Connectivity

Tonight I saw a man step forward and raise his finger to his lips in a cauldron of sporting lust and fire. 80,000 people who had been chanting his name fell silent and waited with breath held for release as he burst through the tape we all imagine at the race’s end.

I saw a man who lost his leg to meningitis run 100 metres in under 11 seconds in the lane next to his sporting hero, a man who lost his own legs in childhood. A hero who not the month before had run in an Olympic final; refusing to be cowed by the politics, or difficulties he might face.

I saw as the man reached the finish line full not of aggression, or glee in the fall of his foes, but a man who was full of joy for his triumph and full of the praises of his fellows for his victory. I saw a Discus thrower run from his own event and wrap two bear like arms around his slight blonde topped frame. I saw the man’s sporting hero run to him and offer his hand in congratulations and friendship.

Jonny Peacock managed to inspire 80,000 people to see the world his way. Stood next to a man I am increasingly thinking of as my own sporting icon he powered his way past diffidence, arrogance and ignorance; making the planet sit up and take notice all the while.

Life is all about the connections we make. The people we meet and the differences we insist upon the world by our presence.

Tonight Jonny Peacock made sure the world  saw itself a little differently.