Sport Matters

Big time. . . Josia Thugwane celebrates with the SA flag after winning the marathon in 1996 Atlanta Olympics. With him is second placed Lee Bong-Ju from Korea. So far so good for the London Olympics, despite the slightly sour bit earlier on about certain events taking place in front of empty seats. The records are tumbling down everywhere, and from the South African point of view, swimming is providing the best cheer in the opening week. Despite the hustle and bustle of London, my thoughts are in Peterborough, 140km north of the capital. Though the medium size city has its attractions, and a rich history, Peterborough is hardly in the news. It is not in the news now as the games surge ahead, though other England cities have been drafted in to host certain events. However one of my lasting memories of the Olympic Games is embedded in this city on the banks of the gentle River Nene. One day in 1996, when I was a sports reporter, I happened to be waiting at a bus station o