None After ten days of incredible competition the Beijing Olympics is now part of history. All those late nights and afternoon delights brought us through every conceivable emotion. We cheered when the Irish team did well and commiserated with them when it was otherwise. We listened to the analysts who had an answer to everything, agreeing with them when their views matched ours, and wondered what planet they were from when we disagreed. We read all the newspapers that analysed every competition from every single angle. And we watched and taped all the action on RTE’s excellent coverage. Well done to everyone involved in bringing us saturation coverage of athletics throughout the Games.
Greg Allen’s radio coverage was second to none. And his in depth interviews with the athletes before and after their competitions showed incredible professionalism. Listen to his collection of Games highlights at https://www.rte.ie/sport/olympics2008/player_audio.html
The Olympics ended with Alistair Cragg in the 5,000m final and Martin Fagan in the marathon. Unfortunately, both were unable to complete their events and had to withdraw.
The countdown has now begun to London 2012 and the majority of those who competed in Beijing will be back to complete their journey. And they will be joined by another group who are now well on their way to qualification.
Well done to all the athletes who devoted so much time and energy to the road to Beijing and we wish all athletes an injury free road to London in four years.
Finally, congratulations to Ken Egan, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes, the three Irish boxers who brought back two bronze and one silver medal.
(All photographs from Beijing by Ray McManus & Brendan Moran of sporstfile.com)
