Tag Archives: Olympics

The Olympics by Kriss Akabusi

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When I was preparing the Olympic prompt I asked for quotes from Olympians, both from the past and those hoping to represent their country in the 2012 games. One who got in touch was Kriss Akabusi.

He is a former sprint and hurdling athlete from the United Kingdom. During his career, he won the gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1990 European Championships, a gold in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 1991 World Championships, and a silver medal in the 4 x 400 m relay at the 1984 Olympic Games. Since retiring from athletics, he has worked as a television presenter and motivational speaker.

He decided to go further than just a quote and has written a piece, 100 words in length, of his feelings of being an Olympian.

Awe inspiring Pageant of human endeavor, sixty seconds, a life time of effort and expectations expressed in a moment, no second chances, deliver in the arena right here and right now, make it happen but allow you to be, trust in the flow of things in the celestial city, climb mount Olympus where the air is fresh and clean, join the fraternity a brotherhood denied to many embracing a few. Vision determined by your values, persistence, determination, discipline, dedication virtuosity, illness and injury, winning and losing, a path strewn with tears of failure and successes both imposters challenging you, how much do you want it, do you dare to dream and to follow your yearnings, enjoy the journey, dare to be you, be world class in all that you do.

Many thanks Kriss for joining in with the spirit of 100WC and thank you for the many hours of pleasure you brought to so many of us when you were competing! 

100 Word Challenge – Week #37

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Showcase and Prize winners from Week #36 will be posted separately!

The Olympics are coming to London at the end of July! We couldn’t miss this wonderful opportunity to get involved. I have asked some Olympians, past and present, for a quote about how it makes them feel:-

‘It was an incredible experience being on a track, in front of tens of thousands of people and wearing a British Tracksuit. London 2012 this year will be the biggest thing that athletes will ever experience’ – Baroness Tanni grey-Thompson, 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, held over 30 world records, and won the London Marathonsix times between 1992 and 2002.
‘Being a Paralympian is living the dream. Everyday you get to do what you love to do and work towards great things’ – Stephen Miller, Paralympic Athlete – 3 x Paralympic Gold Medallist
It feels amazing finally being selected for the games! I’ve only dreamt about this moment since a young child and now all the hard work that I’ve put in from being a youngster has paid off and I’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity and I intend to grab it with both hands and do myself, coach, family and nation proud.- HOLLY Bleasedale, British record holder and World indoor medalist pole vaulter
‘To become an Olympian takes Courage, Determination & Focus, but most of all Teamwork. If you don’t have teamwork you can’t make the Dream work.’ – Chris Cook, Commonwealth, World & European Medalist & Olympic Finalist.
‘To be able to compete at any Olympic games is amazing but to compete at a home Games is an honour. I am honoured to be part of Team GB’ – Holly Lam-Moores, handball team
‘Setting a goal that commanded my thoughts, liberated my energy and inspired my hopes led to me becoming an Olympian’ – Mark Richardson, former 400m Olympic runner
Most of us will never know what it feels like to represent our country but to try to get into the Olympic spirit, the prompt is:-
… my race was about to begin when…

As usual you have 100 words to add to these 7 making 107 altogether.

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