One thing I like about the Commonwealth games is that the less able bodied athletes compete at the same meet. There is no paralympic style games after the main event has finished. The EAD, or elite athletes with a disability, get to compete in front of the same crowds, the same dignitaries on the same track and same day as their more able bodied brethren.
Watching on Monday night, Mat Cowdrey competed in and won the 100 metre freestyle. His left arm has been amputated just below the elbow, making the medal all the more rewarding.
I'm not sure if he has a wicked sense of humour, or if it was a badly timed faux pas, but I couldn't help laughing when during the post race interview he said, "I knew I had a little something up my sleeve".
I love the EAD events, and the paralympics too for that matter. My Pop is an amputee, and ever since that happened, we've been watching them. They're amazing.
Posted by: Sass | March 27, 2006 at 12:12 AM