When the talking stops…

The Worlds have arrived and as we go about preparing the sense I get is that there is a great deal of talk going on. Talk about training, form, boats, styles, crews, athletes, coaches, conditions, venue, expectations and possible outcomes. There is much more too and it feels as if it is gather momentum and I figure it signals the energy levels of all involved. The buzz of a regatta is one that intrigues and the gossiping, whispering and questioning all leads to a way of dealing with what lay ahead.

At some point this buzz does subside and that is when you know the really business is a hand. Once the light turns green, the buzzer heard and that first stroke taken, it changes from speculation to the beginning of a crystallising of opportunity and possibility. This process last for a week, the worlds week and the greatest silencing occurs over the last two days when fiction becomes fact, the proof of the pudding has been tasted and the evidence point to only one suspect.

Things start out unclear, uncertain and somewhat shaky and as they solidify and form concrete results the talk has little place, which is remarkable considering how it all begins. When the talking stops it is beautiful, peaceful and clear. For some this may be realised earlier and for others it may take until that very last stroke in that last race before they know. In part you could say that talk fills the space that is available before reality sets in.

It’s a refreshing change but one that does not come with out a sense of disappointment for the lost opportunities and possibilities that come into focus while reflecting. It can become all to clear that what is a desire; a want and an aspiration may be so elusive as to become a heavy shadow. What I mean is right now most athletes, crew and coaches seem to be buzzing around like little insects all excited and the prospects of what might be. It is a wonderful period but one that is quiet surreal and it does not last once racing begins and is well under way. For each tingle of excitement meets a moment where the possibility of grander things either is or is not going to be realised.

What is intriguing is the gap between expectation and anticipation and what becomes apparent and evident in the final wash up. I mention all this not because I feel a great sense of understanding, quiet the opposite, I have no idea either as t the possible outcome that awaits my crew. What I have realised is not to get to caught up in the static that is discharged prior to a big event. Like tuning in a old TV the haze of snow across the screen is a sign that you no quiet there and when you get those first flickers of image then you know that just maybe something might come of it. It is not until the picture really takes shape that you can be confident that you’re in tune and on track. The final stages come when the picture is flush with vibrant colour and the details are all in focus. Then you can sit back and enjoy the quality of the broadcast and truly enjoy the efforts that have brought it in together.

So when the talking stops there will be some who are sitting back enjoying the show and other maybe so close as to see how good it is. The there will be some who are stuck in a dark room with only the comfort of the static and buzz. Who will be the lucky ones, the fortunate souls who capture the signal and tune into to what really counts. I have know idea and all I personally can do is stay focused on tuning, adapting and trusting that when that moment arises a simple yet effective response will be as clear as day and as silent as night. The space to perform will open up and what will be required will be to take that step, turn the dial and apply the pressure in such a way as to get it right.

Comments

Anonymous said…
even though I just returned from a long practice, and await a 5 am practice tomorrow morning, reading your site makes me want to go row.