Spot The Fat!

My topic of discussion is quite a bizarre one this week. It was revealed this week, that a senior member of UK Athletics told Jessica Ennis she was too fat to compete successfully. Now, I am sure you are all aware of what Miss Ennis looks like, because she is the poster-girl for the athletics this summer. But here is a little reminder: 

Now I struggle severely to note any fat on this athlete, let alone be able to consider her excessively overweight. She currently weighs 8st 13b. It is a ridiculous statement for this official to come out with, and one that not only ridicules his association but could also act as a demotivater for a genuine medal prospect. Ennis clearly wants to win and is undertaking a thorough training regime to ensure this is the case, yet her hard-work is clearly not being appreciated as those who you would be expectant of providing their full-support are failing to do so.

Ennis has laughed off the claims publicly, providing a very professional approach to it all, and hopefully, some common sense! However, you do wonder whether she does hold the same views as her team-mate, Louise Hazel, who has revealed that she too experienced such comments first-hand, and felt an air of despondency because of them. She also raised the key issue of how discussions of weight are extremely serious amongst young girls, whether they are athletes or not. I think this is a particularly valid point. We live in a world nowadays where the media have an extremely strong influence on our perceptions of what is considered ‘normal’. Through citing multiple stories of an ‘obesity crisis’, people now see the slim, slender physique as the ideal one to possess. However, this news article proves that even those who illustrate this idealistic look already are subject to criticism. What is the pathway for them? Most likely an eating disorder as the move to anorexia becomes more serious and likely. We already know the shocking stories and health detriments of being anorexic, so why are there people out there who appear to be pushing individuals towards it? British triathlete, Hollie Avil, recently retired from the sport because she was suffering such a problem following comments made by a coach.

Further to this, I reckon I could put strong money on the individual at UK Athletics who has opened this can of words being considered fat based on his definition, in other words, bigger than Jessica Ennis. Now in my opinion, you should always concern yourself with your own problems and issues before you start criticising others. So maybe the individual in question should participate alongside Ennis at one of her training sessions. I think it would result in a very amusing conclusion and further embarrassment for the high-ranking official. Additionally, surely if there were concerns over Ennis’ weight they should have been cited a year or so ago, not just a couple of months before the Games commence. It is too late now to do anything significant, so all words offered to the athletes need to be positive, support messages, so that they feel confident and at ease when they step out to perform. Let us toughen our athletes up psychologically, with the determination that they are able to compete with the rest of the world’s best and make their country, as well as themselves, proud.

Thankfully, the “distraction”, as her coach put it, appears to have bypassed Ennis. This weekend she managed to achieve a new British record for the heptathlon in her final major competition before London 2012. She finished 132 points ahead of her nearest competitor, which was a field full of participants she will be up against this summer. Psychologically on two fronts then, this week has been huge for the Sheffield athlete. She has demonstrated she is confident within herself, even if external members have less confidence in her; whilst her talents are continually improving as she has held onto the lead in this competition, setting two new personal best’s and equalling another. As part of the opening weekend of the athletics, Ennis is the prime contender to boost British hopes and spirits to aspire above and beyond what is expected of them within the stadium and bring home many glorious medals.

To summarise, I think this news story is pretty shocking and disgraceful and certainly one that wasn’t necessary to aid British preparations in the lead-up to the Olympics. If ever there was a case of needing to think before you speak, this is a pretty good example! I think that the lack of comments to emerge from UK Athletics since the story broke as well, is also pretty damning and confirming that firstly the comments were made, and secondly, they have embarrassed themselves and lost a lot of credibility amongst many other stakeholders associated to the sport. Athletics supporters, and even general sporting fans, are clearly going to side with Ennis, when they are all very much aware of the look she possesses. She is a poster-girl for a reason and a popular member of the team for her talents. I think 99.9% of the population would not have any issue with her look and body physique! There have been some positives from the emergence of this story though. The first of course, is the performance Ennis put on this weekend, which is surely going to prepare her suitably for London. The second is the media’s portrayal of it all, who have appeared to have sided with the consensus and consider the news to be ridiculous. This is a positive sign, and one that may not necessarily have been utilised, because of the media’s perception that the ideal look needs to be slim, slim, slim. Common sense has prevailed by looking at Ennis and understanding she is at the peak of her physical appearance. Fat, overweight and heavy are certainly not adjectives that fit her look...

Cometh the night, cometh Lady Luck!

