Last modified: 11 May 2000
The last Journal achieved a circulation of 5000, and appeared to be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all those readers who sent letters to say how much they liked it.
The number of countries that the Journal reached reflects the way in which transplants are being performed worldwide, which has to be good news. The World Transplant Games have become enormously popular and I am told that there will tee more participants in the Games in Sydney than ever before, with entries from over 40 countries.
Since I am sports orientated, my meetings with you are mostly of a sporting nature, and I am always impressed by the prowess attained by competitors who have come into the area of athletics only after receiving a transplant. Most athletes take up their chosen event when they are quite young, and train for some years to arrive at a respectable performance. Yet at the World Games I see excellent performances from transplantees who have not even thought about athletics until after their transplant. For this reason alone the Games are truly remarkable, but the enthusiasm of the participants adds an extra dimension.
I always enjoy the Games very much, particularly from the coaching aspect. If you have an athletic problem in Sydney, I will be happy to help if I can.
I must say the venues for the World Games always seem to be extremely pleasant. When I competed in International matches - more years ago than I care to disclose - I often found myself in small villages, with few hotels. We had to carry our athletic equipment with us, which in my case was starting blocks chiefly notable for their weight ,and two pairs of running spikes, because it was not possible to change the actual spikes to suit the conditions. Even then I was luckierthan some. I once travelled with a pole-vaulter, and we had to cross London on foot because his vaulting pole wasn't allowed on the buses and it wouldn't fit in a taxi! So I really appreciate the facilities available at today's stadiums.
A brief word aboutthe journeytothe Games. For many itwill be a long one, so it may be extremelytiring. And on the flight at least, you will need plenty of liquids. But alcohol, altitude and athletics do not make for a good mix - so take care with the cooling cocktails!
I am sure that by now you are all super-fit and ready for the competitions. And you can be sure that the Australian team is really REALLY raring to go! Good luck to everyone, and have a great time.
Yours in sport,
Orien Young.
Last modified:
11 May 2000