RACE REPORT!

After spending 5 weeks training in the Netherlands, I went with the Dutch triathletes, Sander Berk and Lisa Mensink to Chuncheon, South Korea for some warm and humid weather training prior to heading to the Olympic Village in Beijing. It did mean we missed the opening ceremony, however this was a price to pay given the race was later on in the Olympic programme. After a week of great training in South Korea, we were well acclimatised to 35 degree and 70% humidity weather.

Arriving in Beijing, I was met by officials of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and taken back to our apartment in the Olympic Village. Airport procedures and travel by car were made easy by specific Olympic Lanes making for quick and efficient movements. The Zimbabwe team were kitted out with some colourful casual and formal wear, supplied by Faithwear, a local clothing company who sponsored the gear.

The days leading into the race were spent training in the Olympic Village (50m pool and 1km running track) or travelling on a 50min one way bus ride out to the Triathlon venue- the Ming Tombs Reservoir. We were given specific periods to train on the course, one hour on the bike and run, then one hour in the water… not a minute longer- security officials were out getting us off the course the second it past the hour! Other facilities in the 1km x 1km Olympic Village included internet, laundry, gym, shopping centre and an incredibly large selection of food available about 18hrs a day.. including McDonalds!

Two days prior to the race all the athletes congregated for the mandatory pr-race briefing and pontoon draw. With my 14th spot position selected on the pontoon, it was now time to channel all the focus on race day. Race day, 19th August, we were up by 6am to get some food down and catch the police escorted transport out to the venue from the Olympic Village. After warming up on the course and getting the bike set up in transition, we were ushered into the recovery area to be called out one by one in the pre race introduction. I was doing all possible to control the feelings of apprehension inside, however, deep down I had the feeling of belonging there and deserving my spot on the pontoon.

With helicopters flying in the ready, we were placed in the hands of the starter and before we knew it, the Olympic Race had started. The swim was furious from start to finish, mainly due to all 55 athletes being able to swim at a similar pace. I found Simon Whitfield’s feet and stuck there for most of the swim, eventually coming out 20seconds behind the leader and well in the 1st pack. I had underestimated the 6 lap bike course and the hill was definitely a lot harder to get up than initially thought.. mainly due to the pace that we were riding at. Despite the pace, I found myself on the 5th lap about 50m in front of the main pack and getting some good air time from the cameras! The run was always going to be tough given the injury niggles I have had leading into the Games, the sharp hill on each of the 4 lap run, as well as the energy sapping blue carpet. I started off well and 5km went really well and then the heat, humidity took its toll and struggled on the penultimate lap. The last lap was about finishing and reeling in one last runner to finish in 42nd. Crossing that finish line, I had an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction, despite the slower than usual run. I stood at the finish line, looking at the crowd, bikes still in transition, and was speechless. I had finally achieved a lifelong dream. Simon Whitfield got me out of this moment by walking past and complimenting me on my bike ride… ‘something’ from a past Olympic Gold Medallist and Current Silver Medallist. I was fortunate to have my younger brother in the stands and knew had a number of friends and family watching the event around the world, all people who have shared this journey with me.

I am now on my way back after spending the week after the race taking in the sites Beijing has to offer and also watching a few events, notably being trackside for the 200m record being broken my the Bolt from Jamaica! The sound standing in the middle of the stadium during the closing ceremony is something I will never forget, truly a significant moment.

There are many people to mention and to thank- one just has to look at my website (www.cfelgate.blogspot.com) to see the extent to which many people have supported and believed in me on this journey. Thank you. I will publish a list of all the “thank you’s” soon. With the Energade Series in South Africa about to commence, the journey to London 2012 is about to begin.