'I decided to start sharing some writings simply because I felt like it. It is less about approval or applause, sympathy or attention, and more about having a place to express yourself.' Simon Whitfield, 2000 Olympic Triathlon Champion
Way back in the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2008, Simon Whitfield had one Olympic medal to his name. Yes, it was gold in colour, won as an underdog in Sydney some eight years earlier. A lot of water had passed under the bridge by then, including a less-than ideal title defence in Athens. By the time the Beijing came around, Simon was older now, wiser and was also a father to young kids. He was back in a good space mentally and enjoying the process, happily embracing the challenge of juggling the quest for Olympic glory with bringing up young children and being a family man. He also shared his daily routine online, writing insightful posts in a basic blog format, combining his natural wit and quirkiness with opinions, observations and thoughts on his journey, both sporting and family.
Sharing is perhaps the key term here, a trait that Simon has expanded on several occasions since; when he was sharing he was happy and successful; when he became self-focussed, his mentality became selfish and his results suffered.
Sharing thoughts in long form is a healthy and noble thing, enjoyable for both the writer and his/her audience. And Simon is sharing again. Now long-since retired from the professional triathlon arena and the glaring spotlight that goes with it, he is now writing about his current activities and thoughts in a free and expressive manner. His current website epitomises his current lifestyle in British Columbia, one where he indulges in stand up paddle-boarding and yoga in addition to other activities such as carpentry, reading and, of course, writing. The latter's subject ranges from his love of books to an insight on Winston Churchill, life as an Olympic Champion and reconnecting with old sporting friends.
It has been nine years since Simon Whitfield sprinted to a silver medal in Beijing. He started his finishing way out from the finish line, true 'shock and awe' tactics if you like. He was going for gold, and it almost worked. Crossing the line in second place, his Olympic journey was over and with it, his daily blogs. It was hard not to be excited for him going into that finish straight, hoping that he would pull off an unprecedented second gold medal performance. He seemed more human to his competitors, if only for his sharing his journey in written form.
Welcome back Simon, it's great to be following your eclectic and thought-provoking pen once again. Looking forward to the book.
*Note: Header image borrowed from "Yorkshire," a peep into Planet Brownlee.
