It was a frustrating week for me as an Exeter Chiefs rugby
fan. The day after that historic victory in the Premiership semi-final I was on
a plane to Moscow for work - still buzzing for days I could not find anyone to
share my delight with. Russia is not known for rugby union and my European
colleagues are solely interested in football. As I expressed my excitement for
Saturday’s final I was met with blank expressions when I referred to the Aviva Premiership
final match; apparently there was an important event known as the Champions
League on the same day. To add to my frustrations the timings did not
compliment my working schedule and I went on air minutes before the kick off at
Twickenham. It was no surprise to hear that the consistently impressive Saracens
came out as champions although this should not detract from Exeter’s fantastic
performance this season.
We are now just over two months away from the start of the
Olympic Games in Brazil and as usual the press are focusing on the challenges
the host nation are experiencing. I cannot remember a build up to an Olympics
that has not had some degree of doubt or negative stories in the months
building up to the event.
The latest worry for host country has been the continued
spread of the mosquito born virus Zika that has raised concern yet again
following a letter signed by one hundred medical professionals from around the
world. I found myself being requested for four separate interviews by the British
press after this latest flare up. Having visited Brazil earlier this year and
working closely with athletes I have seemingly become a spokesperson on the
subject. The questions and answers remain the same whilst the journalists desperately
attempt to write new headlines. Unless there is a significant change in the
health risk the staging of this summer’s sporting spectacle is going ahead. Suggestions
of cancelling or postponing an event of this scale are incomprehensible for
athletes, organisers and supporters.
