The Pursuit
Posted: 9/9/2008
Hi All
Well a bit of a disapointing day for me. I rode a plan with a bit of risk in it and was hoping for that to pay off big time with a great reward but it didn't, I paid for it.
I rode the qualifying in a time of 4:10 which was about 3 seconds outside my best time set back in April in Sydney. The race plan was to go out hard and then try and hold onto the pace but unfortunately I put it all out there. At 2km of the 3km event things were looking good and then I died. The last 1km was pretty slow and the clock was ticking.
I guess at this stage it is all about looking at the positives. They are hard to see right now. I am sure in a couple of days I will be able to see them again.
I still have one event, the road race. I am sure it will be a good experience but in reality I am just making up the numbers and can't see myself being in the running at the end.
Being a competitive person it is always hard do deal with not performing up to your expectations. It is all about how you come back from these setbacks. Only time will tell on that one but at least I know I have a good history of having the mental strength to come back strong.
MM
19 Comments Posted
Cathy M | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 7:24:18 PM
Vic Plant | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 7:42:20 PM
You certainly do have the mental strength to come back strong and you will.
Hang in there.
AG | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 8:00:59 PM
Penni | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 8:21:32 PM
Bindi | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 9:52:09 PM
Super ride! You looked SO smooth and strong. We are all so impressed. Truly. David tells us he wants yellow shoelaces like yours now. He is now calling you "michael milton" cause he has heard your name so often on the radio and tv over the last three days. Too funny!
All the best for Saturday, we'll be tuning in for sure. Enjoy it ... if you can! Easy for me to say I guess.
See you soon,
Love Bindi
PS. Rowdy?????
Tony B | Tuesday, 9 September 2008 11:57:27 PM
Nigel B | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 6:25:11 AM
We haven't been able to get any coverage over here (didn't get much of the cycling from the Olympics either!). Sorry to hear the pursuit didn't go as planned but, as everyone agrees, you've done so damned well just to be there...don't be so hard on yourself!
Would it have changed your life to cycle 3 seconds faster...probably not. You've got an amazing family and you're an incredible guy. You're certainly never going to feel (or at least never SHOULD!!!) that you have under-achieved.
Go and enjoy the road race...make it HAPPEN slow but GO fast!
Kieran S | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 8:23:29 AM
I'm a long time fan and it was so good to see you giving it a crack in Beijing. Who would've thought that anyone could have made it to representing Australia at the summer games after spending their career in the snow. You are an absolute freak of nature and make me so bloody proud to be an aussie! Keep on rockin Milto you dead set legend! Best wishes to the family as well for the upcoming birth in Nov.
Bean | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 10:16:44 AM
Anonymous | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 12:15:51 PM
mackenzee baker-moller | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 12:41:56 PM
Mikayla Griffiths | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 12:49:02 PM
K/1/2 Class Ballimore Public School | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 2:14:45 PM
Larissa, Hailey, Lucy, Owen, Joe, Sally, Hayley
Mich | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 3:52:47 PM
Mon & Rup | Wednesday, 10 September 2008 10:12:16 PM
We are really proud of you and hope that you do well in the Road Race....
Best Wishes Mon & Rup
Nathan B | Thursday, 11 September 2008 8:34:15 AM
I think you are doing great and I read that you are not doing as well as you would like but I also read your skiing page and it said in your first winter paraolympicsyou didn't go as well as you did later on. This is your first time doing cycling so I think you are doing pretty good. All the best. Nathan
Wendy T | Thursday, 11 September 2008 10:17:29 AM
Helen Cant | Thursday, 11 September 2008 11:21:39 AM
Liz Swanton | Thursday, 11 September 2008 5:40:25 PM
You're amazing! Every conversation I hear about the Paralympics, someone mentions your name and what an incredible athlete you are. You inspire so many of us!
I have a friend about to go down the very same road as you (has just finished chemo and has surgery in two weeks' time). He has read everything on this website and hopes he can have half of your courage. You have nothing left to prove but inspiring people with your courage is way up there.
Congratulations on the journey so far, good luck with the road race, and enjoy the rest of the experience.
Liz Swanton