I apologise in advance for the third football-based post in four weeks, but I think it just goes to show how dramatic the end of the season can be. Chelsea’s victory in Munich last night demonstrated once more how crazy the game can be. Without a shadow of a doubt, lady luck has been on their side, and they have every right to argue that their triumph was fate and destiny. On numerous occasions in this run, they were complete outsiders, whilst their domestic form suggested that the team was on the wane, lacking cohesion, confidence and fight. However, since the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as an interim coach, those three qualities have been on display in abundance, especially in Europe. Without them, they certainly would not be celebrating as wildly as they are now.

I think few would have begrudged Bayern Munich the trophy after 90 minutes. They were dominant, both in possession, chances and control of the game. However, it once more demonstrated the necessity to take your chances. The Germans had 35 efforts on goal during the game, with only 8 forcing Petr Cech into action. That is wastefulness of the highest order. Throw in the additional fact that Chelsea made more defensive blocks than in any other game during their Champions League journey (some feat when you consider the display they put on against Barcelona) and it hammers home the performance they put on. Both Gary Cahill and David Luiz, who it must be noted, had susceptible hamstrings, put in heroic shows, whilst Ashley Cole was incredible. Those people who doubted his defensive qualities must surely reconsider their opinions now. He was man of the match in my opinion. Yet, once Bayern broke the deadlock, especially with only 8 minutes left, I anticipate the vast majority considered it to be game over. It was a soft goal to concede. One I thought Cech should have stopped, and was certainly a cruel manner to lose after the display that had been produced over the previous 80+ minutes.

But if you ever wanted the man for the big occasion, then that man must surely be Didier Drogba. Wow, oh wow. Now yes, I am not a 100% Drogba fan as I believe his theatrics are shameful. A man of his size and stature would not crumple to the ground as frequently as he does. Some might argue, it’s to break down the opponents momentum and is gamesmanship, but when you do it so pathetically with all the cameras on you, it is embarrassing. He also has had previous misdemeanours in his Chelsea career; remember the tirade at the referee post-Barca in 2009 or the dismissal in Moscow in 2008? But when the big games arrive, the big man delivers. Nine major finals he has played in for Chelsea, and nine times he has found the back of the net (the one time he didn’t was that Champions League Final in Moscow). The goal last night was stupendous, a bullet of a header. Nobody was getting close to it. Credit must also be paid to Juan Mata for the quality of the corner he delivered. It threw the momentum the other way, and further underlined the belief that it was Chelsea’s night. It would be a disastrous decision by the board if they are to let Drogba leave now. Yes, he is unlikely to be able to play week in, week out. But if you want somebody to win you the big games on the big stages, then you need Drogba in your squad. He will be wanted by many others if he is released by Chelsea.

Also, if Chelsea do not offer Roberto Di Matteo the managerial role on a full-time basis now, they will lose a lot of credibility. This has been Abramovich‘s dream ever since he bought the club and surely he must reward the man who made it possible accordingly. Whether Di Matteo takes up the offer is another matter. After achieving a Cup double in his two months in charge, he will be under huge pressure to retain success. The job is probably the biggest poisoned chalice in the game, and Di Matteo has achieved the greatest achievement in club management. He could get any domestic job now probably, and potentially at a location where the pressure is less and the axe wielding less frequent. The achievement does not hide the fact, that Chelsea’s side is predominantly an experienced one, and these players cannot go on forever, a new influx needs to emerge. Ryan Bertrand has been a successful addition in 2012, whilst young Courtois has been fantastic in goal at Athletico Madrid this season on-loan from The Blues and is definitely the long-term successor to Cech. But more purchases need to be made. Does Di Matteo think he can do this, whilst still keeping the old guard happy as they are slowly given fewer opportunities?

Understandable joyous scenes followed the decisive spot kick. Although I think it said a lot when the bit-part, average players were desperate to be seen in shot and holding the trophy at its presentation (yes, I mean you Kalou, Meireles, Bosingwa and co). I also disagree that Terry should have been allowed to lift the trophy – collect a medal for sure, but raise a cup he had no say in because of his stupid, thuggish nature I think detracted from the work of Lampard, Drogba, Cole and Cech, etc. However, whatever else that could be said, I must conclude that the most remarkable of trophies has been won. Without doubt, Liverpool in Istanbul remains as THE final, but the whole journey of Chelsea’s achievement is remarkable. To be repeatedly the underdog and yet somehow, every time, come out on top, deserves superb credit. Let us not forget they were 3-1 down after the first leg of their last-16 clash with Napoli; they were 2-1 down to Barcelona with 10 men; and finally 1-0 down against Bayern in the Allianz Arena with just 8 minutes remaining. Yes, luck has been on their side, but the team rallied together in a time of adversity, why it took a managerial dismissal to do so is another matter, but they made sure they were always in with a shout. They dared to believe, and those who dare, win.

