Back on the treadmill this morning and back watching more of the 1984 Olympics film. Next up was the fascinating epic decathlon head to head between Daley Thompson and the German Jurgen Hingsen. In which, of course, the multi-talented Thompson finally overcame the obstinately resilient German who battled for the most part of the two day event with a knee injury. I didn't quite mix in the same upper echelons of GB athletics as Daley but I did meet him at the World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg in 1995. He insisted on having his picture taken with me.....how could I refuse. From our tops you can work out who funded the trip..............thank you adidas. The decathlon coverage was followed by the WOMENS 3000 MTS. You will no doubt recall the controversy surrounding the collision between the local favourite MARY DECKER (U.S.A.) and the barefooted ZOLA BUDD (G.B./ SOUTH AFRICA). With just over 2 laps to go Decker fell on to the infield, distraught and out of the Olympic final as the rest of the field raced on. An incident well remembered by so many. But............can you name the gold, silver and bronze in the race?
Maricia Puica from Romania won a convincing gold medal in 8-35-96(olympic record at the time), followed by Wendy Smith-Sly from GB who took silver in 8-39-47. Lyn Williams of Canada took bronze in 8-42-14. Shook up Zola Budd could only manage 7th place, whilst race favorite Mary Decker was a DNF.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! You certainly have a great memory Antony and an eye for detail;particularly when you must have been so young at the time!!!!
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