We're safely home from our wonderful weekend at De Hoop Nature Reserve, and the reason I haven't done a posting yet is because we were so busy I've almost got too much to tell you. Whilst I am still in the middle of composing that blog entry, I must just share the excitement which I, and I'm sure, many of you out there too, are feeling over our swimming successes at the Olympics.
Cameron van den Burgh scooped our first gold medal, which was thrilling in itself, and a great boost for flagging national pride and spirits. However, the greatest excitement has been produced by Chad le Clos beating his childhood hero and inspiration, Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly by a whisper of a whisker.
Phelps is a legend in his time, with his phenomenal reputation in the pool and record breaking medal count. It only dawned on Durban's swimming son that he had actually beaten Phelps when he apparently looked over and congratulated him and told him to enjoy his moment. The Olympic Stadium has seen it all, but I doubt it has witnessed the likes of the whoops of joy from Chad, his family (notably Bert, the proudest dad of them all!) teammates and countrymen in London and around the world. We are all so proud of him.
Bert went on to win hearts globally in an on the spot BBC interview, showing his unmasked pride and admiration (coupled with no small amount of disbelief) at Chad's fantastic win. Chad himself came across ever so well too, with humility and the greatest respect for his childhood swimming hero. Michael Phelps was a gracious loser, even though he had been hoping to add another gold to his treasure trove of medals, and publicly congratulated Chad and tweeted, "...Well done kid!!" So happily it was a win win situation, unlike poor little Zola Budd whose clash with heroine, Mary Decker ended so very badly.
However, the BIG question is, "WHO is going to take gold in the 100m butterfly??" It's going to be a clash of the Titans. I know who my heart would like to win, but my money may be elsewhere.
Must just mention that all this aquatic action and interest has got me back in the water. I even braved the mob at the gym pool, and trepidatious as I was after my last head butting encounter, I managed a fair swim without lane rage. Must try to keep it up, I'm going for Granny's Gold. Besides which, you never know who I might bump into...
Love from,
Suzy Q
