Thinking about a possible field event for this month, I visited the John Charles Centre for Sport Athletic Stadium. It’s a fine facility on the outskirts of Leeds with indoor and outdoor athletics areas. Perfect for plenty of Half as Good challenges.
Reception couldn’t help much, but they suggested that I chat to the Leeds Athletic Club who use the facilities each week, and were over in the athletics and bowling building.
I went to find them and have a chat. It seems there are a lot of rules. Very important rules. And memberships, and competition numbers. You can’t just do, say, the high jump and measure it. It has to be a competition for any activity to be measured. And we’re nearly at the end of the season, so not many competitions left. It seems a very serious business and I was clearly, politely, not welcome! I suspect that Usain Bolt would not be welcome either, certainly not at the beginning of his career.
As a member of the most relaxed climbing club in the area – which is so welcoming to new members – I despair of this Olympic legacy which seems to be set against people giving new things a go. Rather entertainingly, they actually mentioned health and safety, protecting coaches, and governing body rules. I’m sure the sharp end of a javelin isn’t a comfortable place to be, and a shot put dropped on your foot isn’t going to be great for you, but are those the real reasons behind not wanting to get new people involved?
Meanwhile, my search for an event for this month continues. I will post the challenge by the end of the weekend!
Wish me luck!
The 'Half as Good' Olympic Decathlon 