So, the London 2012 Olympics are over. The carnival has finished and the dust settled. I’ve even almost gotten over the dreadful news that Jessica Ennis is to marry another man. OK maybe I’ve not 🙂

The Seoul Olympics of 1988 were the Olympics that inspired me the most. My fellow stable mate from Drumchapel boxing club, Charlie Kane, who punched me in the face at least 3 nights a week was selected for the Olympic boxing team. It was amazing! Charlie travelled to Seoul and entered the ring in front of the world and punched a lot of other great fighters in the face and they gave him a medal for it! I’ll never forget the excitement watching Charlie on TV – and I’ll also never forget the inspiration and motivation that came along with the whole experience. It was uplifting!!

The London 2012 games was different. I was glued to the coverage with my two young sons Cameron (10) and Brodie (8). The whole event captivated them so completely – it was fantastic! Not only did they both master the Usain ‘bolt’ and share my admiration for Jessicas’ abs but they both loved and enthused the dedication and commitment of the athletes who took part.

Cameron was completely blown away by the track cycling events and the achievements of Sir Chris Hoy. Within hours of the closing ceremony Cameron was asking me to rig a speedo up on his bicycle and started doing his own time trials round the block. He carried this on with such commitment and enthusiasm that we found him a great cycling club, the Johnstone Jets. Since joining he’s taken part in uphill time trials, cyclocross races and anything else thrown his way and loved every second of it.

Last week however, Cameron got the opportunity to try out for a place on a youth team for coaching in track cycling at the new Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow. He was so excited about the opportunity I thought his wee face was going to split with the massive uncontrollable smile he wore for the days leading up to the trials!

On the day I think it fair to say that he was a little bit in awe of the venue and the event itself. He was fitted up on an amazing track bike and after a short period of acclimatisation to the fixed gear and toe clips – he took to the track.

On this day my whole life made sense – and I have never been more proud. Cameron started cycling around the track – which is really steep at the embankments and as he picked up speed I could see the beaming smile return to his wee face.

He fell off the bike on the embankment – not once but twice! After the second fall I could tell he had hurt himself but he got up and immediately jumped back on the bike and smashed the last four laps – having found out the hard way that speed is your friend on the bends.

We found out a few days ago that he has been selected for the coaching sessions at the velodrome – watch out Sir Chris! 🙂 Well done CJ – and to Brodie for encouraging and supporting his big brother on the day!!