Monday, July 22, 2013

Proud to be British (TT column 22.07.13)


The summer continues. Is it really british of me to think this is purely a phase of good fortune or should we actually believe that the we can have a sunny summer and more importantly can dominate in world sport? Two thousand and thirteen was dubbed to be the hangover year that would follow the Olympic Games buzz, how wrong could we be, the sporting triumphs are showing no sign of easing just yet.
This has been the first year that I've watched the Tour De France, admittedly partly due to my new found love for cycling but also to witness a Brit as the favourite actually come out and exceed all expectations. Chris Frome's stirling performance to win the Tour has meant that GB retain the yellow jersey for the second year running, it is hard to believe that thirteen months ago no British man had won it in the whole 98 years of the race's history.

Another competition that according to history we are not "supposed" to win is the Ashes, I don't want to jinx anything but the two victories for England so far have been more than convincing. I remember growing up thinking how I would love to be Australian, not just for their climate but for their record in sport, how things have changed, okay maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself now but we should bask in this glory whilst it lasts.

It's a shame that golf couldn't be added to last weekends sporting celebrations but there are plenty of other happy memories to reflect on at the moment. Tomorrow marks the year anniversary from the start of the Olympic Games, if you haven't already this week then you can tune into Radio Devon's breakfast show to hear me speaking to our local athletes about their experiences last summer.