(no subject)

[pensnest]

I attended a Sporting Event this weekend.

It isn't quite a first for me, as I have a vague and probably repressed memory of being taken to Lords by a cricket-obsessed boyfriend, and I know I had an outing to watch the greyhound racing once, because it was more like comedy than sport (though it probably wasn't much fun for the dogs). However, I have never before been to watch an athletics meet.

This was the English U17 and U15 championships just up the road, in Bedford. My nephew ran in the 300m, and won his heat and his semi-final in fine style. Sadly, he came 4th in the final, because after a glorious moment of storming round the bend and overtaking the favourite, he didn't quite have the legs to put in his usual sprint finish. However, he did pretty well.

And the whole thing was fascinating. Firstly—they go really, really fast! Seriously, much faster than they do on the telly. I know that actual timekeeping would disagree, but when you see them live, it's much easier to appreciate what the athletes are doing. Secondly, I was reminded of the impression I got from the Olympics—athletes are, on the whole, a really good-looking bunch. I think it must be to do with symmetry, which is probably why they are athletes at all. Thirdly, there were some Ambulant and Wheelchair races, because this meeting was big enough to be able to draw in enough disabled athletes to run these events. One girl ran 1500m, far behind the abled girls in the race, but broke her own PB by about half a minute, which was pretty damn impressive and I don't know if it was patronising of me to feel tears in my eyes, but I did. Fourthly, it was such fun to see the constant activity—the races went perfectly to the timetable, but there was always something in the field to watch. Pole vaulting is a *ridiculous* thing to do. Watching the girls (U15s) and young women (U17s) today, I kept saying Wheeee! to myself every time I saw one fly over the bar. Awesome. Oh, and watching the hammer-throwing, well. Wow.

It is very tiring being out in the fresh air all day.


Also, Lance Bass just got engaged! Awwwwwwwwwww!

Comments

[sperrywink]

I think I have been to 2 sporting events in my life. One was a professional basketball game when I was a kid. I remember nothing but doing the wave. The other was a baseball game that was a work required event. We were ups o high, I couldn't see a thing.

Your track event sounds a lot more fun! I'm glad you nephew did so well!

Laaaaaaance!!! Still so happy for him!

[pensnest]

He was very disappointed to have come fourth, but he was trying to work with different race tactics to his usual ones, and it didn't pay off. Ah, well. He's only 14.

[watervole]

Why on earth was this post behind an age warning?

[pensnest]

I have no idea! I haven't set any warnings on my journal, so maybe it's a default?

[rikes]

I think the only Sporting Events I've ever been to are hockey games with dad. That sounds very cool though! I can't believe somebody invented pole vaulting in the first place.

LANCE!!!!!!!!!!!111!!!1!!!!!

[pensnest]

Pole vaulting is impressive and bizarre. I mean, who *thought* of that? The triple jump is also a bit weird, but at least you aren't flinging yourself three+ metres in the air on the end of a long pole.

Ah, Lance. *many hearts*

[puszysty.livejournal.com]

Yay Lance! I just saw, and hoped I wouldn't be the first to post about it. :)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

That sounds like an excellent way to spend a day.

[brandywine28.livejournal.com]

I didn't complain when my dad spent (what felt like) my entire childhood dragging me to Shea Stadium for Yankees games...but only because of the ice cream. :)

Also: LANCE!!! *flails*

[saba1789.livejournal.com]

That athletics meet sounds like so much fun :D

And OMG, I am so happy about Lance! I squeaked in joy when I saw!!! :D <333