We are now days from the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games which sounds quite unbelievable. There has been a massive build up to these Games. 

Last week unfortunately we still had quite a bit of bad news in regards to the Australian team. Cyclist Cadel Evans withdrew from the time trial in Beijing but he is now back in and competing in the road race.

There was also news about walker Nathan Deakes who was one of the favourites so it was very unfortunate that he had to withdraw…and of course swimming’s glamour couple Stephanie Rice and Eamon Sullivan split up.So there has been quite a bit of negative news around but need to remember the good news! 

Talking track and field Aussie Sally McLellan broke her own national record in the 100m Hurdles for the second time in two weeks which was a fantastic result for a young, up-and-coming athlete. Her preparation for Beijing has been very solid. 

Obviously there is a lot of pressure and all of the injuries and withdrawals and break ups are part of that pressure before the Games.

Quite a few people are now saying it will be tougher for Australia because we have lost some of the superstars we had at the last Olympics. But new stars will be born. That’s what happened to me during the Sydney Olympics. I was very unknown going into that Olympics. People didn’t know that I was training, competing and living in Australia. And my life changed in a matter of one night, one competition. So it happened for me and I am sure it will happen to another Australian athlete who has the ability to perform under pressure. 

There are a few track and field athletes that I want people to keep an eye on. The first is Sally McLellan; Craig Mottram who has been competing at the highest level for a quite awhile and has had a very good solid performance in Europe. Of course I wouldn’t want to leave the pole vault out. 

Aussie Steve Hooker is the one to watch. If he puts a good performance together on the day that will hopefully, fingers crossed, be enough to get into the medals as the men’s pole vault right now is very open. Not like the women’s pole vault where there is a clear leader.

Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva broke another world record of 4.05m in Monaco and it is yet more proof that she is the leader and in fantastic shape. Saying that, the women’s pole vault will still be interesting to watch and see who will get 2^nd and 3^rd position.

Now I thought I would give my predictions for Australia and the medal tally. I think Australia will be in the top 10 in the overall medal tally and will be up against countries such as USA, Great Britain, Russia and China. 

But I think Australia will do very well…and a new star will be born!

So here we go!

T.