One City, Two Teams, One Championship

Today has seen the end of arguably the most rollercoaster and unpredictable Premier League season ever. With all of the major issues still to be finalised, the final day showdown was lined up to be a cracker. As such, I have decided to play around with the blog this week and am instead going to be writing my thoughts as the action unfolds. Hopefully this will represent the day in an appropriate and just way.

1330: I believe I should now put forward my predictions for the afternoon. In all honestly, I don’t expect a lot to change, although I anticipate twists and turns between 3 and 5pm. I think the top 4 will remain as they are; City taking the title ahead of United, with Arsenal and then Spurs completing the top four. At the bottom, I think a City victory is practically guaranteed and that will galvanise Bolton to get the win they need to survive. As such I think QPR will join Blackburn and Wolves in the Championship next season.

1415: The team news is emerging and at the top there are some interesting selections. City remain unchanged. Surprising, when you consider the impact Yaya Toure has had in the previous two matches in a more advanced role, where, in reality he has been a match-winner. United also throw a curveball into the mix by adopting a 4-5-1 formation. It did not work in the Manchester derby so it surprises me that they have reverted back to it in such an important game. The return of Michael Owen on the bench is also noteworthy. He has missed most of the season through yet another injury, but the man is a predator in front of goal and has a history of scoring in the big games. Could he be blazoned on the back pages of tomorrow morning’s papers?

1500: Whistles are blown around the country. There is now an awful lot of money riding on just 90 minutes worth of football. The Premier League is the most commercial division in the world and whether that is always good for the game, is an argument in itself. However, it is not just budgets that will be affected today; people’s feelings are going to be thrown all over the place. An amazing thought when you consider this scenario has been created following nine months of thrills and spills.

1515: Goals! Goals! Goals! This is lining up to be an exciting day with nine goals in the opening 15 minutes, the one of most significance being at the Britannia where Jonathan Walters has put Stoke ahead. Bolton now have to turn the game on itself and demonstrate true grit and determination to want to escape this dog-fight in a manner similar to how Fabrice Muamba battled back from the cardiac arrest he suffered. QPR’s superb recent results against Arsenal and Tottenham are now, more than ever, demonstrating their importance in this relegation scrap. They were written off with their run-in, but at this moment in time they are surviving for a second year in the top tier.

1550: With half-time being called I am only one prediction out. Bolton and their talismanic forward Kevin Davies have swung the relegation battle around by leading at Stoke, whilst Manchester City, through the unlikely source of Pablo Zabaleta, have a hand on the title, although United are in a position that gives them no opportunity to slip up. A big turning point could be the substitution of Yaya Toure. Inspirational over the season, he has succumbed to injury and that could be a moment that gives QPR some heart and galvanises them. Meanwhile, it is Spurs currently taking third, predominantly due to Arsenal’s incapability to defend. It’s been a struggle of theirs all season, and their fans must yearn for the likes of Dixon, Adams, Bould and Winterburn in front of Seaman once again.

1610: Boom. QPR have rarely entered their opponents half so far in this game, but with news from Stoke probably ringing in their ears following half-time they have come out and not only made themselves safe once more, but they have sent the title back to the red side of Manchester. It is a goal from nowhere and certainly one I hadn’t predicted after the opening 45 minutes. Let the clichés roll out: It’s a game of two halves; It’s a funny old game, etc.

1625: This is incredible. QPR are leading at the Etihad Stadium. Not only that, they are doing so with 10 men. Joey Barton has once again proven to the world why he is a thug and deserves no place in the world of football, he is an absolute disgrace; not only for the red card incident but for his subsequent behaviour as well. Why people continue to defend him and give him opportunities I do not know. However, his team-mates are doing the job, with another goal out of the blue. I did say Yaya Toure’s absence could be pivotal, and now City need to score twice without his presence on the field. Mancini will be pulling his hair out. Could this be the time for maverick Mario to make himself a loved character once more?! They need to throw players forward now...

1655: City have won it! Two goals in Fergie time! I had just said to my parents I could see Aguero winning it for them, and what does he do one minute later?! This has to be the best ending to a Premier League season ever! Put aside wherever your allegiances are, this is just an incredible day and turnaround! I love football! Absolutely fantastic! City were down and out, they had completely bottled the task but somehow, from nowhere, they have won the league!

