Saturday 7th August up early to watch the explosive Galal Yafai win gold in the Olympic Flyweight Boxing final.
It’s raining heavily outside, rain drops streaming down the windows, not the most inspirational of mornings.
The Olympics are about dreams fulfilled. Once again the post event TV interview is about hard work and the support crew making it all possible. There seemed not a doubt about the outcome now with gold around his neck. There was doubt though remembering the split decision semi-final victory.
Perhaps the reality of sport is not those on the podium. Reality is the greater number who go home without a medal. Stories of improvement, great personal performances, also disappointments, overawed by the occasion, potential halted by injury. Many, many back stories. Then there are the many athletes who didn’t make their Olympic teams. They are also allowed to dream.
How about at 61? How is that dream going? Recalling the slipped disc of 2018, the uncertainty of ever stepping on a tennis court again. The realisation of how much I would miss this simple pleasure. The promise to myself to come back stronger and the ambition to play at Wimbledon.
It’s been an uncharacteristic few weeks very little on court time, very little off court work and a feeling of conditioning being lost. Time to regroup for the final third of the season.
Faced with the entry deadline for the County Closed I obviously enter the 60 + event. One of only two entries at the moment. I e-mail all my contacts to encourage their participation. Then I ponder the men’s open event, mainly teenagers. The likelyhood of a double bagel defeat. Been there before, think maybe not anymore, maybe that moment has gone? Maybe not. Maybe the only chance to play, as the over 60s will not take place if no more entries. Plump to enter the Men’s open. Immediately get that feeling of challenge accepted. This could be the action that gets me back on track and reconnected with what I set out to achieve.
This year’s Wimbledon ambitions finally petered out. With a draw size of 16 I note that I am fifteenth reserve. I also entered the doubles as partner wanted, recognising it to be a separate competition. With a partner found by the tournament organiser, we are placed as third reserve. With a draw size of eight pairs, again actually stepping onto the Wimbledon grass seems a long shot. When my partner, who I have never met calls to say he has been asked to play by a player in the draw whose partner has withdrawn, that avenue is closed off as well.
The week had started with the ITF Roehampton tournament. A very plush private members club, not the Roehampton I had expected, home to the Wimbledon qualifiers. None of the atmosphere of other ITFs I have been to. A first round loss 6-4, 2-6, 2-6 the return for my efforts against the number 6 seed in a 32 player draw.
This super fast astro type carpet took some adjusting to for all players, with the ball coming through low and fast. The first time I think that I have played on a singles only court. It looks a bit strange, but not noticeable once the match started. No chance for a second bite of the cherry as no consolation event offered, even more reason why I need to be getting off the mark in these first round matches in the future.
Facing three match points. Save the first two. Third one opponent changes tactics and approaching the net, plays a volley, it drops favourably and I see the gap on my forehand down the line. It’s a very makeable shot but I play it poorly and the ball hits the net about one third of the way down. Match over.
I decline the doubles, not wanting to hang around for two days before the doubles begins and again with a scratch partner.
Manage a mid week run and indoor hit due to changeable weather with Phil visiting for the day. It’s a good practice. Moving pretty well. Most interesting Phil has brought along a racket I am keen to try. It turns out to be pretty similar to my own current racket of choice.
The weekend holds the prospect of the Heron Open over 60s. I need to be clear about what I want from this event, otherwise it can become just a local hit, especially against familiar opponents. Obviously I want to win, let’s get that out there. More importantly it’s how I play, looking for that relaxed performance, playing to my strengths. Need to prepare properly mentally and physically.
The Olympics continues to run in the background as I write this. Learning how to bottle the inspirational events on the screen, would be a great accomplishment. The rain continues to stream down the windows, can I see beyond?
