We were three. We entered a race in Gaflenz, Austria.
These runners showed us the way to the start: -
The finish was on the top of the holy mountain by the Church of St. Sebald
The route was marked and the rules of the game required no explanation.
Our team won three prizes. They were made by a local man with local stone and wood.
We applauded all the winners, and those volunteers who had given freely of their time.
And we enjoyed the show.
The show that must always go on!
Until the last lady sings.
We spent our days and our nights on the farm.
The farm with five cats where someone is always late for his meals.
No runner was grappled or pushed to the ground by a rival.
No runner had their running vest tugged and pulled.
No runner was deliberately tripped up or kicked or had his foot stamped on by another.
The current behaviour of some of the world's beast tattooed footballers is little better than that of the public house rowdy.
They are not an example to the young.
They are not an example to the young.
At this rate football will soon be ruined as a sport forever.
It is becoming a silly and expensive game played by common overpaid scoundrels.
The rot begins at the top.
In Switzerland.
I saw him there.
I saw him there.
Today the word 'sport' hardly applies.
The next World Corrupt will be played in Bahrain.
Football is NOT coming home.
Once it was a different game.
A game with no-nonsense referees and respect.
Firm but fair.
Once there was such a man
His name was Pierluigi Collina.
They called him The Merciless!
I liked him.
We all did.
A game with no-nonsense referees and respect.
Firm but fair.
Once there was such a man
His name was Pierluigi Collina.
They called him The Merciless!
I liked him.
We all did.
I spotted St Sebald on the map before I read the text. I thought of the German writer W G Sebald who adopted Norwich as his home. Interesting terrain for running. Looks tough going. As for football, there have been too many examples of bad sportsmanship. Very disappointing.
ReplyDeleteIt's the only Sebald church in Austria. It's on an ancient 'holy rock'. The race was pretty steep at the top but the main factor was the heat and humidity. I was glad of the two water stations along the way. I think there's a case for a referees and officials meeting followed by a few red cards before somebody gets seriously injured.
ReplyDeleteSilver (intended as money) spoils sport.
DeleteCollina is still involved in football, as an unpaid consultant to the Italian Football Referees Association.
Greetings Maria x
Thank you. You are absolutely right Maria.
DeleteI'm glad to hear he is still involved. He was a wonderful referee. People say 'the best'.
Hope the Azzuri are enjoying their holidays!
Ciao, G.
Yes, I remember him. He was a wonderful man.
DeleteGreat photos Gwil. Austria is such a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteYou said it Dave. Austria is a very beautiful country. There is much to discover. In the Wachau the apricots will now be ripening along the Danube.
DeleteRunning up the hill must be challenging....
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, the cats look very sweet.
The cats, as you say very sweet, and one in particular, his name is door-opener can literally open doors!
Delete