The triple jump was an event in which Britain had high hopes for success and Bob has particular person interest too. Phillips Idowu was touted as one of the hottest gold medal chances in Team GB’s track and field brigade, while Bob was particularly excited about seeing an old classmate – Nathan Douglas – compete again.
Unfortunately, both have finished the event with a feeling of disappointment – Nathan missing out on the final, and Phillips winning silver (and losing gold, as he may be feeling) – though neither deserve to be feeling anything less than hugely proud. Nathan was kind enough to conduct a ‘facebook interview’ with Bob a few weeks back, which was going to be posted close to his appearance out here. However, difficulties in accessing the blog have caused a back-log and it is coming out now, when the results of his Olympic campaign are already known. Still, this is as good a time as any to extend congratulations to both and to see what Dougie has to say for himself:
1. It’s an Olympic year…how has 2008 differed from any other year so far, and what will you be doing differently?
ND: Its been a relatively slow year for me this year and it hasnt started how I would like but I do need to keep reminding myself im comin back from injury.
2. Jessica Ennis has just suffered an injury that will keep her out of the Games. Have you spoken to her since this?
ND: Yeh, obviously shes pretty disappointed and I know what thats like after last year [Nathan was injured for the 2007 World Championships in Osaka] but shes a strong girl and will get over it and come back even stronger
3. How do you go about protecting yourself from injury leading up to Beijing?
ND: Its quite hard because you dont want to back off to protect yourself cos u still need to get some quality training done, u just try to look after things that little bit more e.g. recovery strategies
4. Who’s your best friend in Team GB?
ND: Iv got many good friends in the team but I’ll probably be sharing with Christian Malcolm
5. Are there any romances in the Team?
ND: There are a few but my lips are sealed!
6. I’ve often wondered whether triple jumpers every jumper further than their PB in training, but find it difficult to repeat that in competitions?
ND: For me personally, no, because the adrenaline in competition helps me jump further
7. At school people tipped you as the most likely to be famous. I haven’t heard of anyone else from Isis School in the news. Do you ever feel famous?
ND: Nah I never feel famous and wouldnt count myself as famous either, even though its abit weird sometimes being recognised
8. Have you been to Beijing before?
ND: Nope
9. What are you most looking forward to seeing in China?
ND: Im not sure that I will get to see much in China because its all about competition, but I cant wait to see the Olympic stadium
10. What’s your favourite Chinese food? (This is a question Chinese people often ask foreigners!)
ND: Sweet and sour chicken!!!
11. Beijing could be the sight of some protests this summer. Do you have any concerns about competing in China?
ND: Obviously im aware of whats going on around the Olympic games, and understandably so, im glad the Olympics have brought this to the Worlds focus
12. Will you get a chance to see any other events at the Olympics?
ND: I should be able to fit it in after iv competed, thats the time for being a spectator
13. Which athlete would you most like to meet in Beijing?
ND: There isnt any really, you kind of get used to seeing each other around, its like seeing work colleagues around the office
14. Which Brit or Brits would you tip us to look out for in Beijing (apart from you of course!)?
ND: Simeon Williamson, Kelly Sotherton, Jeanette Kwakye, Christian Malcolm, Christine O, Nicola Sanders, Jo Pavey
Bob is still looking for embarrassing pictures of Nathan from school days, so watch this space…
