Author Topic: Have you been inspired by The Olympics? (Read 1805 times)

The 5th Benitle · « **on:** August 9, 2012, 01:28:41 PM »

We've seen a few posts here and there about people being inspired by the Games to take up a sport, join a sports club, start training etc. Some have dusted off their bikes or bought one, some have started running, others have joined archery clubs etc having never tried the sport before.

So...have you been inspired by The Olympics to take a sport up, resume a sport, get back into training?

Please share any relevant stories here

Immoral King Brian Blessed · « **Reply #1 on:** August 9, 2012, 02:27:40 PM »

For a few months I've been dawdling over getting an exercise bike. Finally getting it tomorrow. It's a start!

I've also found a velodrome quite close, and they provide the bike and a four hour training course. You just have to provide the pedals, shoes and helmet. Think I may be giving it a go at some point.

I've also been looking into a bow. I did it a few times as a kid and it was fun. The one drawback with that, is that I'd probably have to go to a gun range to use it, and they're really fucking loud.

-Q- · « **Reply #2 on:** August 9, 2012, 03:49:04 PM »

Quote from: Immortal King Brian Bluessed on August 9, 2012, 02:27:40 PM

I've also been looking into a bow. I did it a few times as a kid and it was fun. The one drawback

pun intended...?

Quote

with that, is that I'd probably have to go to a gun range to use it, and they're really fucking loud.

Why would you have to go to a gun range? Are there no local archery clubs at all?

-Q- · « **Reply #3 on:** August 9, 2012, 03:53:56 PM »

I do archery and karate anyway and I used to run, but I have had a problem with me knee, so I have not been able to run for a while. The Olympics and Wiggins win the TdF inspired to get on my bike on the roads, I've really enjoyed it.

I've had a look around to see if I could try some of the other sports (handball, volleyball), but there are no facilities or clubs near to me. I'd like to get back into badminton too, but the nearest club is a bit of a distance.

One of the biggest frustrations is that people will be looking around to try these sports but there may not be the facilities available, in part because we spent so much on the Olympics and on the elite athletes.

gerrardisgod · « **Reply #4 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:02:47 PM »

Not so much me, but the best thing I've seen come out of it was when I was on my home the other day from work. Four kids having a sprint race (about 50m, in their minds though it was 100m) on a track they'd created themselves with some chalk.

StevenLFC · « **Reply #5 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:04:27 PM »

I'm off tomorrow to buy a dancing horse.

In all seriousness, I've been inspired to get a bit fitter & will be playing badminton with my brother twice a week.

Ziltoid · « **Reply #6 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:05:51 PM »

Same here, I'm going to prance down to Sainsbury's and dance up the aisle on my 4 legged friend to purchase a case of Strongbow.

killer_heels · « **Reply #7 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:10:17 PM »

I do some Swimming and play Tennis quite regularly so I do like my sport but the Olympics has made me feel as if I should be doing some more, certainly has raised my interest in the likes of Cycling and Athletics.

But if I was a kid then I know for sure that I would be begging my dad to take me to a cycling track tomorrow, as well as being enthusiastic about doing all the other sports. It should hopefully leave a massive legacy in this country and I am certain that the success of the GB team will inspire loads of kids and make them want to have a piece of that success one day.

monkeyharris · « **Reply #8 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:13:46 PM »

I'm quite inspired into having a go at a Triathlon..would have to work on swimming a lot, and run more..not really worried about the cycling part

100% going to get on that London velodrome...but always wanted to do that - just not had one on my doorstep before

sinnermichael · « **Reply #9 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:14:50 PM »

absolutely. i've just applied for my local 10k race today.

Anywhichwayucan · « **Reply #10 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:18:06 PM »

Far more inspired by the X Games, but yes, the Olympics has inspired me to get back to swimming.

Trada · « **Reply #11 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:19:51 PM »

I've suddenly taken up fishing again but I don't think that really counts.

