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Gary Brickley updates us on his Paralympic cyclists
14 September
In his first race, David took bronze in the time trial, which he was a bit disappointed with. He got caught behind some cars that slowed his progress on the time trial. However he made up for it with a superb performance in the road race at the Brands Hatch track.
Riding in the tricycle category, David controlled the three-lap 25km race from the start. By the time the riders were on the final lap David was left to battle out for the Gold medal with Giorgio Farroni from Italy. David’s fitness and preparation for the race gave him the confidence to pull away from his opponent in the last 2km. However the Italian hung on to David until David pushed again on the last climb. With 250m to go David had a seven second gap and made sure he didn’t celebrate until he crossed the line. This was Paralympics GB 32nd gold medal and the only gold on the penultimate day of the Paralympics. David said it was the best race he had ever won and was delighted with his gold medal.
Alumnus David Stone with his paracycling gold medal
Overall the riders I work with achieved the following; Sarah Storey 4 golds; David Stone 1 gold 1 bronze; Darren Kenny 1 silver and 1 bronze. Not too bad really…
Key seat programme gives students a memorable day
14 September
Gamesmaker Lorraine Roberts, seven students and Wendy Philcox from the University of Brighton in Hastings had a fantastic experience at the Paralympics when they went as guests of the Paralympic Key Seat Programme for universities and colleges. The key seat programme was designed to provide young people and accompanying adults with a unique opportunity to spend the day in the Olympic Park during the Paralympic Games.
Lorraine Roberts (far left) and Wendy Philcox (far right) with the seven students
With the key seat programme students could experience the London 2012 atmosphere and get the chance to watch some world-class sport in some of the best seats in the house. All the venues had special seating areas for Paralympic family guests and if those seats were not occupied then the Key Seat programme was initiated. If seats were available, key seat ticket holders could make use of them until either the session ended, or the seats were required for the Paralympic Family guests.
Attending a five-a-side Blind football n=match
One of the students attending Dukshii Dm summed up the experience: "I just wanted to say a massive thanks to Lorraine and Wendy for not only organising this but giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity.
"I've always wanted to go a venue and watch an event. Not only did I get a free ticket to see the football and athletics, but I had the best view to watch these amazing, gifted and talented people and it truly did inspire me.
"I also wanted to say thanks to everyone else who came for making this experience so memorable! It was certainly the highlight of my year! Thank you all."
Dr Gary Brickley: Paralympic cycling update
6 September
The track cycling has finally come to an end and it is time to reflect on the last few incredible days in Olympic Park at the Paralympic Games.
I was fortunate enough to be at the track on three days of racing, which without actually cycling, was exhausting from a coach’s perspective. Having been to previous competitions in Sydney and Beijing, I was really excited to see what London would deliver for the Paralympics. When the hype is exceeded, you really know that you have delivered a great event.
When you enter the Velodrome (or the Pringle as it is affectionately named) you firstly enter a citadel area which prevents heat being lost from the door opening but also drafts running around the track. The design of this feature along with the Siberian pine track have helped to made this is world record breaking track. Once inside the centre you can feel the excitement brewing.
On day one, I was keen to see both Sarah Storey and Darren Kenny, both of whom I coach. I knew that they were in the best possible condition entering the Games; that is part of my role to ensure that they are physically and mentally prepared to perform. Sarah’s ride was in the 3km pursuit. She narrowly missed out on Olympic selection in this event, we were expecting a fast time. Sarah's time in the heat smashed her world record by over 2 seconds, an incredible performance that put her way ahead of her opponent who she would later face in the gold medal ride.
Darren Kenny was this time in an event that was factored. This means that even though you may win your classification you may still miss out on the medals. Darren performed well clearly winning his C3 classification but an exceptional performance by a rider from China in a different category and the factoring put Darren in 4th position overall.
Sarah in the meantime went into the final knowing that if she caught her opponent her first gold of the games would be secured. In less than half of the race she did exactly that and gold medal number one for Sarah was secured.
Later that day I spoke with Darren and found out that he had crashed on his way to the track and had to have some serious pain killers to numb his injury. It is very easy to see how four years of training can be destroyed when something like that happens.
