It was meant to be the perfect addition to his trophy cabinet, but the Sheffield Varsity 3000m wooden spoon evaded Ben Snowball in a disappointing race for the 22-year-old.
Relying on fitness built through fortnightly 5aside football, he ultimately crumbled to a time not worth mentioning on a public domain.
The six-strong crowd at Sheffield's EIS were treated to quite a dull affair - the only highlight being the fetching blue and purple sock combination Snowball had gambled on.
Realising he had set off in the mid-field, he abandoned his plans of finishing last and set about winning the race. It was a tough ask, his last race over the distance coming over 1000 days previous, and he struggled with the relentless heat that indoor venues are famous for.
Fifteen laps of the dreaded circuit followed and not even Jessica Ennis training next to him was enough to produce a golden performance.
After an impressive three laps at leader pace the doubts started to creep in. 600m gone and already the mind-game of "Where would be the best place to drop out?" was in full swing. However there was no suitable spot so he strolled on.
The race's highlight occurred on the final lap. Bearing down on two Hallam athletes, he produced a sprint finish that blew them away. Unfortunately it turned out they were the fun runners at the back and still had a lap to go, rendering his last ditch energy usage pointless.
Ennis said afterwards: "It was a gutsy effort from my favourite male athlete. Personally, due to his incredible bum, I'd take him to the Olympics."
It remains to be seen whether fictional quotes from Ennis will be enough to secure his place at London 2012 or, more importantly perhaps, a spot in the Sheffield BUCS team.
Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Monday, 26 March 2012
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Snowball's Fitness Dilemma
Ben Snowball is facing a race against the clock to get himself in shape for the forthcoming BUCS Cross Country Championships... as a supporter.
"His energetic style and methods of encouragement require a physique he just doesn't have at the moment," said a spokesman for the amateur footballer.
Upping his training to include three brisk fifteen minute walks to lectures, Snowball has also developed a passion for fighting the sofa.
His university switch from Loughborough to Sheffield has called many to question his allegiance. One insider said Snowball didn't know whether African violet or black and gold was his chosen fashion statement.
"I will be doing my upmost to support both teams," said Snowball at the launch of his new work out DVD - citing the recent Tottenham Hotspur vs Peterborough United FA Cup match as an example of him splitting loyalties.
"I can easily support them both. I managed 16 press ups last night and will complete my set of ten sit ups when I get home [he did five this morning].
Meanwhile, Sebastian Coe supported Snowball's bid to walk the 10km at the BUCS Track & Field Championships at the Olympic Stadium in May.
He said: "If you can't run it then plodding around is the next best thing. I just hope he isn't bullied.
"To be honest I doubt if he could even finish it."
"His energetic style and methods of encouragement require a physique he just doesn't have at the moment," said a spokesman for the amateur footballer.
Upping his training to include three brisk fifteen minute walks to lectures, Snowball has also developed a passion for fighting the sofa.
His university switch from Loughborough to Sheffield has called many to question his allegiance. One insider said Snowball didn't know whether African violet or black and gold was his chosen fashion statement.
"I will be doing my upmost to support both teams," said Snowball at the launch of his new work out DVD - citing the recent Tottenham Hotspur vs Peterborough United FA Cup match as an example of him splitting loyalties.
"I can easily support them both. I managed 16 press ups last night and will complete my set of ten sit ups when I get home [he did five this morning].
Meanwhile, Sebastian Coe supported Snowball's bid to walk the 10km at the BUCS Track & Field Championships at the Olympic Stadium in May.
He said: "If you can't run it then plodding around is the next best thing. I just hope he isn't bullied.
"To be honest I doubt if he could even finish it."
Friday, 22 April 2011
Return Rumours
The pen was cast aside. It was too late, however, for it had already made its potent black mark upon the calender. 11th August 2012 was labelled: '18:45 - 5000m Men's Olympic Final. Get fit for it.'
Fresh from fending off family competition to locate a Cadbury's Creme Egg hidden in his Grandparent's garden earlier on Good Friday, Snowball returned home with a new lease of life. Logging online to the 2012 website, he booked three tickets to the Olympic stadium for this great spectacle so his family and friends could share in his defining moments.
Stories emerging from his camp suggested that he had already handpicked the four safety pins he would entrust to keep his number on in the final, as well as having backups should the track judge see fit to impose a back number also. The testing procedure to find the ultimate pin allegedly involved 'accidentally' drawing blood from unsuspecting friends to find just the right mix of sharpness and protection.
With rumours that GB already consider themselves out of Snowball's league it is no surprise that their neighbours have expressed an interest - who he qualifies for under Rule 89.b)... 'An athlete who is given permission to wear the famous green vest may, from that day forward, be considered for selection.'
Speaking at his annual Easter press conference Snowball said, 'Yes it is true. The Ireland selectors have already contacted me about filling their long-distance vacancy, but I'm holding out for a more lucrative offer from Team GB.'
He went on to say, 'I recently went out for a run that lasted two songs.'
It was later revealed that these songs were both over three minutes in length, although his spokesman laughed at the notion that their combined total was anything in excess of eight minutes forty seconds saying, 'Let's just take it a day at a time.'
