What a waste of time – and an insult to the years of effort these men and women have put in while few of us noticed.
Hands up, how many of us would have recognised Michael Jamieson on Suachiehall Street before this week?
I wouldn't – nor Robbie Renwick and Caitlin McLatchey ... even in their swimming costumes.
I suspect that is the same for most people, even though they are among our country's most successful sportsmen and women.
Which is perhaps a good thing, as it allows them to get on with their training and preparation without the glare of publicity and incessant pressure heaped on them to win.
In order to reach Olympic standard they put in hours of training at times of the day when the rest of us are likely still fast asleep or watching TV.
Of course none of it is achievable purely on their own, and parents and coaches play an invaluable part.
Michael, below, began swimming at Tollcross Pool and attended the School of Sport at Bellahouston, proof of the capability of such a facility to produce elite athletes who can reach the pinnacle of achievement in their event.
It would be wonderful if Michael, Bradley Wiggins and the track and field athletes still to come inspire children all over the country to take up a sport at an age young enough to give them the opportunity to progress to a high standard.
Not everyone will reach the Olympics, but the more people we have competing, the better competition our top athletes will have and everyone will benefit from taking part.
Now comes the tricky part.
None of it is free and facilities are needed – and the more local the better for getting people interested in the first place.
Glasgow is creating improved facilities for 2014, and Community Sports Hubs are a key part of the active nation legacy. To achieve the ambition needs sustained investment, more opportunities for sport through schools and good local facilities as well as those of international standard.
SPORTING success doesn't come without hard work and investment, and that's where the politicians can be involved.
If a 10-year-old is watching and says I want to be like Michael Jamieson, let's make sure we can help nurture and fulfil their ambition.
We moderate all comments on Evening Times on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.
Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
HOLYROOD WEEK: Stewart Paterson
HOLYROOD WEEK: Stewart Paterson
SOME people are using the Olympics and the Scots representing Great Britain to argue about the independence question.
What a waste of time – and an insult to the years of effort these men and women have put in while few of us noticed.
Hands up, how many of us would have recognised Michael Jamieson on Suachiehall Street before this week?
I wouldn't – nor Robbie Renwick and Caitlin McLatchey ... even in their swimming costumes.
I suspect that is the same for most people, even though they are among our country's most successful sportsmen and women.
Which is perhaps a good thing, as it allows them to get on with their training and preparation without the glare of publicity and incessant pressure heaped on them to win.
In order to reach Olympic standard they put in hours of training at times of the day when the rest of us are likely still fast asleep or watching TV.
Of course none of it is achievable purely on their own, and parents and coaches play an invaluable part.
Michael, below, began swimming at Tollcross Pool and attended the School of Sport at Bellahouston, proof of the capability of such a facility to produce elite athletes who can reach the pinnacle of achievement in their event.
It would be wonderful if Michael, Bradley Wiggins and the track and field athletes still to come inspire children all over the country to take up a sport at an age young enough to give them the opportunity to progress to a high standard.
Not everyone will reach the Olympics, but the more people we have competing, the better competition our top athletes will have and everyone will benefit from taking part.
Now comes the tricky part.
None of it is free and facilities are needed – and the more local the better for getting people interested in the first place.
Glasgow is creating improved facilities for 2014, and Community Sports Hubs are a key part of the active nation legacy. To achieve the ambition needs sustained investment, more opportunities for sport through schools and good local facilities as well as those of international standard.
SPORTING success doesn't come without hard work and investment, and that's where the politicians can be involved.
If a 10-year-old is watching and says I want to be like Michael Jamieson, let's make sure we can help nurture and fulfil their ambition.
Commenting & Moderation
We moderate all comments on Evening Times on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.
Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
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