Saturday, August 21, 2004

Feeling a little more bright-eyed now I'm getting into the swing of things, including a two hour afternoon siesta. Not that I'm feeling too productve with sport on screens in all four corners of the Zappeion press room, an orchestra playing in the central hall behind and a selection of Achaean wines to taste, plus of course journalists from all parts of the world to chat with. My photo was taking by Maud Vidal-Naquet who was sitting opposite, a freelance working for a French magazine Le Nouvel Observateur. Her article about the security measures mentioned that there were 70 000 soldiers stationed around Athens, plus the Patriot missiles, and US special forces here. We both agreed the security didn't seem overbearing, and that the Athenians seem happy to be the centre of the world's attention, friendly to their visitors and fiercely proud about the Games - although the TV seems to show more about the drugs stories than anything else. I'm supposed to be here writing the Athletics Weekly report on yesterday's 20km walk - but with trying to fix this weblog and the wine, plus the distractions - I can hardly feel less productive. A frappe and maybe I'll get started...though if more of the red wine has arrived since I began this post.... 10:40:16 PM     comment []

Another early start today but, although it didn't feel like it, five hours sleep was a relative lie in. Still the two hour tram, metro and bus trip was absolutely worth it for the highlight of the Games so far - the rowing finals, and of course the men's four at the Schinias Olympic Rowing Centre. More than half the crowd were Brits, and not the usual Pimm's swilling, Henley types - all sorts really who did a great job cheering home our four. There was a bronze too for Sarah WINCKLESS and Elise LAVERICK in  the women's double skulls to warm up the cheering muscles.. I sat myself next to two young Brits who took time out from volunteering at the main stadium to cheer on the rowers with shouts of "Gee Bee, Gee Bee" in as effectively rhythm as Matthew at stroke - and they did a fine job that must have contributed something of that 0.08 seconds that made all the difference for our boys - Steve Williams, James Cracknell, Ed Coode and Matthew Pinsent. Despite sleep deprivation, exposure to the fearsome sun I'm looking forward to making many people jealous by saying 'I was there'... 9:20:36 PM     comment []

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