The Motivation, Dedication and Determination of an Olympian
Tokyo 2020 - Came and then quickly disappeared. Tokyo 2.0 arrived, materialised and here we are into week two.
Whilst the word elite conjures up many thoughts and misconceptions, to be awarded the honour of being an Elite Athlete, you must work tremendously hard to get to that position. Many GB athletes secured their spot 2 years ago and the pandemic meant their training regime was tipped upside down. Of course, team GB provides the best support available, however, focus an athlete has starts and ends with the individual. So how do you stay motivated? What keeps the moment going? Remember that even elite athletes were in lockdown, and they would have faced uncertainty about their imminent future.
Determination and the sheer conviction that you have achieved a possible once in a lifetime opportunity and giving up is not an option because this is your life-long work. During the first lockdown we saw so many examples of team GB athletes training in their gardens, homes, garages, because their bodies are finely tuned machines and like the most precious of machines, needed to be maintained and taken care of. They couldn’t just stop.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka targeted by Racists
We live in age where Diversity should be embraced and celebrated, however, after the loss England faced in the England v Italy Euros final Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho werebtargetd by racists. This is all because they happened to miss penalties. The fact that these players have put their heart and soul into playing for England to get us to the final should be celebrated.
On Social Media Marcus Rashford has been on the receiving end of thousands of negative comments and his mural in Manchester was defaced and vandalised. Over the last 48 hours people have been visiting Rashford’s mural, placing hearts on the wall and writing messages of love and support. Although Rashford has faced these racist comments before, he continues to stand tall, and even wrote a heartfelt message on how sorry he was to have disappointed the country and. Yet, the fact still remains that just because Rashford, Saka and Sanchos are vilified because of the colour of their skin.
Remembering Grenfell
With the 4 year anniversary last week, we continue to remember the lives that have been lost and pray for the hundreds of people who lived in the tower and were significantly impacted by this tragedy.
The Inquiry Panel has made the following statement:
“We know that this is a very difficult time for all those who have been affected by the fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. On this fourth anniversary of the tragedy the Panel and the whole of the Inquiry team offer their deepest sympathy to the bereaved, survivors and other members of the community whose lives were shattered by it. We shall continue to put every effort into uncovering the causes of the fire and remain determined to provide the answers which the community seeks.”
However, what started as a small kitchen fire in the early hours of the morning turned Grenfell into a tragic disaster engulfing the tower in flames and sadly, killing 72 people. The health and safety policy, which is transpires was non-existent, is a starting point to ensure that this kind of tragedy is not repeated.
Our Green and Pleasant Land
After lockdown anticipation and trepidation, that unforgettable holiday could be anywhere in the UK. As Boris Johnson announces that the lifting of all restrictions will now be moved to the 19th July 2021 pending a further review, has meant that the has continued to be UK a sought after holiday destination. But It is strange that because of a pandemic, the UK is fully booked where it was once the preferred destination for tourists rather than the British.
Yet, our country is undeniably beautiful with so much to offer that so many are only now discovering. Steeped in history, our cities have exceptional stories that unfold before us; the scenery to be seen across green and undulating hills or on the coast, is quite breathtaking, and now is the time to look inward to the UK. Our MD has been travelling across the UK and has provided us with a Top Ten List of super destinations.
-
Newcastle - Historically, the city dates back at least 2,000 years but the city itself has now been bought up to date with exceptional restaurants, a super nightlife and with great access to breath-taking North Tyneside and Northumberland coastlines.