Barneylfc · « **Reply #12 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:20:28 PM »

If there were more facilities available to the not so well off, a lot more people would be taking things up. As it is, unless you are rich as fuck, or lucky enough to live close to somewhere with facilities, you cant do anything. As I said to someone last night, I could have the best Showjumper/Archery person/Shooting person thats ever lived as a son, but we'll never know.

Waka · « **Reply #13 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:22:22 PM »

It's alright to be inspired now, it's the motivation to keep going is the key

You could ask the same question few months down the line and i'll think you will get a majority

'Meh'

Pheeny · « **Reply #14 on:** August 9, 2012, 04:37:42 PM »

I know someone who is inspired by the Winter Games...

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=295311.0

Black and White Paul · « **Reply #15 on:** August 9, 2012, 05:01:30 PM »

You've got cyclists coming out the woodwork round here now.

Let's see if they are still keen when it's -10 in December ehh

Pheeny · « **Reply #16 on:** August 9, 2012, 05:06:52 PM »

Quote from: Black and White Paul on August 9, 2012, 05:01:30 PM

You've got cyclists coming out the woodwork round here now.

Let's see if they are still keen when it's -10 in December ehh

10 December is my birthday...

Pistolero · « **Reply #17 on:** August 9, 2012, 05:48:44 PM »

since getting home from work Ive sat cheering at the TV (with at times a lump in the throat) at Boxing, Dressage and Taekwondo...and looked on, agog at the artistry of rhythmic gymnastics.........thats it!...the bikes coming out!

scatman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 9, 2012, 05:55:26 PM »

Not so much as i train in various martial arts already and play plenty of football, but i want to play handball now, and play handball at the next olympics

GBF · « **Reply #19 on:** August 9, 2012, 05:57:23 PM »

it will be like gyms in January or after the wimbeldon...everyone will register, join for a few weeks/months then disappear

Ferg · « **Reply #20 on:** August 9, 2012, 07:22:58 PM »

I wouldn't say I've been inspired. But I'm looking for a new bike (my current bike is 12 years old and it's fucked) and now, everyone thinks I'm jumping on the bandwgon.

Ziltoid · « **Reply #21 on:** August 9, 2012, 07:27:16 PM »

Quote from: Ferg on August 9, 2012, 07:22:58 PM

I wouldn't say I've been inspired. But I'm looking for a new bike (my current bike is 12 years old and it's fucked) and now, everyone thinks I'm jumping on the bandwgon.

Why not try and spruce your existing bike up? Take it to a decent cyle shop or someone who can take it apart and put back together. If you live near Halifax my dad can do it he took a 20 year old girls bike and stripped, cleaned and now my 10 year old lad rides it. Done a good job, and i'll post pics later in the Cycle thread in General sports

In Fowler we trust · « **Reply #22 on:** August 9, 2012, 07:28:12 PM »

Quote from: Pheeny on August 9, 2012, 04:37:42 PM

I know someone who is inspired by the Winter Games...

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=295311.0

ha ha nice one Tony - get voting folks - it only takes a couple of minutes

Lady_Brandybuck · « **Reply #23 on:** August 9, 2012, 08:36:12 PM »

The Olympics makes me want to practice sports again... I guess I'll keep on swimming as is the only I can do

Party Phil · « **Reply #24 on:** August 9, 2012, 08:47:38 PM »

Thinking of taking up dressage

Ziltoid · « **Reply #25 on:** August 9, 2012, 08:49:10 PM »

Quote from: Party Phil on August 9, 2012, 08:47:38 PM

Thinking of taking up dressage

I'd let the Hass dress you, guaranteed gold

GBF · « **Reply #26 on:** August 9, 2012, 08:51:04 PM »

Quote from: Party Phil on August 9, 2012, 08:47:38 PM

Thinking of taking up dressage

you do know it isnt your regular dressing up in women clothes on a saturday night?

Black and White Paul · « **Reply #27 on:** August 10, 2012, 12:06:32 AM »

Home to Spurs next week, what's the betting there will be a few Geordie Sumo Wrestlers in the crowd huh

Immoral King Brian Blessed · « **Reply #28 on:** August 10, 2012, 12:38:58 AM »

My four year old is going for sprinting, cycling, gymnastics and swimming. They can do them on different days, according to her.

