Living the moment

Two laps to go and he took the lead, he had had a tussle to get there but determination to work the plan was imperative. Get to the front of the pack and fight anyone who wanted to get passed him, meeting each spurt of energy from his opponent with a corresponding spurt of his own,match speed with speed,determination with determination,guts with guts. The long distance runners high table of of nations Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda were all there hunting in packs, each of the runners capable of winning, each shrouded in obscurity known only to hundreds / thousands of fellow countrymen who can also run the legs off the athletes from countries not associated with the African continent. Physiologically they seem to have the Midas effect, carrying no weight on a slight frame they all seem old for their age, emaciated from years of living under hardship and a poor diet. Only the advance from walking, miles and miles to collect the necessities of the family to  running up hill and down dale, day in and day out, year in year out, which for a few, a very few, would walk onto the centre stage of a world championship. They know little else, high altitude training, training to resolve the destitute situation they were born into and with that pedigree,  there can be no failure.
Our adopted hero, Mo Farah spent his first 8 years in Somali-land before joining his father in England. He has the physical make up that his gene pool bequeathed but his face is not lined with the hardship of his African brothers,  he has his NI card and will never need for any further glory.
They came at him as the bell went for the last lap like raiding warriors (the authorities insist they leave there spears at home) forcing the pace each straining at their personal leash, held by the fear of going too early but it was becoming too late.  Farah has the gears to up his speed, to match what anyone can throw at him and he did it with a majestic control that was a joy to watch. I was on my feet urging him on shouting at the screen, living the moment !!