Watching the Commonwealth Marathon on the TV one is struck not only by the attributes of the athletes but by the pre proposition of the commentary as to which athlete is worthy of mention. The men's event like the women's is unique in that there are no pacemakers and no big monetary incentive other than the record book as a winner of a Commonwealth Gold. The pace of the race is tactical and one had the sight of a couple of English athletes at the start actually leading the race. The commentators made hay whilst the sun metaphorically shone but it was soon business as usual as the black runners sped off and the commentators went back to their script talking about the Kenyans and the other African runners ignoring the only two white runners in the lead pack, both from Australia. It was if they didn't exist perhaps the commentators hadn't done their homework and had left the info sheet at home.
As the race unfolded the Africans folded and the commentators woke up and had to notice that the Aussies were still there and running well. They continued to consider why this or that African athlete had failed to deliver until as the lead Australian runner forged into the lead they were left with no alternative but tear up their pre race notes and actually commentate on the race.
Great day for Australia winning the men's marathon and coming third in the women's race.
To crown a day of blunders and inept commentary, as the winning Australian, Michael .Shelley was being interviewed the stupid English guy interviewing said " I suppose the rain and the overcast day suited you and played a part in your win", to which the Aussie graciously reminded him the Australia is equally as blessed with sun as is Africa and could see no advantage gained by the conditions.
We are so parochial it makes me cringe !!
http://twocents2012.blogspot.com.au/
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