Williams win brings British respect and pride back to Olympics

by OWAIN THOMAS

Fifty-four seconds after leaving the Whistler sliding centre’s summit for her fourth and final skeleton run, Amy Williams had re-written more than just record books.

Becoming the first individual British athlete in 30 years to claim a Winter Olympic gold medal was impressive enough – she also added the track record along the way - but re-writing the national press was an even greater achievement.

And compatriate Shelly Rudman’s rapidly improving times meant that had the competition continued for another slide or two, the country could have celebrated a pair of athletes atop the podium.

However, the silver medalist from four years ago was forced to settle for sixth after producing the fastest descent down the 1km long course in the final round.

It’s noticeable that the events of that Friday night in western Canada marked something of a sea-change in the coverage from the vast majority of the UK press towards these Vancouver Games.

Prior to that, and indeed as long ago as the days leading up to the opening ceremony, much of the reporting had been negative and belittling, with backhanded criticisms ranging from the organizing committee, the (unfortunately) unseasonably warm weather, to even the sports on show.

This last one is perhaps the most concerning, as by showing a flagrant disregard for the merits of ski-jumping, luge, or cross-country skiing, the press are illustrating an equal contempt for the athletes, coaches and significant others who dedicate their time to the training and hard-work that winning a gold medal takes.

This is unfortunately a distasteful trend for the media which must be un-learnt before the Olympics come-a-calling to London in 2012.

Significant criticism has come towards the host nation’s “Own the podium” aim, but there has been little outcry at the calls from various prominent politicians and athletes for a similar strategy to provide a record haul of British medals two years hence.

Indeed, contrarily this is often supported by the press as something that is needed to make the games a success.

There is no doubt that aspects of every major event, including this present one in British Columbia, require scrutiny and criticism, but just to do so because your country has limited success in the disciplines involved is simply not a good enough excuse.

Why not try fostering an atmosphere of support and pride helping the athletes to succeed, rather than making it appear against the odds or as a silly novelty that will be forgotten about for the next three-and-a-half years.