So there it is, the end of the season, and having looked back on this post, and as you’ve followed it I hope you can comprehend the emotions that make this game so wonderful. I got all my predictions correct as well, except the relegation battle, although I was only one goal out with that. However, by no means was it as easy as I made it out to be; the twists the turns, the excitement, the thrills and spills, it has been an awesome day and a crazy few hours. I anticipate that Match of the Day will draw in a huge audience tonight. Maybe there won’t be many City fans tuned in though, a big night in Manchester awaits...

"And Dwain Chambers wins an Olympic medal!"

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, athletes flocked to London to sample the Olympic Stadium for the first time. Ranging from elite performers to university students, the test event was held to establish that the capabilities of the stadium fulfilled the wish-list of LOCOG and the IOC before the Olympics kick off at the end of July. One athlete who may now be present at the Games is Dwain Chambers. Previously banned following his drugs misdemeanour, as the British Olympic Association by-law prevented athletes from competing in the Olympics. However, constant legal pressure eventually led to the case being taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by WADA, the global corporation dealing with doping issues, who subsequently won, allowing all British athletes who have now served their drugs bans to be eligible for the Games this summer.

Britain was one of the few countries that adopted this law, but it was one widely accepted and considered appropriate. If an athlete believes that they must enhance their performance through illegal aids then they should face the consequences when they are caught, and the punishments should be damning to deter others from following the same path. Yes, they should be banned for a period of time but if they are made to miss the Olympics, the pinnacle for all athletes, for the rest of their careers, then I imagine it has caused fewer individuals to have made attempts to cheat the system. Nowadays, with the law revoked, athletes may try substances to see if they can avoid sanctions. If they are caught, they face their two-year ban (in which they can continually train anyway) but could return for an Olympic Games in the following year or so. It is a crazy situation, and I think damning of how weak the current punishments are.

Now you may argue that other countries allow this. Well, I am not interested in other countries; I am interested in the British athletes that are representing our country this summer. I refuse to believe that if a former drug cheat wins a medal in London, then it won’t be tainted by their competitors, spectators and pundits alike because everybody is aware of their past, and so, everybody will always doubt whether their performance has also been clean. Nobody wants a cheat to win. It brings such distaste to an event. The Olympics are all about being the best you can be, therefore it should be without the use of illegal aids (and arguably some of the aids that are legal could be called into question). People aspire and are in awe of those who are able to push their body to the limits that allow them to produce such spectacular performances. To subsequently discover such a show was caused by drug use just makes everyone despondent and wary of the legality of the sport. With athletics in particular, suffering over the past decade with high-profile stars being discovered as illegal substance users (including Marion Jones who was only uncovered years after her Olympic wins), further degradation is the last thing the sport could do without now. However, WADA’s court victory opens the opportunity for more high profile cases from another proud, respected sporting powerhouse. I just hope British athletes are not lured into the sordid world of illegal performance enhancing drugs.

Another argument that has been pitched towards me is that other sports do not treat their competitors so severely following drug misuse. For example, footballers or rugby players can be banned but are then entitled to return and still compete in World Cups and the club European competitions. This is very true, but I ask you to come up with a player that has been caught and suspended for drug use in these sports and returned to a level on par with or certainly higher than the stage they were at when they were issued with the ban. Most fall to a lower level and in my opinion; this is predominantly down to high-level clubs feeling they cannot trust the player from returning to their past misdemeanours. The only exception I have thought of is Kolo Toure, but that whole incident seemed quite bizarre and Manchester City supported their players defence. But when you look at Adrian Mutu, Mark Bosnich and Matt Stevens, they never returned to the high echelons that they were performing at previously, meaning that they will never achieve the greatest achievements that can be bestowed upon them during their career. Athletes on the other hand can because their competing as individuals and so can always aim to achieve the qualifying times required in order to reach major events.

As you may have noted, I am opposed to the over-ruling that the Court of Arbitration has imposed on the BOA. I believe the initial reasoning behind the ban was just and a strong means to deter drug cheats from emerging within British Olympians. Now, I believe that more drug cheats will emerge and see if they can cheat the system, worsening the image of the sport and its integrity. Bans now need to be longer and severely hamper an athlete’s opportunity to achieve a significant title because I see no reason why they should be entitled to Olympic gold over an individual who has worked tirelessly and pushed their body to the limits whilst training, without illegal substances, in order to fulfil their dream. These are the people that spectators want to see running, jumping and throwing in the Olympic Stadium this summer. Yes, you may have served your time, but you should always be punished for undertaking a crime you willing performed, knowing that the practice was illegal. Members of the public who accrue criminal records are then unable to follow certain career paths, so athletes who cheat should also be facing lifetime preventatives within their career. Let us hope we do not now see a rise in the number of British athletes caught like Dwain Chambers was all those years ago...