Report #10 From Outdoor World Championships

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BERLIN , GERMANY. - A short respite before the trial heats of the men's 800.
 
I'm looking for someone, and I can't find him.
 
A dozen years ago, in Athens, Rosemary and I used to get back fromthe stadium fairly late. The meet would end at 10:15-10:30, and we'd grab a bite to eat after 11. There was a spot near Victoria Staion that we began to frequent, and the same British crew was always there, and we'd talk about track across the tables. We probably did this three or four times.
 
Fast forward to 2005, in Helsinki. We took the ferry across to Estonia, and it was pouring rain in Tallinn. Rosemary and I walked into a bar for lunch, and lo! One of the Brits from the Victoria Station crew- I said to Rosemary, ''That's one of the guys from England that we used to talk to in Athens.'' She laughed at me, but I walked up, and I was correct, and we renewed our friendship. I still don't know his name, but he always travels with the British Tour Group, the counterpart of Track and Field News Tours.
 
I haven't been abe to find him, and I'm a bit disappointed. Good guy to talk track to over beers.
 
On the other hand, the volunteers here have been sensational. They help with everything- the IAAF even has a group at our hotel, which is also housing the International Broadcasting team. Michael Johnson, Colin Jackson, Jonathan Edwards, etc.
 
Took a trip down to the Brandenburg Gate yesterday afternoon, just to check out the Kultur Stadion, which now surrounds the gate- all kinds of exhibits, concerts, acts, broadcasts- yesterday, Coe and Ovett being interviewed on stage for TV. A fun experience.
 
It's a good night for the media, as there's free beer in the media tent after the evening session. Doesn't get much better than that.
 
Intersting thing happened- yesterday, on train back to hotel, Peter, a German, saw my credential pass, and started talking track with me. We talked for 10-15 minutes, then he got off the train, four stops before me. This morning, while eating breakfast at the hotel, who walks up but Peter, having breakfast wth his wife.
 
Lose some friends, look for new ones, and pick up new ones unexpectedly.
 
GK

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