As the Olympic Games swing into view once more, my abiding memory of the London Games is not of a competitor, but of a competitor's mom. Here's my blog from four years ago…
Our First Gold Medal
Adam writes…
Who are the most important people at the Olympic Games?
I didn’t realize it until last Friday, but it’s the Olympians’ mothers.
As I Tweeted last week, Christian Schurr Voight’s mother joined me on the Rock’n’Roll London walk last Friday.
Christian competed for Mexico in the 200m Breaststroke this morning, Tuesday 31st July.
We cheered for Christian online at www.bbc.co.uk
His mom gave us our first gold medal… for hospitality.“The British people,” she said, “are so welcoming, we have had such kindness and friendliness.
“It is a privilege to be an Olympian, to take part,” she said, in echo of the great Coubertin, founder of the modern Games.
She showed me the stamp on her wrist, the mark of a visitor to the Olympic Village. And she was nearly bursting with pride.
I’ve met Olympians before – the great Alan Wells and David Wilkie, both gold-winning childhood heroes of mine – but I’ve never met an Olympian’s mom until today.
Meeting an Olympian’s mom was the greater treat.
Well done Mrs Schurr Voight! I’ve seldom seen anyone so proud.
Good luck to all the mums – AND dads! - watching their kids compete in Rio!
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