Aerial shot of the velodrome in the Olympic Park
On day two, I was lucky to witness the 'Jody Cundy rage' after he was unable to start due to a mishap at the starting gate. I was three rows from the front when Jody was given the news that he could not start. The 6,000 spectators that were expecting to roar Jody to gold were stunned to silence as Jody screamed obscenities at the officials. I know Jody as a quiet lad who is incredibly focussed on his performance. To see him in tears, out of control due to his inability to be allowed a restart was quite bizarre.
Day two also saw Darren Kenny aim to defend his 3km pursuit title. Before the Games I went to Livigno in Italy to do a spot of altitude training with Darren and David Stone. We were convinced this would help to supplement his training and particularly help him in the pursuit. Bearing in mind that Darren had crashed the previous day, I was concerned that he may not even get to the start line. Darren to his own admission rode the heat too conservatively knowing that he needed to make a medal ride but also ride again. Darren’s world record was broken in the heats and Darren qualified for the Bronze ride off later that day. In the ride off Darren was on fire, taking back his world record and claiming his first medal of London. He clearly would have won Gold if he had got his tactics right.
More medals flowed for the GB team, but not so many as the 12 Gold medals on the track in Beijing. In London we finished with five Gold medals. Sarah Storey rode to her second gold of the Games in the 500m and she looks set to equal Tanni Grey- Thompson Paralympic record of 11 Gold medals by the end of the Games. I’ve also helped her husband Barney with some cardiac and coaching work over the last six months so it was great to see him also get a gold and silver medal.
The team sprint was the last event from of my athletes. Darren Kenny formed a trio with Rik Waddon and Jon Allen Butterworth. We knew China were the big threat going into the Games. In the heats, the Great Britain team broke the world record only for China to break it by four thousandth of a second. The final event on the track was mouth-watering; China v GB. In the three-lap race, Darren Kenny lead off and by the time the third man went we needed to make up 0.7 seconds. At the line we were less than 0.1 seconds down and China claimed Gold. No gold painted post box for Darren but some performances that he will be really proud of. Unfortunately he has not been selected to defend his road medals, which is incredibly frustrating for both of us. However David Stone and Sarah Storey will be looking to secure four Gold medals between them and there should be a few more from the GB team.
The Paralympics has really opened up the minds of people watching Paralympic sport. There are some great discussions in the media and an incredible respect of the athleticism of the athletes. The crowds have been excellent at the Games. I recall sitting in a less than half full Sydney velodrome 12 years ago with friends and family in attendance but the enthusiasm of the crowds has been a real highlight. At the velodrome numerous world records were broken and as the doors close on track cycling there will be many impatient people desperate to give track cycling a go in London next year.
Alex Bliss: My Games Maker Olympics
21 August
Alex Bliss is Sport Science Support Officer at the School of Sport and Service Management.
As a Game Maker, I worked at the Olympics as an athlete chaperone as part of the Anti-Doping team at the North Greenwich Arena and Greenwich Park.
We carried out random doping control tests on a number of athletes from artistic gymnastics, trampoline, modern pentathlon, and basketball. Chaperoning meant that I was often required to accompany the athletes through the mixed media zones, medal ceremonies, press conferences, the changing rooms, and other "back-of house" areas.
When teams won medals the changing rooms were an interesting place to be! I got soaked in champagne during the men's basketball finals whilst quietly minding my own business and got to meet a host of medal winning athletes from all disciplines.
Adam with Andy Murray's gold!
10 August
Annie Westland, finance assistant at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, has sent a photo of her nephew, Adam Moulder, who is Communications Officer at the Lawn Tennis Association, with Andy Murray.
Adam danced in the opening ceremony and, following an interview with the Olympic tennis champion Andy Murray on Monday 6 August, Adam took the opportunity to grab him for a photograph with his new gold medal.
Jolly hockey sticks for Team GB
8 August
Alf Le Flohic, web editor, relates his day at the Olympics:-
I was lucky enough to be offered a ticket to see the men’s hockey at the Riverside Arena within the Olympic Park in London on Friday 3 August. I’m not really a sports fan (unless it has something to do with bicycles) but I jumped at the chance to witness such a global event.
