Pulling together for the Games

Interview with Neil Mosley, Head of Sport and Assistant Director of Commercial Services about his experiences of London 2012

Over the last two weeks the Imperial community has cheered on two of its own student competitors, played host to 14 Olympic teams training at Ethos and been in the stands for everything from the Opening Ceremony to the  Women’s Freestyle Wrestling.

Neil Mosley, Head of Sport and Assistant Director of Commercial Services spoke to us about his experiences of London 2012, and the event which the Division has been working towards for almost 10 years.

How have the Olympics been for you?

I’ve been here for 12 years and can honestly say it’s been the most enjoyable two weeks of my Imperial career.

How do you feel about what the Division has achieved?

From the announcement that London had won the Olympic bid I always knew we would be supporting the triathlon teams as we are located so close to Hyde Park. We specifically refurbished the Energia gym to support the Olympic teams. It’s been the culmination of many years of work and for it to have been completed so successfully is of massive credit to the team.

What has been your highlight?

Probably seeing Nicola Spirig – the Swiss triathlete – win gold. Her stay at Ethos has been planned for over two years and we were really involved in everything from arranging special opening times of the pool, to allowing her to bring along a chef to ensure her nutrition was optimal. I went down with a team from Ethos to watch her compete in Hyde Park – we managed to see the swim and the cycle and then watched the finish on the big screens. When there was a photo finish after two hours of ridiculous endeavour I was so, so pleased when they finally announced she had won.

Who was the most inspirational athlete you saw train at Ethos?

I have to say it was amazing watching the Brownlee brothers train in the pool – every lap was done competitively – there was no cruising. I watched their race in Hyde Park too and it was fantastic when Alistair won, and seeing Jonny get bronze particularly after his penalty was fantastic.

Have you been to any of the Games yourself?

Despite working long hours and some evenings, and opening the pool at 4.30 am on some days to allow athletes to train, I’ve managed to fit in going to see 13 events – two volleyball games, the road race, women’s marathon, mens’ and women’s triathlon, two basketball games , hockey open water swimming , taekwondo, fencing and swimming!