempts. Reese was just struggling to find his best form and could not hit a distance that had him finish better than 7th. I was only talking to Husband briefly over these first 2 days, but when I tell you he was depressed, he was DEPRESSED. He is very close to most of his athletes, so he feels the pain and disappointment almost as bad as they feel it.

But things took a dramatic turn for the better when the women's 100m final rolled around. Both his athletes Shelly-Ann Frazer (Jamaica) and Sherone Simpson (Jamaica) walked away with the Gold and Silver medals.

Then we had the fantastic performance from my fellow Irishman Paul Hession in the 200m. Husband started managing him early this year and even though he didn't make the final, just missed out by 1 place, he ran unbelievable to earn his place with the big guns in the semi-final. Not a bad performance for a white boy from Ireland. Way ta go Hess.

Next to step up and medal was Germaine Mason (Great Britain) in the men's high jump. In previous championships, Germaine has been so close to medalling but never actually got there. So if ever there was a time to hit his true potential it was out there in Beijing.

Shericka Williams (Jamaica) was one of the girls to upset the women's 400m favourite, Sanya Richards, when she plowed past her in the last 20m of the race to clinch the silver.

And even though he is still competing, US decathlete Bryan Clay, who Husband both coaches and manages, is currently in first position with just 2 events left, the javelin and the 1500m. I think his lead in points is far enough ahead that his gold medal is pretty much secure.

And lastly, the reason I included the above picture of Iceland's men's handball team is cos as I sit here typing, Silja is on her knees, inches from the TV screen, screaming her head off. Actually, the whole country is pretty much at a standstill, as the handball team is playing for a place in Sunday's final and their chance to win Iceland's first medal at the Games. "Go Iceland".