SERIES 3
For as long as humans have walked the earth, sport has played a fundamental part in our lives. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, couch potato or casual fan, it has the power to make your day or ruin your life. Wherever you are in the world, sport enables you to strike up a conversation with almost anyone you meet. So what does it mean to the likes of John Burrell, head coach at Seldon Cricket Club in Surrey, getting a young hopeful a shot at the big time? We asked him and various others for their most memorable sporting moments – good and bad..
“When Bristol City made to the Championship play-off final this season, I really believed that we were going to win. I’ve supported the team since I was 15; I’m 31 now, and it’s been a dream of mine all these years to see the team reach the top-flight. Being beaten by Hull and missing out on promotion at the last hurdle is a devastating experience. I was inconsolable
for 24hrs. But you live for the emotional highs and lows as a supporter and I am already full of optimism for next season.”
“I’ll never forget the feeling of landing my first 720-degree jump, where you perform two full turns in mid air. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was riding a snowpark in Mammoth, California. I was ‘sessioning’ a kicker (jump) with one of my best friends, and after about eight attempts, a few painful slams and a lot of adrenaline, I finally managed to land the biggest jump of my life. Learning new tricks is one of the most satisfying parts of snowboarding for me, so landing that 720 was my finest moment.
“Crossing the line at the Dublin marathon was a much more emotional experience than I expected. I like to think I’m a tough cookie, but my first reaction was to burst out crying! This was partly because it was my first marathon ever and I’d made it to the finish in under four hours; but mainly it was pride. I’d managed to get my exhausted body through the worst hour of running ever, and could have easily given up at any point past mile 20. But I didn’t. I kept going. After a few minutes of crying on a marshal’s shoulder, I was already thinking about the next one…
“Getting a professional trial for one of the youngsters I was coaching was the biggest buzz I’ve ever had in sport. He went to a regular school, with hardly any facilities, but I spotted his potential immediately. I spent a year cold-calling various clubs and eventually got someone at Surrey to give him a trial. Now he has an opportunity to come out the other side and really be someone.”
Heartbroken
Scott Blease, lifelong Bristol City supporter.“When Bristol City made to the Championship play-off final this season, I really believed that we were going to win. I’ve supported the team since I was 15; I’m 31 now, and it’s been a dream of mine all these years to see the team reach the top-flight. Being beaten by Hull and missing out on promotion at the last hurdle is a devastating experience. I was inconsolable
for 24hrs. But you live for the emotional highs and lows as a supporter and I am already full of optimism for next season.”
High
Jenny Jones, professional freestyle snowboarder“I’ll never forget the feeling of landing my first 720-degree jump, where you perform two full turns in mid air. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was riding a snowpark in Mammoth, California. I was ‘sessioning’ a kicker (jump) with one of my best friends, and after about eight attempts, a few painful slams and a lot of adrenaline, I finally managed to land the biggest jump of my life. Learning new tricks is one of the most satisfying parts of snowboarding for me, so landing that 720 was my finest moment.
Overjoyed
Jenny Mitton, ‘marathon addict’“Crossing the line at the Dublin marathon was a much more emotional experience than I expected. I like to think I’m a tough cookie, but my first reaction was to burst out crying! This was partly because it was my first marathon ever and I’d made it to the finish in under four hours; but mainly it was pride. I’d managed to get my exhausted body through the worst hour of running ever, and could have easily given up at any point past mile 20. But I didn’t. I kept going. After a few minutes of crying on a marshal’s shoulder, I was already thinking about the next one…
Proud
John Burrell, Head coach, Selsdon Cricket Club, Surrey“Getting a professional trial for one of the youngsters I was coaching was the biggest buzz I’ve ever had in sport. He went to a regular school, with hardly any facilities, but I spotted his potential immediately. I spent a year cold-calling various clubs and eventually got someone at Surrey to give him a trial. Now he has an opportunity to come out the other side and really be someone.”