With calls for Snowball to reduce the diameter of his gluteus maximus (massive bum), and stop measuring runs in terms of music, it is evident he has a lot of work to do between now and the top step of the Olympic rostrum...
His recent workout, where he managed sixty pillow presses and eighteen mattress bounces, is a step on the right path. It appears he's finally making an impact in a sport he refuses to reject, but one that keeps rejecting him.
Fresh from fending off family competition to locate a Cadbury's Creme Egg hidden in his Grandparent's garden earlier on Good Friday, Snowball returned home with a new lease of life. Logging online to the 2012 website, he booked three tickets to the Olympic stadium for this great spectacle so his family and friends could share in his defining moments.
Stories emerging from his camp suggested that he had already handpicked the four safety pins he would entrust to keep his number on in the final, as well as having backups should the track judge see fit to impose a back number also. The testing procedure to find the ultimate pin allegedly involved 'accidentally' drawing blood from unsuspecting friends to find just the right mix of sharpness and protection.
With rumours that GB already consider themselves out of Snowball's league it is no surprise that their neighbours have expressed an interest - who he qualifies for under Rule 89.b)... 'An athlete who is given permission to wear the famous green vest may, from that day forward, be considered for selection.'
Speaking at his annual Easter press conference Snowball said, 'Yes it is true. The Ireland selectors have already contacted me about filling their long-distance vacancy, but I'm holding out for a more lucrative offer from Team GB.'
He went on to say, 'I recently went out for a run that lasted two songs.'
It was later revealed that these songs were both over three minutes in length, although his spokesman laughed at the notion that their combined total was anything in excess of eight minutes forty seconds saying, 'Let's just take it a day at a time.'
With calls for Snowball to reduce the diameter of his gluteus maximus (massive bum), and stop measuring runs in terms of music, it is evident he has a lot of work to do between now and the top step of the Olympic rostrum...
His recent workout, where he managed sixty pillow presses and eighteen mattress bounces, is a step on the right path. It appears he's finally making an impact in a sport he refuses to reject, but one that keeps rejecting him.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Comeback Occurs
It was a day to forget for those who backed against Ben Snowball's Olympic challenge, as the 20 year old Surrey star came back to training in stunning fashion.
He lapped both lawnmowers on numerous occasions on route to this tremendous feat., with casual onlookers left short of words after witnessing such pace. Rumours are that Snowball now has a chance of being selected for the fast-approaching Loughborough International, and on this showing he is sure to be a top candidate.
With news circulating that Adidas may be lining up an exclusive image rights deal with the youngster, Febreze quickly stepped in and offered a reported £8.50, and a limited edition Beano, in return for Snowball's signature.
With all this intense training, including today's eight minute session, has led to the fans favourite deciding that tomorrow should be a rest day. He was quoted saying, 'My main aim for tomorrow is to find that missing gem on Spyro 'Year of the Dragon' before watching Spurs vs Man City, which is sure to be a belter of a game.'
Good luck to the kid.
He lapped both lawnmowers on numerous occasions on route to this tremendous feat., with casual onlookers left short of words after witnessing such pace. Rumours are that Snowball now has a chance of being selected for the fast-approaching Loughborough International, and on this showing he is sure to be a top candidate.
With news circulating that Adidas may be lining up an exclusive image rights deal with the youngster, Febreze quickly stepped in and offered a reported £8.50, and a limited edition Beano, in return for Snowball's signature.
With all this intense training, including today's eight minute session, has led to the fans favourite deciding that tomorrow should be a rest day. He was quoted saying, 'My main aim for tomorrow is to find that missing gem on Spyro 'Year of the Dragon' before watching Spurs vs Man City, which is sure to be a belter of a game.'
Good luck to the kid.
Friday, 23 April 2010
Comeback Announced
Saturday 27th February 2010. The date where I finished with my youth and became a Senior Man. And what a way to do it. 199th/207 at the nationals was a superb end to what has already been described as a 'glittering and astonishing career'. It's also the date I last did any form of meaningful exercise.
On Monday 26th April 2010, two months on after injury struck me down, my world of running starts again. After talking with my coach, who's also me, we (I) decided that the time to dust off the cobwebs from my limbs was now.
I have been labeled my many as a 'no-hoper' and was recently described, after an outstanding three-figure placing in a Birmingham League, as a 'joke'. The fact remains that I am the only person to have a national (team...) gold medal and not moved from the sofa.
The track. A thing of beauty: red (or blue), round(ish) and so many lanes. Every runners fetish involves one. That is what this blog will feature, exciting stories from the world of athletics.
It will take you on my Olympic journey.
On Monday 26th April 2010, two months on after injury struck me down, my world of running starts again. After talking with my coach, who's also me, we (I) decided that the time to dust off the cobwebs from my limbs was now.
I have been labeled my many as a 'no-hoper' and was recently described, after an outstanding three-figure placing in a Birmingham League, as a 'joke'. The fact remains that I am the only person to have a national (team...) gold medal and not moved from the sofa.
The track. A thing of beauty: red (or blue), round(ish) and so many lanes. Every runners fetish involves one. That is what this blog will feature, exciting stories from the world of athletics.
It will take you on my Olympic journey.
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