Monday, April 27, 2015

A double farewell

Last weekend saw two sporting heroes hang up their boots. There were emotional goodbyes for jump jockey AP McCoy's final race at Sandown Park and for endurance runner Paula Radcliffe who ended on a high at the London marathon. Both of these British athletes have dominated their individual sports for two decades and both of their chosen sports must be two of the most challenging on the human body.

AP McCoy has now held the title of Champion jump jockey for twenty consecutive years. He's won all the major jump racings titles and he's also broken most of the bones in his body. It's hard to imagine the dedication needed to return to the saddle after each of those major falls; one so severe he had to learn to walk again. There's also the constant starvation required just to make the weight for each race and during the season that's most days of the week. I had the privilege of meeting AP McCoy the year he won sports personality of the year. He may be small but I can't describe how physically and mentally tough he must be to have achieved such results.

Those of you who were lucky enough to run Sunday's London marathon are probably still feeling the after effects. If it was your first time, I'd guess you've a new found respect for the professionals who complete the whole twenty six miles at about my two hundred metre pace. It was wonderful to see the support for Paula Radcliffe as she ran her final marathon "for fun" faster than most of us can ever dream of running it. It's hard to believe she still holds the world record after twelve years in a sport that is dominated by the African nations - what an incredible career she has had.

The commitment both AP McCoy and Paula Radcliffe have shown in such tough sports is unbelievable and what an inspiration they are.