Today at The Games

I got up later this morning. I needed to after all the excitement of previous days.

It hasn't stopped me from having a very full day, but that won't surprise you.

People have been asking me now I'm a few days on how this compares to London 2 years ago.

It doesn't. This is a whole new set of incredible experiences. It is simply brilliant to be part of this wonderfully inspiring festival of sport.

I am much, much closer to the athletes and coaches than I was in London. Is that because they are more willing to chat than 2 years ago? Am I picking the athletes better than I did two years ago? Or did I learn in London that I can get away with a lot more than I thought?

Probably a combination of all of them.

I've seen more variety of sport this time. Sports I wouldn't have seen if I were not here. That is very different and very special.

So today, because I can, I have watched table tennis and squash.

They are not sports I would normally choose to watch but I could only marvel at the speed, agility and power of the athletes in both sports.

Today's blip was a choice between Scottish table tennis or squash on this magnificent show court.

It is made entirely of one way glass and the arena seats 2500 people in beautiful air conditioned comfort.

The players are a young lady called Megan Craig from New Zealand (in white, yes, white!) This was the biggest match of her career.

Megan was up against World Number 1 Nicol David from Malaysia. It is a position she has held for 99 months!
She was not about to let go any time soon and duly despatched her young opponent very quickly. But Megan will have grown from this experience.

During the shift I have been really encouraging our younger Clydesiders to get among the athletes and get everything they can from the experience. I would hate for them to go away thinking "I wish..... or if only......"

To help that experience I sent two younger members to help with the squash scoring. They will appreciate it later if not tonight. It was an opportunity I could have had but I'm doing okay for brilliance that I can easily afore to share some out.

It's Friday so have an amazing weekend. You already know mine will be.