It was an afternoon session featuring two preliminary games: Germany versus India, followed by Team GB versus Pakistan. I quickly realized this meant I’d be seeing Ben Hawes play, number 14 in the GB squad and a graduate of the university. So I took my zoomiest camera and did my best to capture him in action.
It wasn't a great day for India, losing 5:2 to Germany, but Team GB were in great form only allowing a single goal by Pakistan 20 seconds before the end of the second half, winning their match 4:1.
The Olympic Park and Orbit were great, and the blue synthetic wet pitch for the hockey was very intriguing, especially seeing it watered at half time. I'm now strangely hooked and keeping everything crossed for the Team GB hockey squad in the next couple of days…
Susan's handball headless Olympic experience
7 August
Susan Lightfoot, marketing officer, relates her day at the Olympics:-
Highlights:
- Travelling and arriving: the anticipation was so exciting, and being careful to avoid the notoriously busy London Bridge we arrived in style and comfort on the DLR to a glistening stadium.
- The volunteers, staff and army: all were helpful, friendly, smiley, funny with no waiting and no airport style heavy atmosphere at the security, just people loving it that they were there too.
- The copper box: didn't look that copperish, but was a great venue. We were two rows from the back in the cheap seats but didn't make any difference to being part of the atmosphere, joining in 'we will rock you' and most importantly (according to my son) being part of the Mexican wave.
- The handball: great to see a sport that I haven't before and to see Swedes, French and Brazilians avidly supporting their sides, as well as the very patriotic but sporting GB crowd. Unfortunately, it's not a sport that the British excelled at with the Brazilian ladies having a definite height and skill advantage, (and in my partner's opinion a little more on the babe rating too!). Final scores: France 29 Sweden 17 and Team GB 17 Brazil 30 – oh dear!
- Being at the Olympic park: walking in, seeing it, being there and being part of it was unbeatable.
Lowlights:
- A pricey £14 for a kid’s t-shirt: although this was actually the highlight for my 7 year old and he slept in it – does that make it better value for money?
- Queuing for McDonalds: Good value food choices weren't a plenty – a pity there wasn't an M&S or Waitrose for picnic food or even some proper restaurants.
Photography: realising when we got home that my son had just photographed my legs and no head at the aquatic centre.- My Olympic hangover: no not from too much vino, but the day after 'I want to go again' blues – a big thank you to a Chris Hoy gold for cheering my Olympic blues away.
Grainne Sinclair beats in the opening ceremony
6 August
Grainne Sinclair, senior faculty administrator in the Science and Engineering Faculty Office:-
'Everybody rumble in 1, 2, 3, 4' – our first drum direction delivered to our 'in ears' by the dulcet tones of Rick Smith from Underworld. Most recently renowned for his work on Slumdog Millionaire and the National Theatre's Frankenstein, Rick had collaborated once again with Danny Boyle to compose the score for the Industrial Revolution section of the Olympic opening ceremony.
I was lucky enough to pass auditions to become one of 1,000 drummers accompanying this electrifying scene – you had to be there to really feel the vibration of so many drum beats. My drum was one of a smattering of metal buckets (pictured below) augmenting a plethora of plastic bucket drums of varying sizes.
Often decked in plastic ponchos at the salubrious rehearsal venue that is Dagenham, we marched in time and learned two main grooves which fit to the words 'Play the Drum so your Mum can see you on TV' and 'I am in need of a drink!' These were interspersed by loud 'boshes' on the first beat of every 4 beat phrase. It wasn't long before badges and tee shirts saying 'Keep calm and BOSH!' were created!
The Olympic rings dazzled as we soaked up applause then it was dash back stage to change out of bonnets and boots (pictured above) into dubiously designed marshalling costumes for the athletes' parade. Never before have I sung along to the National anthem in my underwear!
I was one of some 800 marshals who were moving and grooving around the athletes on stage, performing set dance moves such as 'Usain Bolt' 'Buckingham Palace' and 'Union Jack' (demonstrations on request). We were working just as hard as the drumming marshals just not shown on TV! However, we have another chance, with more catchy moves such as the 'Daley Dive' as we marshal the athletes back for the closing ceremony. Watch out for a photo in another fetching outfit – Butlin blue coats spring to mind!!!
Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of performing at the Olympic opening ceremony and the delicious surprising wonder of the petaled cauldron rising was just breath-taking. An unforgettable experience I will treasure for ever.
Five students in opening ceremony
1 August
Five physiotherapy rehabilitation science students from the University of Brighton's School of Health Professions took part in the NHS sequence of the London 2012 opening ceremony. The five auditioned in November 2011 following an announcement made by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy asking for NHS volunteers for the Olympic opening ceremony. In January they were collectively informed of their success in the auditions and that they would be in the cast of 800 NHS volunteers, performing to an estimated audience of four billion people worldwide on opening night.
After 24 rehearsals ranging from 3hrs to 14hrs at locations varying from Bromley By Bow studios, Dagenham and the Olympic Park, the ultimate day arrived on 27 July - "Show Day".
Left to right: Rory Mee, Sam Bourgein, Cathal Smyth, James Whatley and Lowri Seager (front)
Rory Mee said: "We were all exceptionally happy with the end result and the response the opening ceremony has received from friends, family and the media, making our time and dedication to the event worthwhile. We would also like to say a huge thank you to the School of Health Professions at the university whose support and understanding over the past few months has made this journey possible."
Sam Bourgein added: "What I loved was that there were good dancers and not-so-good dancers, and people of all ages. We all helped each other to learn the steps and the timings, and cheered each other up when we were tired after a 10-hour rehearsal. There were so many different people; I was dancing next to a woman called Margaret in her seventies and an Australian guy who was 24. We were all having the times of our lives. When we came out of the stadium afterwards there were people cheering and waving and wanting to take our pictures; I felt like a celebrity!
"I think it was absolutely brilliant that Danny Boyle had the NHS involved. I don't see it as political — the NHS is one of the things that makes us British and makes me very proud. I think the whole show was about what it means to be British in the modern world."
James Whatley added: "We had to learn choreography and be involved in the mass movement project for positioning all of our beds to form the 'GOSH' NHS and crescent moon symbols on the show day. The people I met and the experience of the show day will live with me forever."
Ben Stevens, torchbearer through Crowborough
17 July
“Leading up to the torch I was so excited! Having been on BBC Sussex radio and having a short film on BBC South East Today about me, I couldn't wait to start to carry it.
I was the first torch bearer after lunch to carry it so my flame was lit from the 'mother flame' I ran out of my old community college where all my friends and family and swimmers I coach were cheering me on. I than passed the torch onto one of my colleagues who works at the same club (Jo Rout) who is an former paralympian. All of this made the torch such a personal experience and I loved every second!
I have shown the torch to all my local primary schools that I have contact with through swimming lessons, old sports groups I used to attend, I have opened sports days and presented certificates. The past few weeks have been an amazing experience and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life!”
Read more about Ben Stevens.
Ben Feist, torchbearer through Lewes
17 July
Lewes was packed. There was certainly an excitable atmosphere. The High Street area was packed as we past it on the bus to our handover points. Everybody was waving and cheering. I stepped off the bus and everybody cheered and wanted to take photos, with that reaction I felt like a hero or a celebrity. Lots of children especially wanted their photo taken with me and it's amazing to think that moment will last in their memories just as long as mine! -"Inspire a generation". A best friend of mine was there, who found my handover spot by chance. They got a good video as Lisa approached to exchange the 'torchbearer kiss'. We high-fived and had a little dance before I began continuing the run the Olympic Torch route on it's way to the Olympic Stadium (quite an anniversary date to carry the Torch on Day 60).
The Met Police made you run very fast but the crowds cheered and the moment became quite a blur as I was overwhelmed by the experience. I soon approached Eddie Kidd where my family and family friends were waiting for photographs of the handover. It was very surreal. Seeing some photos today make it even more amazing and unbelievable!!
It took me four or five hours to get back from the Council offices to the Memorial Roundabout because everybody wanted to say hi and get their photo taken - what an experience.”
Read more about Ben Feist: Torchbearer and Ben Feist: Games Maker.
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