Olympic Childhood Dreams

I've heard that every child dreams of going to the Olympics. Not just to watch the Olympics but to actually compete. Now I'm not quite sure whether this is true for everyone, but it is certainly true in my own life.

My first dream of going to the Olympics came about in 1988 after watching Ben Johnson win the 100 metre dash in Seoul. I remember where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing (apart from watching the tv that is). But I also remember having distinct thoughts that it didn't look that hard, it didn't take that long (9.79 seconds) and that being an Olympian didn't look that bad.

Now for all those who know me, you will immediately realise that my dream of becoming Ben Johnson didn't quite materialise. I am not Canadian, I have never worn a lycra suit (in public), I am neither big, black or fast, nor have I ever competed in the Olympics, with or without performance enhancing drugs. So close but so far.

But I've also heard that this is how you know when you have reached adulthood. Once these dreams are gone and once you've given up all hope of ever competing in the Olympics, you are then officially an adult.

I will be 33 by the time the London 2012 games come around, and I am coming to the realisation that my hope of competing in a sport I already play or taking up any other sport and getting to Olympic standard in the next four years, are fading fast.

Why am I writing about this? Because I need your love and support - I am slowly but surely coming to terms with the sad fact that I think I might be now an adult.