Turning Potential Into Ability

Or not in my case...
Showing posts with label snowball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snowball. Show all posts

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Snowball Picked for Olympics (test event)

In a dramatic turn of events it was announced today that future Olympic medallist Ben Snowball had qualified for the BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships at the Olympic Stadium.

Despite being in the jogging wilderness for the past four years, he scraped through the qualifying procedure and will now feature in the Olympic test event over the 3000m steeplechase.

Bookies are already taking bets on what lap Snowball drowns following an unsuccessful water jump, and BUCS have promised that a lifeguard will be on duty for when the inevitable splash occurs.

The last time he graced the track he infamously tore his shoulder muscle when dipping for the line in a closely contested 4x100m relay, and spectators – keen to cash on an easy £250 from the kind people at You’ve Been Framed – will no doubt have their cameras poised to capture his nightmare.

Holding a mock press conference in the shower Snowball said: “I have no idea how the selectors let me slip through the system. It’s a great stage for me to throw my name into the ring for Sports Personality of the Year 2012, so I’ll be going all out not to come last.”

Sebastian Coe – who is thought to have influenced the selection policy – was delighted at the news. “Although I’ve never heard of Ben, nor do I understand why he is the topic of discussion, I guess you can only be happy for the kid.”

Snowball dismissed the notion that him and Coe weren’t good mates citing that they had once shared a tube carriage at the end of last year. This was later confirmed by CCTV footage at Oxford Circus.

We wish him the very best of luck on his quest to glory.

Monday, 26 March 2012

Varsity wooden spoon dream ruined

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.

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Crowd brought to tears...

The crowd wept and cheered as he sprinted at 3mph down the home stretch of the Cross Country Championships in Cardiff. It was a sporting comeback on parallel with Schumacher, Armstrong and Thorpe; one that proved that talent never dies.

Ben Snowball finished 163rd in the Mens B (best) race, a remarkable performance from a man described by many as an "unfashionable bloke". Indeed his red hoody, which was worn on all three days of the BUCS trip, did little to dispel this rumour. Critics have since said that his green Jamaica jumper might have been a better option to mix things up a bit.

Shooting off at the back of the field, he impressively negotiated the rugby players making up the numbers and started to overtake the chubby kids in worn down trainers. Many spectators stayed to support him for the first 200m before accepting that watching fat kids and Ben battle it out for 250th wasn't the best way to spend the afternoon.

Feeling very perked up by chants of "Go on Loughborough" he made a breakthrough into the top 200. Luckily for him he completely forgot he was wearing a Sheffield vest, and thought he was popular.

Three laps of jogging later and the sprint finish began. The noise was unbearable (there was a Welsh man on the tannoy describing the day's lost property... the crowds had largely dispersed by this point) and every stride bought the prospect of a medal closer.

Ultimately it turned out that medal ceremonies are stingy affairs, with only the top three athletes receiving awards. Snowball's suggestion of having a podium for the top 163 runners was rejected.

A lot of positives emerged from the weekend. 1) He finished with only a mediocre foot injury, 2) he borrowed four safety pins and failed to return them, and 3) pizza express made him a gluten-free pizza for £3...

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Race to BUCS

After Steven Spielberg bought the film rights to Ben Snowball's life on Wednesday, it was thought the young athlete's life couldn't get better. How wrong we were...

Feeling mildly energetic at 6pm, Snowball - having recently acquired Spotify unlimited - set out on a monster run. A run that would prove his fitness for the greatest show on earth... The BUCS Cross Country Championships.

Three-hundred metres into his journey, all of which had been downhill, cars stopped - beeping their horns in appreciation - as Snowball flew in front of them.

Still he went on, overtaking parked cars and litter bins, only being matched for pace by two young girls accompanied by their granddad who shot past at presumably world record pace.

He reached the 2km mark, a new 2012-best, and courageously stopped to let a woman with her pram squeeze through a small gap on the pavement. She smiled; they shared a moment. Then he ploughed on.

Understandably the intensity of 12-minute miles was taking it's toll and his knee's were in desperate need of an oil. Morale was low as his iPod had died leaving Ellie Goulding's Lights unfinished in the second chorus.

It was then that two youths arrived on the scene. With banter ranging from "yeah, go on fatty" (a remark that I still don't quite understand) to "keep running, d**khead", it was all very amusing. It's nice to see the home fans out in force on a cold Thursday night - you just don't get that level of support outside council estates.

Soon the run ended, 3.88km (via Google Earth) or 17km (via estimation) the distance. Just nine days until BUCS in Cardiff, and with nearly 4km clocked in 2012 who would want to bet against Snowball returning victorious..?

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."

Sunday, 12 June 2011

Snowball Injured in Dip Farce

The nation came to a standstill on Wednesday 8th May when Ben Snowball was rushed to a paramedics van after dipping for the line in a 100m relay.

Chasing down 2004 Olympic gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis, Snowball clocked a split of 9.98 seconds before his legs went from underneath him when leaning for the line – sending him hurtling face first towards the red turf.

Reports spread across Britain like wildfire that serious damage had been done to the Olympic hopeful’s shoulder, and these were later confirmed as he emerged from Loughborough stadium covered in bandages.

