‘Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.’ – Para 1 Fundamental Principles of Olympism from the IOC Olympic Charter
Had a lesson today about the history of the Olympic Games and the historically links that Loughborough has with the Olympics. The tutor even brought a 1948 Olympic Games torch to class. That would be my first time holding an Olympic torch and I sure hope that it would not be my last.
Both the ancient Olympic Games and the modern ones were founded and carried out in the hope that through sports, culture exchanges and mutual understanding, that peace and progress can be achieved for this world. Somehow as I was growing up, the Olympic movement and its core values had resonated strongly within me.
The tutor showed some slides on London winning the 2012 bid in 2005, Singapore and asked if we remembered where we were. At that moment I thought back, I must have been still in VJC, but I remembered thinking to myself that London 2012 is where I want to be. It’s 2011 now, and gosh what a journey it has been, though I’m still a long long way from actually qualifying, but I have absolutely no regrets for chasing this dream.
What a wonderful world that would be.
And that is why I still keep dreaming of someday making it to the Olympics =)
Well not like that I’m not obviously. I’m currently still having an issue with allowing my thoughts to block my own actions. Basically what happened above was that the last 3 strides I started to think about too many things at one time, ended up freaking out and heading straight for the bar instead of jumping up and over it.
Am reading the book ‘The Inner Game of Tennis’ by W. Timothy Gallwey to learn how to ‘still’ my mind and allow my body to get on with it. I am certainly strong enough be a good jumper, but I just have to get past this mental hurdle of freezing up when running and jumping together.
I guess like everything else, it’s just about getting over another hurdle and moving forward one step at a time.
Full rest today so that we can get another two hard days of training before Saturday. Will then travel up to Gateshead and compete in my first indoor pentathlon on Sunday!
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
A Singaporean Decathlete 
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