I've said it already but I'll say it again. It was a humbling experience to attend the 2011 Irish Kettlebell Sports Biathalon Championships in Kilkenny on 23rd July. My expectations were mixed to be honest. I knew the efforts that the guys were putting in and I had seen the previous years results so I knew they were going to do well. But I was warned that everyone from last year would improve.
Arriving at the O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club I saw for the first time the platforms that the competition would take place on. Well set up, monitors for the competitors to see their counts, a clock projected on to a screen to time their efforts. The event started and I was thinking in the back of my mind that this might be a long day. Lisa and Siobhan were the first flight to get going. By 7 minutes all previous anticipations were blown out of the water. Support for all competitors was deafening. Battlers were supported, high number competitors were applauded...those who struggled were given new energy from the genuine and impartial following. I had not experienced anything like this in sport before...cycling, hurling, athletics...nothing. The efforts were visible across the faces of all the competitors and with a strong heart they battled to the 10 minutes with pride.
By the end of the day the Wexford Kettlebell Club had amassed 18 medals and 1 cup. Being a non-competitor at this event did prevent me from experiencing the euphoria at first hand but I was certainly proud to be part of a club where efforts and performances like this were rewarded so well. To the competitors of Wexford Kettlebell Club...I salute you.
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