Invictus

I recently went to watch ‘Invictus’ at the cinema and found it utterly inspiring. The film's trajectory is predictable as it is based on Nelson Mandela’s presidency during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, but it is full of emotion and interesting details that I was unaware of during the aftermath of the apartheid era.

It is a film that shows how sport can unify and inspire people to greater things. The crowd shots of the South African support in the final of the World Cup were spine-tingling. They captured the whole stadium erupting in cheer and unison despite the ever-present racial tensions and prejudice that were prevalent in the country at the time.

After watching these stirring images I dared imagine what the atmosphere might be like in London when the Olympic Games come around in 2012. I’m sure crowd spirit and support will be equally as powerful in London and will push our athletes to greater heights. Never can you underestimate the power of team momentum and support.

So there you are, go see ‘Invictus’, it will not disappoint.

P.S. In case you are interested, here is the poem ‘Invictus’ (meaning unconquered in Latin). It is a poem of hope and was apparently a source of inspiration for Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment.

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

As you think so you shall be

Or in my case, as you think AND feel so you shall be. Unfortunately my training in Paris has been interrupted by a throat infection that I picked up soon after arriving. I am just about to finish my course of antibiotics and thankfully I feel much better. I was in two minds about competing on Sunday but decided, in my frustration, to fence and give it my best shot. I passed the first round of poules and my first direct elimination fine but shortly after ran out of steam and felt quite weak. Apart from feeling a little frustrated, the competition was fun and friendly. I was impressed with the efficacy of its organisation and it attracted some strong international fencers. I would certainly like to do it again if I can next year. It is a great warm-up for the up-coming season. And now that I feel much better I can look forward to making the most of my last week of training in Paris. Allez allez!

Bonjour, Paris!

Wishing you all a very belated (sorry about that) happy New Year! I hope it is a happy and successful year. I don’t want to jinx the year ahead but I quite like the sound of 2010. Don’t ask me why.

I am in Paris at the moment to train with the French female foilists at their sporting academy called L’INSEP. I have already had a couple of training sessions and I am truly impressed with the French setup. The facilities are outstanding and worthy of any champion. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to train with the French girls and will no doubt learn a lot from them. The ambience is welcoming and sociable too, a perfect environment to challenge and better yourself during training.

I will also be fencing in the Antony International Challenge on Sunday in Paris as a warm-up for the start of the international season in February. There is a strong entry including both French and German teams, and some Italians. The incentive, apart from a good performance to prepare well for the upcoming season, is prize money of approximately € 2000! Wish me luck!

As an additional bonus, I love Paris. I spent a large part of 2007 living and studying in Paris while on my year abroad from Durham University and I often look back upon those days with a big smile. I used to spend my days studying at a leisurely pace (the best way to do it), training and walking, everywhere. Paris is an enchanting place with its quaint narrow streets, beautiful boulevards, parks and bistros.

I look forward to training or competing in France and I am always guaranteed great food. I find it funny how the French mock us Brits for our perceived culinary ignorance. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think the French/British banter is hilarious. And we only do it because we secretly love and admire one another’s distinctive qualities. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

Bye for now!

Claire.