This Is Guernsey

Dale Garland’s family, Graham, left, mum Pauline and brother Lee wait to see if he will be competing in today’s 4 x 400 metres relay race at the Beijing Olympics. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0625780)

DETERMINATION is the key to the success of Dale Garland’s career.
That is the view of both his parents and also older brother Lee, the day before Dale hopes to run in the 4 x 400 metres relay in the Olympic Games.
It now looks like Dale won’t be selected to run in Beijing, but his father Graham thinks this will make him even more keyed up to compete in the future.
‘He will have a shot at London 2012 and he hopes he can qualify.
‘Age won’t be a problem, because if you look at people like Kelly Holmes, she won two golds in Athens when she was 34.’
Dale’s quality in athletics shone through at an early age, although back then it wasn’t as a short-distance runner where he was best, as mother Pauline recalls.
‘He always excelled at long distances. He came sixth in a national under-13’s cross-country race at one stage.’
Following his brother into athletics may have always seemed like the obvious choice to many, but Dale only chose the sport after he was unsuccessful in football trials with Fulham and Birmingham.
From that moment on, he has made huge strides in a variety of events, before switching his attentions from the decathlon to the one-lap event.
And Lee thinks that the work Dale has put in over this distance has earned him a deserved spot in the Olympics.
‘You don’t get to an Olympics by accident.
‘You have to be at the top of your game to get there.’
Even if he does get the opportunity to run either today or tomorrow, Pauline thinks that Dale would be more nervous if he were running back home in Guernsey.
‘I think people want him and are expecting him to win easily when he races over here, so it adds more pressure, but he does enjoy racing in Guernsey.’
Pauline also thinks that the focus on Dale is something that he thrives on.
‘He does like the limelight.
‘However, I don’t think he would enjoy it so much if he was a huge celebrity, with everybody following him.’
Described by his family as a ‘laid back’ and ‘charismatic’ person, it is Dale’s personality that has undoubtedly helped him through his career.
And Pauline thinks that this has made him an excellent role model for others.
‘He has been a fantastic ambassador for Guernsey over the years.
‘I’m sure now that other young sportsmen and women will see what he has done and think that the Olympics isn’t necessarily out of reach.’

Article posted on 22nd August, 2008 - 1.00pm