Life

Marie Louise McConville: Amazing athletes show our kids that anything is possible

The Olympic Games were not only addictive to watch but athletes like Team Ireland's Kellie Harrington have undoubtedly inspired generations of future stars to believe in their dreams
The Olympic Games were not only addictive to watch but athletes like Team Ireland's Kellie Harrington have undoubtedly inspired generations of future stars to believe in their dreams The Olympic Games were not only addictive to watch but athletes like Team Ireland's Kellie Harrington have undoubtedly inspired generations of future stars to believe in their dreams

I can't quite believe I'm about to admit this - but I'm really missing the Olympics.

It's been quite surprising how addicted I became to the 17 days of pure sport - but I did.

Every morning before work, I was happy to sit and watch a recap of what had happened the night before - who won and who didn't.

And despite virtually every sport under the sun being featured, it was the gymnastics that hooked me.

From the balance beam and uneven bars to the pommel horse and the still rings, I loved every minute and was often left speechless by the abilities of those competing.

But I must admit, I wasn't the only one who became addicted to Tokyo in the McConville household - Abbie and James loved watching the events too.

There was just something special watching them both watch the games and then perform their own version of the events on the kitchen floor.

It was when witnessing these scenes that I realised just how inspirational these games really are.

James was totally mesmerised by the male gymnasts and their sheer strength while Abbie was the same as she watched the women perform the floor routines.

But there no days quite like the days Sky Brown won a bronze medal in the skateboarding event for Team GB and the day Dubliner Kellie Harrington took the gold in boxing for Team Ireland.

Abbie was just so inspired by both of these women and could not get over how Sky is only 13 - "she's only seven years older than me".

Suddenly, being able to achieve or do anything she wants in life became very real to her and it was so special to watch the cogs in motion as she planned all the medals she is going to win - at the same time as working as a doctor of course.

As she comes with me to some boxercise classes, she was over the moon to see Kellie Harrington - "a girl boxer" - win a gold medal and she was immediately inspired.

I'm only sorry now that the games are over but of course, there is even more to come in the form of the Paralympics, which begin on August 24 and which will really show the kids how anything is possible, no matter who you are.

I can't wait to see them watch some of these talented athletes in action - what an education it will be about the world and all the different types of people who live in it.

Until then, our kitchen floor will remain our stadium and our sofas will remain the soft landing area for the heart-stopping leaps, jumps and cartwheels.

Who knows, maybe the McConville junior team will compete in the Olympics one day. Thanks to Sky and Kellie, at least they now know anything is possible when you try your best.

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The brilliant Ben Miller is back on our TV screens in a fantastic new Sunday night show on ITV.

In Professor T, Miller plays Professor Jasper Tempest, a genius Cambridge University criminologist with OCD, who advises the police while at the same time, trying to survive an overbearing mother, played wonderfully by acting legend, Frances De La Tour.

So far, we've seen Professor T solve a hostage taking and a child's kidnapping - all in his own quirky way.

I particularly love the scenes where we are taken inside the Professor's imagination.

Great TV.

Get watching.

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Competition

The summer is in full flow, so how do you fancy winning some beautiful skin care products to help you glow your way through the rest of the holidays?

Based on College Street in Belfast, the Beyond Skin Clinic is celebrating five years in business.

Opened in July 2016 by owners Gillian Rossborough and Jennie Wallace, the clinic has become well known for providing an excellent range of cosmetic and medical skincare services.

The clinic is an Accredited Centre of Excellence for the treatment of acne & rosacea – the only one in Ireland - and over the years has won a plethora of awards including twice winning the Best Clinic in Ireland at the National Aesthetics Awards.

To celebrate the Beyond Skin Clinic’s five years in business, I have three skincare gift bags to give away.

Each bag contains a Bulgaria Rose Extract & Grape Seed Oil Firming Mask, a Hydrating Bio Cellulose Mask and an Anti Wrinkle Smoothing and Repairing Bio Cellulose Eye Mask.

If you fancy winning a gift bag, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, August 18, 2021

(Q) Where is the Beyond Skin Clinic based in Belfast?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winners of the Gravity is the Thing competition are Paul Devlin, from Coagh, Mairead Morgan, from Ballycastle, Maggie McNally, from Carrickmore, Ann McArdle, from Belfast, and John McCloskey, from Drumahoe