There has been so much talk of Girl Power these past few days that some of our men may have been getting an inferiority complex. But there was no danger of that happening on Day 15 as the boys were back on top with another remarkable Super Saturday.
At these incredible Games it is impossible to pick out the ultimate superhero in the British team. There have been so many magical moments and unbelievable achievements to savour. But none greater than watching Mo Farah complete his historic double gold medal-winning triumph, by adding an unforgettable 5,000 metres triumph to his extraordinary 10,000 metres success a week ago.
The facial expressions of Britain’s middle distance king as he again crossed the line first will be among the defining images of these Games for many people around the planet. His double celebration with the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, after the Jamaican completed the unprecedented defence of his Olympic treble by wrapping up a new world record to win gold in the 4 x 100 metres, confirmed farah’s new status as a global superstar.
Against the backdrop of the incredible atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium generated by the home fans, it all combined to make this one of the greatest track and field events at any Olympic Games. And it crowned another gold plated day for Our Greatest Team.
When Ed McKeever wrapped up gold in kayak’s 200 metres sprint shortly after breakfast we knew it was going to be another special day. Hailed the Usain Bolt of kayaking, McKeever lacks the aura of the man who calls himself a living legend. But he is lightning quick and led his race from start to finish to give his sport a huge boost.
After the high drama at the Olympic Stadium, Team GB’s third men’s gold of the day was delivered by Luke Campbell when he defeated Ireland’s John Joe Nevin in a pulsating final to become the first British bantamweight to win gold since 1908.
Campbell, who raised the hands of Nevin after the result was announced and broke down in tears, said: “I’m lost for words, very emotional. It’s something I’ve worked for all my life. I can’t believe it. ”
But rivalling all those gold medals in the emotional stakes was the remarkable achievement by teenage diver Tom Daley winning a fairytale bronze in the men’s individual 10-metre platform.
After an horrendous year that cruelly saw Daley’s father Rob lose his fight against cancer before he could share the joy of his son competing in his home Olympics, it was one of the most moving stories of these Games to witness the hugely popular and charismatic diver from Devon win his medal.
On this occasion bronze meant gold for the Plymouth schoolboy who won the hearts and minds of the nation long before the airing by the BBC of the brilliant, intimate documentary that told the story of his father’s last days and their unbreakable bond.
Sport is forever the backdrop to so many poignant dramas that touch the watching world. And the Tom Daley story in one such tale that will resonate with everyone. The sheer joy of Daley and his team mates jumping into the pool to celebrate his success was a special moment that for many of us will sit alongside the fabulous images of Mo Farah rejoicing at the completion of his iconic golden double.
