Medals, two world records and one Olympic record, not to mention numerous personal bests, it has been an Olympic Games that will live long in the memory.
I'm here as a guest of the British Olympic Association, alongside Liz Nicoll and Simon Timpson from UK Sport, Nigel Walker from the English Institute of Sport and Mike Whittingham from Sport Scotland. Our group has also had the privileged of being joined by an Olympic legend, Steve Redgrave - photo attached.
To witness the pinnacle of some of Wales’ sportsmen and sportswomen is an utter privilege. Jazz Carlin’s double silver in the pool was an incredible achievement; to bounce back after missing the London 2012 games after suffering with glandular fever speaks volumes. It was impossible not to be touched with her humble and down to earth post event interviews.
The British and Welsh cycling story is a gift that keeps giving. Following in the footsteps of Nicole Cooke and Geraint Thomas, the atmosphere in the velodrome for Elinor Barker and Owain Doull’s gold medals was on a par with the London Olympics.
Like Jazz Carlin, Becky James has fought illness and returned to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Watching her family and friend’s reaction to both of her silver medals was an absolute joy. George North was on the same flight as me to Rio- I’ve never seen him so nervous, he looked much more nervous compared to when facing the All Blacks or Springboks! He’d even been given leave by his club Northampton to travel to Rio, on the proviso he did his pre-season pembinaan whilst in Brazil! It was convenient, as ’s Sian Knott (working with GB Sailing) was on hand to offer her services and set up a pembinaan base!
The Rio games is certainly different to London- it was always going to be the case. It probably lacks the smooth efficiency of Beijing or London, but certainly makes up for it with a warm welcoming glow. Everyone is very pleased to see you, the volunteers are an absolute credit to the Olympic movement, with many travelling from around the globe to be here and help.
I have to say it's a Brazilian games and that is what's makes it special. It's not polished, it is unique with the stunning settings, picturesque venues and an incredible backdrop. There aren’t many Olympic Games where you are queuing on the beach to enter the arena, and where matches don't start until midnight… beach volleyball is rocking on Copacabana beach!
A visit to the sailing was hosted by the Royal Yachting Association’s chief executive Sarah Treseder and Sarah Webb Gosling, one of the infamous Olympic ‘blondes in the boat’.
I then met the RYA team and one of the coaches was from Felinheli (next door to Plas Menai- small world!) The Performance Director showed us behind the scenes of British sailing, a fantastic insight into the life of Olympians and those supporting the. To top it all off, the performance director praised the pre-games pembinaan camp at Plas Menai, not knowing who I was or where I worked!
My favourite moment of the games (not including the Welsh moments, it would be unfair to pick one of those!) was the amazing Brazilian gymnasts who won silver and bronze medals behind GB’s Max Whitlock. To see what competing at a home games meant to them raised the hairs on the back of your neck. Amazing scenes!
I am very honoured to have had the opportunity to attend the Olympics in Rio, and to witness first-hand the special positive spirit ‘the power of sport’ can offer. British sport has really raised its game in the last eight years and nations from around the world are desperate to learn from us. It is especially pleasing to see the positivity around the role Wales and Welsh athletes are playing in the success. Anecdotally comments from GB governing bodies are glowing in praise about the work national governing bodies in Wales are doing; from talent development to the pathway into the GB system, to the exceptional coaches and team members who support and deliver the programs. Our reputation has never been higher.
I spent an evening with Bill Sweeney, CEO of the BOA, who paid tribute to the great team we have in Wales, and plans to visit the institute team in the forthcoming months to see what we’re doing and to gain insight from our staff.
It is a privilege to be here representing and I'm extremely proud of the work everyone does to deliver the success.
Sarah Powell is CEO of .
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