It is not the winning but to take part would be good.
Is an old post but in the current atmosphere of athletics it seemed appropriate to post again.
On my last few days of holiday here and they are being filled with a variety of things. One of these things is of course watching all the European footie that is bombarding my TV.
Now there are lots of accounts of how terrible our homes teams were and so many of these reports want to make me top myself.
Today's wee blog post comes from last years letters from Barcelona . Barcelona hosted the European Athletics last year and I was lucky to get tickets for the last night.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
LETTERS FROM BARCELONA
AUGUSTS 2010
I went to see the last night of the European athletics here in BCN at the Olympic stadium on Sunday 1st of August. Half full stadium, mostly due to the ridiculously overpriced tickets. The atmosphere was still fantastic, with lots of French supporters having loads to cheer about, and a couple of medals for the home team. I couldn't help contrasting the Spanish TV coverage that I'd been watching all week with the UK commentary I could occasionally listen to. Thanks to the BBC we were able to hear the fanatical jingoistic 2012 hype, with talk of "delivering, medalling, and ripening prospects" The obsession was not with British athletes, though from 5live's coverage you wouldn't have know that many events were even featured on the programme, 'cos if there ain't a Brit, there ain't a show, the obsession is for medals. I watched a great 800m final where Jenifer Meadows got a bronze, which wasn't covered, as the presenter said, "Because we didn't think she'd medal". The TVE (Spanish National Television) presenters were much more relaxed (athletics isn't big here hence the empty stadium for the first few days) and just happy to talk to all their athletes and encourage them and praise their PB's. A much more "British" attitude surely?
I live with an Old Firm fan, who I'm trying to educate in the joys of supporting a "diddy team". I see him when his team are playing, and there's no true pleasure, no enjoyment of the game, only a desperate anxiety that they might trip up. When your team are expected to win every game, all you can hope for is not to be disappointed, but when you're a Rovers fan, every win is a bonus and not something to take for granted. Last Season when the semi final came about I had to think long and hard about flying over, the cost, time off work, but the debate came down to one question “was this a once in life time opportunity”. I booked my flights (thank you Dad), organized my tickets and packed my scarf in a carry one bag. I left the Saturday full of excitement. I listen to the other semi final on my travels, “nice day out for the Ross County fans, a formality for Celtic, should be an all Premier final…………” Upon landing in Edinburgh the tone was slightly different.
Sunday is here and I am traveling thru to Glasgow and of course thoughts turn to “what if……, could we have an all 1st division final”………..then it was not to be. Did I feel upset, a little, did I feel angry, not at all.
I described the weekend to football fans here in Barcelona (and to my blue nosed other half several times over maybe with a little bit too much excitement ) and they questioned my lack of upset and disappointment. After Barcelona’s fantastic 6 cups in one season and Rangers’ many achievements, for them defeat is not a word they seem to be at one with.
To them the math seems simple, winning, plus big cash plus, flash players equals your right to win, failure is not an option.
As a fan of smaller teams, underdogs, you understand that the only option you have is to take part, enjoy and if you win enjoy it until the next one!
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