THE GOLD STANDARD

Michelle Smith's performance in capturing the Olympic gold for Ireland in the 400 metres individual medley will stay forever …

Michelle Smith's performance in capturing the Olympic gold for Ireland in the 400 metres individual medley will stay forever etched in the minds of all who take pride in Irish sporting achievement. The manner of this victory underlined the steely determination of a very special athlete. Michelle Smith had an explosive start and was well ahead for the first 100 metres, only to see her lead slip away in the backstroke section. At one stage, she fell back to third place but somehow found the strength and endurance to drive forward - and eventually to surge ahead for gold.

It was a fitting reward for someone whose single minded dedication to the Olympic challenge was so inspiring. Michelle Smith may have achieved her dream in the glossy surroundings of the Georgia Tech Aquatic Centre on Saturday but the foundations for victory lay in a training schedule which begin at 5.30 every morning in an empty swimming pool near Rotterdam. Her reply when asked earlier this year about the attractions of the Dutch city bears repetition: "I don't see much of Rotterdam. I don't see much of anything. It's eat, sleep, swim".

The scale of Michelle Smith's achievement can hardly be overstated. She is only the fifth Irish competitor to win gold at the Olympics. She is the first woman from the Republic to win an Olympic title, indeed the first female medallist. She was the first Irish swimmer ever to compete in an Olympic final and, of course, the first to strike gold. Michelle Smith has also provided a glimmer of light and optimism after some very dark days in Northern Ireland this summer; she richly deserves the praise showered upon her by all the main political leaders. The President was surely echoing the views of the nation when she described Ireland's Olympic champion as a role model for Irish women.

And yet this was a victory that reflects no credit on the political class in this country. The embarrassing reality is that Michelle Smith is an Olympic swimming champion from a State with no 50 metre Olympic pool and meagre sports and recreation facilities. Michelle Smith won her gold medal despite, rather than because of, the assistance she received from Government. And there are few signs that the situation is improving.

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The desperate need to provide adequate funding for sport, which is recognised by every community leader and most parents in the State, is still regarded as a minor issue around the cabinet table. With the wilful connivance of politicians from all the main parties, National Lottery funds which were earmarked for sport have been diverted elsewhere. They should be forcefully reminded of how participation in sport can heal division, build character and provide a safety valve for those who might otherwise engage in crime or drug taking. A concerted move to provide adequate funding for sport would be the best testament to Michelle Smith's extraordinary achievement. Michelle Smith, meanwhile, has other business to attend to, notably competing in three other swimming events. The signs could hardly be more encouraging; Michelle Smith is poised to become the most successful Irish Olympian of all time.