Last Sunday we got the chance to attend British Athletics with Sainsbury's as part of the Summer Series Diamond League Athletics Event in Birmingham. My Hubby and my Boys love their Athletics and have attended Diamond League events before, for me and my daughter it was our first time.
Outside the stadium we are greeted by lots of Sainsbury's ambassadors giving out flags, wristbands and large sheets which transform when folded over into something that makes lots of noise! There are lots of food outlets and activities taking place. Everyone seems to be having fun.
There is a indoor portakabin with athletic memorabilia detailing the history of British Athletics, which is very interesting. My hubby shows me where the stars of the show enter the stadium, with many waiting for autographs of their heroes. My first taste of a major athletic event, thus far very impressed.
There is a indoor portakabin with athletic memorabilia detailing the history of British Athletics, which is very interesting. My hubby shows me where the stars of the show enter the stadium, with many waiting for autographs of their heroes. My first taste of a major athletic event, thus far very impressed.
Into the main Stadium we go, great seats, overlooking the long/triple jump area on the home straight close to the finish line brilliant. My hubby is already spotting retired elite athletes in the crowd, Lynn Davies 1964 Olympic Long Jump champion one of the names I remember, a living legend according to the other half, my Athletic knowledge is not that advanced!!
You are informed what is happening in each event a person with a microphone introduces the athletes, tells you what event is going on and where to move your eyes. At times you would look one way for the high jump, a split second later someone doing the triple jump, a few seconds after that a throw in the shot putt! It was certainly non stop action. Katherine Merry (again according to hubby,did all the in track intros, who is yet another Olympian.)
One event right in front of us that I did know an athlete was the Long Jump with Greg Rutherford, Mr Gravity. Olympic European and Commonwealth Champion. The focus the athletes show was really impressive, doing their warm up jumps, just to check if they were taking off on the right foot etc. They would go through the full mental approach as if they were doing an actual jump. Live you really do get an insight in how meticulous they are. The mental concentration they must all have is off the charts, if only I can apply some of that to my own jogging, I may well improve!!
The other thing you really notice when seeing the athletes in the flesh, is how lean and fit they truly are. Obviously we know they must be fit etc, but seeing with your own eyes close up how fit, is hard to express in words. Some athletes look larger on the TV than others, yet in the flesh everyone of them is a sight to behold. In ancient Greece these athletes would have been the Hercules of the day. They do not carry an ounce of excess fat, they are sculpted to be the exact build for their particular event. Breathtaking.
The TV presenters Gabby Denise and Colin.
We got a special treat with a greet and meet session.
Anyika Onuora Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
The final event of the main meeting, was the loudest and had the crowd on their feet, just when the athletes walked onto the track. It was of all because of one man the legendary Mo Farah current World Olympic and European champion. The Mo-Bot man, a perfect example of sporting perfection. Built to be the absolute best, built to win. A fine treat to finish the main program. Everyone was buzzing during his whole race, it certainly sold watching athletics live in a big way. I'll be back...
Overall then a great family fun day out. Highly Recommended. It has given me a greater understanding of these elite athletes and the sacrifices they must make.
It has also given me a boost in getting out running and trying my best.
My little girl who normally doesn't do as much running as her elder brothers, has also been inspired.
Popping on her trainers and asking to go jumping and sprinting up to our local track a few days after the event. Which is brilliant, these are the role models we should be following.
People who work to the limit and deserve all their success. Without things like the National Lottery and sponsors like Sainsbury's these athletes would not be-able to perform at the level they do.
It is nice for companies to sponsor sports where grass-roots get help and a future generation can be inspired, instead of just watching TV and playing games indoors.
It has also given me a boost in getting out running and trying my best.
My little girl who normally doesn't do as much running as her elder brothers, has also been inspired.
Popping on her trainers and asking to go jumping and sprinting up to our local track a few days after the event. Which is brilliant, these are the role models we should be following.
People who work to the limit and deserve all their success. Without things like the National Lottery and sponsors like Sainsbury's these athletes would not be-able to perform at the level they do.
It is nice for companies to sponsor sports where grass-roots get help and a future generation can be inspired, instead of just watching TV and playing games indoors.
Thanks again Sainsbury's.
About this post-
We got sent a family pass to go to this great event and all thoughts are our own honest opinion.
