Inspiration

I spent yesterday at the Paralympics. I had a busy schedule starting with watching team GB play wheelchair rugby, them some swimming, then some athletics before a late train home.

I was all prepared. Travel plans, tickets, food, spare cardi (in case it was cold), hat (in case it was sunny), yep, like a good girl guide should be I was all prepared.

Or was I?

I wasn't prepared for the wave of emotion that hit me as I entered the park and caused me to spontaneously burst into tears.

I wasn't prepared for how blimmin far it was between venues, and how many steps I'd have to climb when I got to each one.

I wasn't prepared for the roars of support for the GB athletes in everything that they did and how swept up in it I would get.

I wasn't prepared to be sitting in the basketball arena doing YMCA before the rugby began. And I wasn't prepared to be shouting "smash him" at guys in wheelchairs gallantly defending their goal line.

I wasn't prepared for the level of support for all the athletes, regardless of nationality, and regardless of the sport. Who knew that watching some eastern europeans and a couple of russians throwing a javelin could be so much fun, and so thoroughly engaging?

I wasn't prepared to see a little remote control car scooting about the place and bringing the javelin back after each throw.

I wasn't prepared to feel goosebumps at God Save the Queen. I don't consider it my anthem you see, being Welsh, but it was impossible not to feel the pride.

I wasn't prepared to find the Cuban national anthem so entertaining, and the medal ceremonies so emotional.

So you see, I wasn't prepared at all.

But the athletes, THEY were prepared. Such dedication, such commitment, world records, paralymic records, season's bests and personal bests were being beaten time and time again, each time to huge cheers of support and admiration.

Someone mentioned that the athletes had disabilities. Who knew? Who cared?