The injuries sustained were so critical that he had to withdraw from the notorious chunder mile, an event in which he had hoped to combine his talents of drinking and… no, just a chance for his drinking talents to be recognised.

Photos have since surfaced of him wearing a sling for support, and a spokesman for the athlete announced, ‘He can’t shower for two weeks.

‘He is very disappointed that his fall didn’t receive more coverage after a Canadian official twice fell spectacularly to steal the limelight at the recent Montreal Grand Prix.’

A minute’s applause was ordered by the Queen to mark the event and highlight the bravery shown by the affected party.

Her majesty, addressing the country behind a veil and putting on a deep voice, said: ‘Ben has long been one of my favourite athletes. If I had to pick an Olympic team now, he would be in it.’

It has also been confirmed that Snowball is a doubt for the Copa Del Boxgrove, Guildford’s finest two-aside garden football event, with a ‘super miracle’ required for him to line up in the July event.

With the 2012 Olympics still firmly in his sights, the 21-year-old has targeted next years BUCS – scheduled at the Olympic stadium – as ideal preparation after he was accepted into Sheffield University for a masters.

The stage is set for the greatest sporting comeback since Camp Nou ’99. We will follow his every move…



Missed the fall? See it here at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4sZ_VC-tfA&feature=BFa&list=FLhSs5o8dLQqw&index=2

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.

Sunday, 27 February 2011

Snowball In Trouble (Again...)

What were you doing at 3am this morning? Sleeping? Dreaming of women you could never get? Maybe embarking on a cheeky toilet trip? All perfectly normal activities. Ben Snowball, however, chose this moment to stumble in from a night out in Nottingham that grabbed the headlines for the wrong reasons.

It was a disappointing end to a week that had started so brightly. Even with Liam Tancock's disapproving glances towards the technique on show in the slow lane, Snowball swam literally metres in both Tuesday's and Thursday's swim sessions. The only low point of these landmark events was his right foot 'accidentally' making contact with a pretty girls face. Somewhat surprisingly she was unaroused by this attack.

Then there was the cycle ride. Not phased by mud or wind Ben, and a companion, set off to conquer the elements. Unfortunately the elements conquered him. Covered in dirt, Snowball resigned himself to the shower, and that was meant to be that for the day. A solid weeks training. Keep it calm. Keep it casual.

His friends had other ideas. Tempting him to Nottingham through subliminal messaging - when watching the cricket his mates would cry 'Night Out' instead of 'Not Out' - and blasting Five's Greatest Hits throughout the housing complex, it would turn out to be a night to forget.

A court ruling in his favour means we can't disclose the details of the night, but a statement from Snowball read, 'My head hurts. I woke up wearing just a belt and some purple socks, that's not cool. I honestly felt that the workout I would get from busting moves would compensate for the alcohol consumed. I was wrong.'

With Sweatshop already rumoured to be contemplating terminating his 10% discount, it may well be the end of the road for the lad. His only hope now is letting his legs do the talking.

But he's injured...

Friday, 7 January 2011

An In-Depth Look at the World's Finest Talent

We were fortunate enough to catch up with the man himself. He gave us his training program for the coming week. We were startled at just how hard he applies himself.


Monday: am - Casual 'dressing gown' dance to any 90s trance
pm - Walk to Sainsbury's. Get bus home

Tuesday: am - Sleep
pm - 3x Opening and Closing of Fridge

Wednesday: am - Pop downstairs
pm - Return upstairs

Thursday: am - Watch a 'racy' video to get heart rate to anaerobic threshold. Try and maintain for five minutes
pm - Ice bath to remove lactic from earlier session

Friday: Day Off

Saturday: RACE? (I am of White British origin)

Sunday: am - 10x Pillow Raises
pm - Pop in the 'legal' pills

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

Snowball Wants Your Vote!

Tuesday 11th May won't be remembered as the day Britain pulled our troops out of Iraq. Instead, it will be known as the day Ben Snowball's campaign for Men's Cross Country Captain sprung to life. And what a day it was.

On that very same morning, 12.30am, the facebook group was created. Popularity was always going to be a factor but, with six new members in the first four hours, the issue didn't arise.

Snowball's proposer, Chris Perry, was eager to spread the word. 'He's a superb individual, full of ideas, and has a lot of love to spread round the club. When I grow up I want to be just like him.' However, whispers circulating the Snowball camp have suggested that Perry may never reach 'human height', and may always be condemned to a life on stilts.

With talk that the recent Conservative-LibDem coalition may cut funding to the club, Snowball was quick to quash these rumours. 'I've spoken with Mr Cameron and I can assure you that the club is safe. He came across very well and, until he offered me a puff of his joint (to which I politely declined), I thought we could become facebook friends. I was even tempted to poke him.'

Snowball's Story urges you to do the right thing and vote Snowball on 19th May. It might just be the best thing you do. We will win BUCS Cross Country. And we'll have the most emotional pre-race huddle, so highly-strung that some of you will drop out before the race has began due to tears clouding your vision.

Vote Snowball. Anything you want, let him know.

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.