A lifetime of effort for golden stroll

Rob’s gold medal-winning performance in Moscow yesterday was the end result of a long process, one that started as far back as the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Rob has put in a huge effort over that period. People watching the race on television were impressed and rightly so. However, it’s difficult for people who aren’t familiar with athletics to realise how long it takes to make the podium at an international championships.

Let’s face it, athletics is a sport that the general public tend to dip in and out of. In fairness, it’s difficult for people to appreciate that finishing 13th in a major Championship isn’t all that different from finishing 33rd. I believe it’s that drive to fight for every place and to get every last drop out of yourself that separates those who achieve and those who are happy just to be there.