Percy’s involvement became less and less. I would only see him about once a month. He said, ‘you know what to do, you have developed all the right habits, you are consistent, committed and know how to switch on at the right time.’ The years with Percy had taught me all about the 3 C’s – Consistency, Commitment and Concentration. Both body and mind were highly tuned, relaxed and focused. ‘Don’t worry I will be there along with your Dad.’ Percy had also taught me about food – eat your greens – fruit, veg, no salt, no sugar and eat plenty of nuts and raisins – no sweets.
The greatest day of my athletic career would happen in the greatest stadium in the World with the greatest people in the World watching me. Thinking back, now 45 years later, I knew before the event and for all of the event I was on Gossamer Wing. The voice of Percy would reach me immediately on entering the stadium and I remember feeling sorry for the other competitors. No one else could hear him, relax, relax the fingers, no fists, relax the neck and shoulders, you’re in the zone, the mind, the body, every part of my being synchronised for this one race.
From the gun to the tape I flowed, the rhythm was imperceptible when moving through the gears. Out of the 100,000 spectators one voice would penetrate the cacophony of noise and Percy’s words would reach my inner Universe. Come on Donna, you can do it, you’re on the wings of angels and I was!
You see, I forgot to tell you Dad had died. It was funny how Percy came back on the scene at that time, I never saw the correlation - Dad passing away and Percy appearing on the track. I was now at the other side of the World at the greatest even in the World and both of them were here with me.
You would not think it could get any better. There I was centre stage surrounded by 100,000 spectators, the flag raised for the National Anthem and the Gold Medal being placed around my neck. I turned to acknowledge the 4 areas of the stadium – an Olympian thanking them for their support, then I stopped, my eyes transfixed on 2 minute figures clearly distinguished in the sea of faces like a galaxy of stars in the Universe. Dad and Percy their faces lit up with joy, exhilaration and pride. That’s my girl Donna they are saying, the best 800 metre runner in the World. Now you’re on Gossamer Wing.