posted Jul 15, 2008

Beeb now thats he's retired sign Macy up for the Olympics. I'm sure the chap would b dynamite in the TV studio!

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posted Jul 15, 2008

Andrewmg86 - I've already had supper, and then a quick 5 miles around the block to burn off any excess, had a shower, put my son to bed having listened to his music practice, now conteplating what excitement I can rustle up for the evening....rest assured it won't be on the TV!

You miss the point completely, ut as you raise the matter of money, entertainment and payment, I resent paying for itwhen I buy my corn-flakes or eetabix, I resent paying for it when I buy my trainers, I resent paying for it when I buy Gillette products, I resent paying for it when I buy pretty much any product I buy, because the cost of that product is inflated due to the manufacturer / producer sponsoring overpaid sportsmen and women to strut their stuff. You pay if you want to, thats fine, but don't make me pay for it too, don't make me suffer your personal preferences of what you watch on TV, don't resort to name-calling because your argument doesn't stack up and finally, if you have such a meaningless life that you have to worship false idols, that's your problem but don't think that the whole world has the same problems of inadequacy and hollow living as yourself!

Only in Britain would the masses hero-worship a second rate athlete!

Get a life of your own and stop living on the hopes and aspirations of a few athletic individuals paid to do pretty much whatever they want to whilst most people have to go to work for their daily bread!

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posted Jul 15, 2008

You sound like a happy fellow Geoff. You make it sound like watching sport and appreciating high class performance is something to be ashamed of.

Decathlon is a tough event, I suppose you know that, wasn't it in your list of the things that you'd done? I didn't finish going through them all.

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posted Jul 15, 2008

he was just an ordinary guy with an extra-ordinary talent

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posted Jul 15, 2008

Geoff - I salute you. Don't be sad if some people don't understand what you are trying to explain!

That there are people who can't see how ridiculous the world has become is a sad reminder of how far things have gone.

As for Macey - I always enjoyed watching him. Good luck to him in life.

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posted Jul 16, 2008

RE: Geoff
"You miss the point completely, ut as you raise the matter of money, entertainment and payment, I resent paying for itwhen I buy my corn-flakes or eetabix, I resent paying for it when I buy my trainers, I resent paying for it when I buy Gillette products, I resent paying for it when I buy pretty much any product I buy, because the cost of that product is inflated due to the manufacturer / producer sponsoring overpaid sportsmen and women to strut their stuff."

That's called Capitalism - like it or not, It's the cornerstone of our economy. Deal with it....

Only In Britain would somebody rant on for 4 paragarphs about a reasonably successful B-list sportsman who doesn't seem to be a bad bloke. Good luck to him.

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posted Jul 16, 2008

Geoff, I don't know if you saw the recent interview with Dean Macey (I think it was during the last series of Inside Sport), but he came across as a very down to earth person who had funded himself for much of his career, was extremely determined to succeed, and had sacrificed a great deal of time, money and effort to be doing something he enjoyed and had a talent for. What is there not to admire about this man? You mention your son's music practice - would you not want him to emulate these characteristics of determination and sacrifice if your son decided that he wanted to succeed in a musical career?

Granted all sportsmen and women are not like Dean Macey - there are plenty who seem to be driven by financial reasons, more than the glory of their art. But this thread is to discuss Macey, and I cannot understand why you have used him, of all athletes, as your example of what you perceive to be wrong with sport in this country.

I do not expect Macey to simply go away and put his feet up in 'retirement', as you suggest. Few athletes have that sort of luxury and, even if they can afford to fully retire, most of them do something else after their career is over - be that running a pub, sprts journalism, or helping to train the next generation of keen young sportspeople.

Finally, there are plenty of brands of razor, cereal, and sports shoes, that are not promoted by sportspeople - if it is a subject you feel so strongly about, choose another manufacturer.

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posted Jul 16, 2008

I'm gutted for Dean, I'm not an avid fan of Athletics but I find the punishment the Decathlon athletes put there body's through amazing. Dean can retire with nothing but pride, and i hope he can now enjoy some more time on the bank and his work as an ambassador for Angling, where he has done outstanding work already.

Best of luck Dean, you will be missed in the Athletics world.

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posted Jul 16, 2008

What an athlete. The Dean Machine has always been a faourite of mine, such a shame he couldn't go out on a high in Beijing...

Agonising to have missed out on those Olympic medals, which would have given him the recognition deserved for what is a gruelling event.

"worship false idols" - now that's what i call a rant!

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posted Jul 16, 2008

Mason was a genuine hero, a throwback to better times. A legend who made you proud to be British. I agree with Lord Seb - if his body had been as robust as his mind, and his talent, he would got himself a World/Olympic Gold medal.
Never the less, he has still endured a wonderful career - well played son, hope you stick around the Great British team.

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