Climbing the Bridge

Lisa Walker has been trying to take her mind off tomorrow's Star race - husband Ian's debut at the 2000 Games

Of all the cities in the world that you can visit, Sydney must be one of the best. To be there when the city is hosting the Olympic Games is even better. But when your husband is competing in those Olympics, it's something else.

Ian has his practice race today, so I feel like it’s finally happening. I’ve been here for nearly two weeks now, and have seen at first hand how their preparation has gone. It’s been unbelievably frustrating for both Ian and Mark with lots of little things hampering their progress. Having said that, they are ready to go out on the race course and do what they’ve been doing all year - sail well. Today's practice race was originally scheduled for two days ago, and although this race brings no pressure, it will be vital for them to brush away some cobwebs and start their campaign on the right foot.

I decided not to go out and watch the practice race - I’m saving all my nerves for tomorrow. And what better way to take your mind off things than to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? I went out early - having been advised by Sue Crafer, Team GBR’s physio, that the morning was the best time. I met up with Ian’s father, John, and headed off to the Bridge Climb HQ to get kitted out. Nothing is left to chance, and after a briefing and donning cat-suit type overalls (I’m not kidding), we were handed out harnesses, which were to be our lifelines as we climbed the 'Coat Hangar'.

We were part of a group of ten and eight of those were here for the Games - it looks like everybody has the same ideas when they come to Sydney. John and I climbed together, and of course our first thoughts when we got out onto the bridge was that there wasn’t much breeze - you just can’t stop thinking about it, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Then we saw an International America’s Cup Class boat coming out of Farm Cove near the Opera House, and suddenly John and I are talking about that more than listening to the guide - oops!
The climb was fantastic and the views are amazing - you can see the Olympic Site at Homebush from the top of the bridge and on a really clear day, you can see the Olympic Flame. Unfortunately for us it wasn’t completely clear. At the top of the Bridge you have to make a wish as you pass under the middle tower - you don’t have to be a genius to guess what John and I wished for ...

Back at our apartment, it’s impossible to watch any sailing on TV, as there just isn’t any. Surprising for such a good sailing nation, the Australian TV channels don’t show any footage and only show the day's results for the Australian competitors. It’s amazing the extent to which the TV coverage is biased. If an Australian wins a bronze medal in an event, then sometimes they will only show the Aussie receiving their medal and not the gold and silver medallists at all. Some of the sailors reckon it’s even more biased than the American coverage in Atlanta - maybe it's the same back in Britain, but perhaps you notice it here more, because it's the host city.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going out to watch the first race with Ian’s parents and Ian’s brother, who arrived this morning from Moscow (he lives there), with his girlfriend Sam. We've been checking out the viewing areas for each course and will take our places - complete with our Union Jacks - on South Head to cheer on our boys. And I’ve just heard from Ian on the phone that they sailed well and led the practice race until they decided not to finish - apparently it’s bad luck to win that one. It won't be tomorrow, it's the real thing at last.