Ben_AFC · « **Reply #29 on:** August 10, 2012, 12:43:30 AM »

One of the things about sports like cycling is that it's so much better when you're mates are into it as well. I think if people just get their bike out they are so much more likely to put it away again without a) the incentive to have fun with your mates (everything's better with your mates) and b) the social obligation to turn out when you said you would. So if enough people do that I think it will have more traction than the 'gym in January' phenomenon.

Personally I already run a few days a week, but I'm joining a boat club in September after my holiday. This has been on the cards for a little while already though, but the olympics has certainly made me look forward to it! I used to LOVE cycling when I lived in Oxford and used to get out onto the B roads near there, but back home in London it's just too much of a nightmare for me. I've also seriously considered picking up target shooting, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time - I also coach a football team.

GBF · « **Reply #30 on:** August 10, 2012, 07:27:48 AM »

I might take up BMX, it looks pack of fun and I can practice when the regulars are usually...at shopping malls

Claire. · « **Reply #31 on:** August 10, 2012, 09:19:24 AM »

Quote from: Ben_AFC on August 10, 2012, 12:43:30 AM

One of the things about sports like cycling is that it's so much better when you're mates are into it as well. I think if people just get their bike out they are so much more likely to put it away again without a) the incentive to have fun with your mates (everything's better with your mates) and b) the social obligation to turn out when you said you would. So if enough people do that I think it will have more traction than the 'gym in January' phenomenon.

Maybe as a community we can help to put people together to encourage each other if their friends aren't into archery/cycling/running/jumping over stuff.

Rob K · « **Reply #32 on:** August 10, 2012, 10:07:48 AM »

Ive got my mountain bike already and have played a bit of hockey recently for my old station, mentioned somewhere else on here i fancied having a go at rowing but after yesterday quite fancy a go at tae-kwon-do now too. Looks like ill have to make a decision or theres not going to be enough days of the week for all that.

At least it's made me motivated to do more sport as opposed to just 'going for a run'.

WEST HAM PAUL · « **Reply #33 on:** August 10, 2012, 10:18:42 AM »

Certainly considering buying a bike at some point .debate is road or mountain bike not sure

One of the silver medalist Rower Mark Hunter is a big West Ham fan & has been invited by Big Sam to go to training & chat with the players & hope some of his talent & inspiration will rub off on the over paid, over rated, pampered big baby modern professional premier league footballer .

lionel_messias · « **Reply #34 on:** August 10, 2012, 10:50:05 AM »

For some people Dressage is the only way out of the Ghetto.

Immoral King Brian Blessed · « **Reply #35 on:** August 10, 2012, 01:36:24 PM »

Quote from: lionel_messias on August 10, 2012, 10:50:05 AM

For some people Dressage is the only way out of the Ghetto.

Pheeny said that yesterday. But he gave credit to the source

Monkey Red · « **Reply #36 on:** August 10, 2012, 01:48:11 PM »

You don't have to be rich to get into showjumping, shooting or archery. Join a club and use their facilities, you pay a membership fee and get taught the sport. Regonal trials make sure talent is spotted and encouraged. Obviously, if there's no club in your vicinity it's a bugger, but nothing to do with your personal circumstances. I know at least two girls who have a bright dressage future ahead of them, and they both work for stables and earn a wage.

Pheeny · « **Reply #37 on:** August 10, 2012, 05:25:49 PM »

Quote from: Immortal King Brian Bluessed on August 10, 2012, 01:36:24 PM

Pheeny said that yesterday. But he gave credit to the source

redbyrdz · « **Reply #38 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:41:11 PM »

Inspired? No more depressed because I'm old and unfit.

Pheeny · « **Reply #39 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:42:08 PM »

Quote from: redbyrdz on August 10, 2012, 11:41:11 PM

Inspired? No more depressed because I'm old and unfit.