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Series 5, Episode 3 Go Girls 14 May 13 00:44:09

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Sarah Cowley: Emotional end to London Games

opinion

By New Zealand heptathlete Sarah Cowley

Published: 4:56PM Thursday August 16, 2012 Source: ONE Sport

  • Heptathlete Sarah Cowley during the 800m (Source: Photosport)
    Heptathlete Sarah Cowley during the 800m - Source: Photosport

Like most of the NZ team attending the Olympic closing ceremony on Sunday night, we were pretty pumped for what was described as the greatest celebration of British music. We weren't disappointed.

Rumours spread around the village that the Spice Girls and Elton John would be performing, and the excitement levels were high.

It was awesome to walk with the rest of the NZ team from the village into the stadium. Everyone was fizzing.

It was pretty cool being five metres away from George Michael, seeing the Spice Girls, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, the Who, Muse and other British rock stars. The rumours about Elton closing the closing were simply rumours, but this didn't worry the Kiwis, who all really enjoyed the party.

The following day, we said our goodbyes, as the team went their separate ways. Some athletes still have competitions and seasons to complete, some were taking holidays and others were headed back to the greatest country in the world - New Zealand.

Just before I was about to head out of the village for the final time, Dave Currie called those who were still around to gather downstairs. I had no idea about what was going on and was really thinking we'd said our official goodbyes last night.

It was then that Dave announced to the team that he'd received news of Val's promotion to the gold-medal position, following Nadzeya Ostapchuk's positive drug test. The reaction within the team was share elation and for a lot of us, it was an emotional moment.

Everyone was thrilled primarily for Val, but secondly for the proof that drug cheats are getting found out. Personally, I don't think she will be the last medalist to be stripped of their medal.

While Val was robbed of the moment on the top of the dais, I'm positive that New Zealand will honour her as she so rightly deserves on her return home. A massive roller coaster of a Games for her, but the right result in the end!

It's hard to believe the Olympics are over. It was the time of my life and an absolute privilege to represent New Zealand.

For me, I have demanded a lot out of my body and mind over this entire campaign, and now it's time to give it a rest at least for a few weeks.

I'll enjoy a holiday, and especially catching up with family and friends. I've been a bubble for the last year and as result, I haven't spent much time with my loved ones.

It's been an absolute blast and thanks again for sharing in this journey with me.

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