I have to post about this: an event today at the World Athletics Championships.
A moment of pure magic: The Womens’ 1500 metres final.
There’s an English competitor who only just qualified as the fastest loser in her semi-final.
We are already in English territory–plucky indomitable spirit, Dunkirk and all that, no real chance but–“Well done, all the same!“.
Hard to believe but her name is Hannah England!
As one of the last to qualify nobody expects her to win a medal–she’s made the final–achievement enough.
Cue Cole Porter…
“Have you heard about dear Blanch–got knocked down by an avalanche,
(Don’t worry–she’s a game girl, you know–got up and finished fourth! the kid’s got guts!)
Well, did you ever?!
What a swell party this is…!”
(High Society–Sinatra and Crosby)
Hannah is tall and blonde with a lovely smile.
She is in the leading group of about ten, as they come round the final bend after three-and-a-half laps–so theoretically in with a chance–but a long shot, as she appears to be boxed in.
They enter the finishing straight and she side steps right, positioning herself for a run to the line.
The commentator spots her late and is bewitched. The impossible seems to be happening! She surges forward towards the finishing line and he goes crazy!
She continues to advance until, just short of the line, an expression of utter joy and astonishment spreads across her face .
She finishes in Silver Medal position–second–but it is as though she has won.
"C'est pas vrai!"
She cannot believe it. She looks to the crowd for confirmation. “Yes it’s true!”
She has triumphed and it is delightful to watch.
I feel a broad smile spreading involuntarily across my face.
Bet your life she’s having a “swellegant elegant” party tonight!
Robin Ellis 
Good for her!!
And her face says it all….
A moment to remember forever for her, and a reminder for us to never give up, there’s always a chance that great things can happen.
That happy face and your story spreads that smile to my face too!
Have just received your new book from the UK. I wonder if it is the first copy to make its way to Australia? Your work always brings great joy, so many thanks.
My husband and I are watching the Championships each night. We both loved your commentary. My husband is wondering if you are timing the starts also. He is a starter for high school track meets in Oregon and is obsessed with the time between “on your marks”, “set” and the gun. I bet Usain Bolt is now also.
Here’s to England’s Hannah England and America’s Jennifer Barringer Simpson who won gold getting the first 1,500-meter victory since Mary Decker-Slaney in 1983.
I know what he means, Carol.
Does he approve of the “no false starts” rule?
USA”s Jennifer Barringer Simpson looked equally stunned!–well done to her indeed.
Husband here – I would love to see a return to the field false start rule. As is, the system that was supposed to speed up events has been self-defeating of that, and it certainly has irritated people worldwide, me one of them. The field false start does two things – it is an improvement upon the two-false start rule that had preceeded it, it can help build suspense, which in sports and love making is always to the better, and if a sprinter then jumps, it is viewed more as his/her fault than that of an arbitrary system. I’d say that the jury is in on this one.
Another beef: the two American announcers, Paul Sunderland and Dwight Stones, need to learn to shut up before sprints begin; they do not have to cram in 1,000 more words between the runners taking their marks and set.
Hello Husband–well it was good to see Bolt at the finish yesterday, the sport cannot do without him.
The commitment of these athletes is wonderful, although as Mr Bolt said “It’s a job”.
Husband, again – That women’s 1,500 with Jennifer Barringer Simpson and Hannah England finishing one-two was worth the price of admission. But I am not overly-nationalistic in sporting matters. My general rule of rooting is to be for anyone wearning adidas over anyone wearing Nike. We live downwind from the Nike campus, and every time Phil Knight yawns on the world, we smell it.
How lovely, Robin, that desepite your new place of residence, you have taken the time to “Back British” and write such an uplifting comment! It was indeed a fantastic moment for her! Also loved the piece yesterday about chocolate (in moderation, bien sur!) and the photo with the very pretty demi-tasse was a delight.
Enjoy the weekend.
Best wishes
Kim
Thanks, Rosalyn–moderation, indeed!
What truly deligjhtful pictures pure joy & I think I perfer your commentry – is that not what all sport should be like.?. Congratulations to all who take part winners or not.
It’s the taking part that counts.
Regards Elaine
Thanks, Elaine–doing my commentary was a little less stressful than it was for him doing his!