Popular Nostalgia

My first and lasting memory of Tokyo was the BBC theme tune which I can hum to this day, how sad is that. These games were very eventful for British athletes and the story of Ann Packer is first in my mind. After losing out in the 400 meters to the Australian Betty Cuthbert (Packer was the favourite) she decided to run the 800 meters. Only having run a handful of 800′s Packers tactics were not good but in a stunning charge down the home straight she took the gold medal and with it set a new world record.

Another fantastic performance on the first day came from Mary Rand. She became the first British women to win a track and field Olympic Gold with a world record leap in the long jump of 6.76 meters. Later in the competition the great Welsh athlete Lyn Davies took the men’s long jump with a leap of 8.07 meters, beating the American Ralph Boston by 4 cms.

My hero at that time, Ron Clarke of Australia, was beaten into bronze medal position after a dazzling sprint down the home straight by the relatively unknown Billy Mills of the USA who snatched the gold. That for me is what makes the Olympics so special, yes favourites do sometimes win but the fact it is such a special occasion brings outstanding performances from all athletes.

About the Author

Steve Haywood is a personal trainer from Yorkshire – you can find out more about him here.

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