Once competition starts, things get a bit frenetic, and so writing this blog has unfortunately been relegated to the bottom of my list of priorities! My daily routine from my last entry to two days ago has consisted pretty much consisted of getting up at 6am, getting to the archery venue on the 7am bus, having a 2 minute lunch break (if I'm lucky), back from the venue at about 4 or 5pm, and then into meetings with staff and archers, typically finishing up at 11pm. The nature of the work that I do during this time will often require fast thinking and acting in a highly pressurised environment (with upset or uptight individuals), and so can be emotionally as well as physically draining. Being a spectator in the stands, particularly during medal matches, is torturous for staff and team mates, and takes its toll as well!
A quick summary of results for us – we have ended up with 2 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Out of 9 possible categories, this is an excellent outcome, and we were only narrowly pipped by China to head up the medal table in the archery event. It also exceeds the target that UK Sport/the BPA had set for us, and for us, as a staff team, is very much at the top end of what we realistically hoped for. The final stages of competition ultimately comes down to who can hold their nerve in front of 5,000 spectators. Each archer shoots 12 arrows alternately, so steady nerves are required if you need to shoot a 9 or 10 from the final arrow!! To my satisfaction (and relief!) all GB archers held their nerve perfectly to win their medals and shoot some excellent 12 arrow scores.
Mel Clarke wins bronze for GB in the Women's compound
The attention from the media, supporters, the BPA and other countries since we won the medals has been immense. It's easy to get carried away in such circumstances – for both archers and staff. It's also a potentially very difficult time for those in the squad who did not medal, or whose dreams have been shattered. I have had to have a box of tissues to hand over the past few days – and diffuse some conflict situations from time to time! The last few days have allowed some opportunity to have time off – but many of us are so physically and emotionally exhausted that sleep has been the preferred option! I managed to get out into Beijing's silk market yesterday for a couple of hours, and joined some other team GB staff to attend the final night of the athletics to support the British medal hopes. It was awesome to go the Birds Nest to see some sport. In a few hours, we go back there for the Closing Ceremony, which will wrap up a most amazing (and successful) three weeks for us and the whole of the British team.
Here's to London 2012!
Some tired but happy archery staff at the athletics – left: Katherine Bond (Sport Psychology Support), Tim (Team Manager), Betty (Team Doctor)
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