August

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I applaud Paula for entering. It's nice to see someone - particularly a champion - represent their country even when they have no realistic chance of winning and there is a real risk of injury.

Liu Xiang however, was clearly in significant pain before even starting the race and was never going to get over the first hurdle. In his case I abhor the pressure he must have felt under to compete. Crazy in the extreme. It's one thing to risk an injury to represent your country - but it's quite another to line up when you're only going to fall at the off.

To use a RC/drinking analogy - on a night out at the pub, Paula was like one who is moderately pissed but knows she can get through another pint to shout her round and keep everyone happy, despite risking not being able to get home without wetting herself. Liu Xiang on the other hand, was already pale-faced and under the table, and was only ever going to spill the drinks and get himself thrown out by the publican. In that situation no-one expects him to get the next round in - just leave us your wallet and we'll call you a cab.

Actually, that's probably a crap analogy. And now it's made me thirsty... I'm just off to the local for a quick one. Cheers.