Wow, that was some opening ceremony. If the world’s athletes have prepared like Beijing’s pyrotechnic team we can be sure to expect some serious fireworks in the coming weeks!

This morning I was delighted to discover my first assignment was to report on the opening match of the Women’s beach volleyball. Sun, sand and bikinis - the perfect sight for sore eyes I thought. The match between Norway and Belgium did turn out to be as aesthetically pleasing as I’d initially hoped, but not for the reasons I expected.

The athleticism of the female players combined with their skill levels was very impressive. Months of overhead shoulder strength training was evident as they served with accuracy and power. They must have all spent a lot of time on shoulder rotation exercises, both internal and external. Then as the point progressed, it also became clear that these women had developed superb levels of dynamic power as they leaped above the net to smash a winner or block a slam. Physically both teams were very well prepared forcing the game to be decided by skilful plays on the big points. Norway had the edge in this department, winning two tight sets in an impressive 2-0 opening contest.

If the dynamic power of the beach volleyball players had been impressive, I was then stunned by the action in the Women’s 48kg weightlifting. It was phenomenal to watch Olympic lifts being performed in an actual Olympic final, so commonplace have they become in general sport training. The technique displayed by these small women enables them to lift unimaginable weights, not to mention their extraordinary levels of dynamic power, developed through plyometric training. Whoever wins this gold this afternoon will be very deserving of their medal.

Girls, you've made me feel extremely feeble!

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