But what a challenge all people had. The administrators, the officials and above all, the athletes. The final event, the marathon was a classic example of all of the above. To see the Japanese people embrace the athletes as they took to the streets, showed that sport can overcome just about anything that is thrown at them.

I do not think that I have seen such an outstanding effort by our track and field athletes. It is not the gold, silver or bronze medals that the team is bringing back. It is the sportsmanship, courage and sheer Aussie gutsy performances that the Australian public has seen by this talented group of athletes.

One of the outstanding memories that really shone for us was the joy the athletes showed, but above all, the belief that our team had in themselves, their coaches and the support that their teams had given them. Many times we have seen teams go away just happy just to be part of the Olympics. This team didn't do that. They went with conviction, belief and knowledge that they can mix it with the rest of the world.

They certainly did and the rest of the world is on notice. From the younger athletes making their debut in an Olympic Games, like our own Sarah Carli, to the older more experienced athletes like javelin thrower, Kathryn Mitchell. The team seem to share it all. They competed as a team, and they shared the highs and the lows. The Australia public have now seen a team that they can have a lot of confidence in, one that is full of promise.

No country can live on the past performances of their athletes. No country can believe there is no one or no other countries taking part. Times have changed. All countries are starting to catch up, and the dominance of such countries as the United States and Jamaica and even the Kenyans on the track is no longer certain.

Our own athletes did not seem to be fazed by reputation, and this was shown by our Aussie sprinter Rohan Browning, who certainly surprised Blake in his 100 metres sprint. The Italian male sprinter who took out the 100 metres was indeed a shock for the countries who have dominated the sprints for so long.

Everyone has had issues with "lockdowns" and the coronavirus. These games showed us who handled this the best and the Australian team certainly showed they can handle adversity when confronted.

I am really proud to say that I am connected with Athletics and I hope that the general public now know that our sport is worldwide and we can compete with the best. Just for interest, 42 countries have taken medals in our sport of track and field at these Olympic Games, showing that no longer is our sport dominated by a few countries.

We should also now know that our athletes have that belief in themselves. They know they can compete on the world circuit and do so very well. Yes, this Australian team has certainly won more than medals, they have convinced our nation they can do it.

These games also showed that athletics is a progression, it is not instant, and there is a pathway that all of them have taken. Many have had their start in Little A's or as a junior, and all clubs encourage that by offering the dual registration to Little A's club members with a senior athletic club.

Illawarra Blue Stars offer this and we encourage you when joining up with a local Little A's club to drop the box down to record Illawarra Blue Stars as your dual registered club. We can offer advice on this to any interested person by phoning 0409 307 325 or go into our website. With summer coming up, and registrations now being taken for Little A's now is the time to do it.

But the pathway doesn't stop there, our club continues the pathway right through to Masters athletics and if you look at Kathryn Mitchell in the javelin and our Sinead Diver in the marathon, both are of the age to compete in the masters athletics and they are at the Olympic Games.

But its not all about representing, It is the pathway that anyone can take. If you wish to go on and try and represent, then the pathway is there, if you are just starting your journey, then call us and we can advise you how to do this. If you are interested in coming back to the sport and the Olympic Games has inspired you, then why not have another go, masters is there for you to try and make the comeback and you will be fully supported.

My favourite part of the Olympics - I have many - but I had a tear in my eye when I saw Blake realise that here is a young man on his heels in the name of Rohan Browning, and even he looked surprised.

The women's high jump was fabulous with Nicole McDermott emulating our Aussies of 1964, also in Tokyo, but the scene of Cedric Dubler with young Ashley Moloney and bringing him home over the 1500 metres, really showed what this team is really made of.

Loved it and so did the rest of the world. Jessica Hull and Linden Hall showed the friendship and sportsmanship of both when they competed against one another with great success, then off the track, the very best of friends. Fabulous.

Meanwhile our track and field for winter has been cancelled due to COVID lockdown as with our cross-country for winter, but we are looking forward to being able to commence our summer season in mid September. More information on this can be seen on our website www.illawarrabluestars.com or by phoning 0409 307 325.