Anthony Ogogo
It really has been the proverbial whirlwind since I left the Olympic village. It seems like an age ago, carrying my Team GB suitcase I slowly strolled down the concrete pathway towards the armed gates. In true Hollywood fashion I turned back, gazed at the towering blocks. Still feeling immense pride course through my veins just to be part of this special team, the giant sized Union Jack flags stared back at me and I then let out a giant sigh.
That was it, the London Olympics were over.
That was it, the London Olympics were over.
As soon as I was out of the gate giving big hugs to all the volunteers and hi 5'ing the soldiers that'd been so kind and made the Olympic games so special I was in my car dying to get home to see my Mum, my family and my girlfriend. Whilst briefly touching on that subject it was great having the army step in to overlook the security, it was brilliant to be able to talk to and thank the men and women who are protecting us and our country.
Driving home I still had mixed emotions about my medal. I was and still am disappointed about not getting the Gold, I feel guilty the Brazilian beat me in front of the watching British public that had given me the most amazing reception. I'd have loved nothing more than to sing the National Anthem on top of the podium at our home Games, but for me it wasn't to be.
It wasn't until recent events that have made me feel different, but I'll get on to that…..
Walking out to 10,000 people that first day I boxed in the Excel arena was so amazing; it was that emotional my lip couldn't stop quivering. The noise was immense. The passion each Brit in the crowd was overwhelming. That was the best feeling I'd ever felt, until I walked into James Paget hospital and handed my medal over to my Mum. Seeing the smile it put on her face was the most amazing feeling ever.
All the hard work, the sweat, the tears and the blood. Combined with the nauseating feeling I had every second of the day when I had to leave my Mum and go back to training camp, panicking every time I got a call or text message from one of my sisters or the sleepless nights dreading a call from the hospital she was at. It was all worth it seeing how proud my Mum was of me. Then my eldest sister Leanne walked in with her brand new baby, my nephew that she'd had whilst I was competing. So it was the first time I'd got to see his handsome face. So I sat there in the hospital cafeteria the majority of my family with me, Mum one side, my baby nephew in my arms, everyone making such a big deal of me and my medal, and although this isn't how I'd imagined it to be, I felt proud just to be a member of my family and to bring joy to them.
Since then it's been manic, obviously I've been spending as much time as I can with my family, and particularly my girlfriend who has been so supportive. She's put up with all the rubbish & heartache that comes hand in hand with being my girlfriend and has singlehandedly picked me up when I just couldn't see how things would get better, so to her I owe her a lot.
I've also been doing various media bits. Thanks to my management company WMG I was the first guest on the inaugural show Football Fantasy Club. Hosted by Fenners and Paul Merson I had a great time. What's not to love Paul Merson scoring jokes off you live on Sky 1. It was brilliant and I really think the show will take off, it's a proper bloke’s show with great guys working on it and great banter.
One of the best things that have ever happened to me happened last Tuesday. Lowestoft as a town came together to honour my achievements at the Olympics by having a street parade for me.
I was and still am completely thankful for the support I've received from everybody in the country and specifically from East Anglia. Lowestoft as a town couldn't have done more, everyone has been so supportive. To me it sounds silly that me just doing what I love to do has brought so much fulfilment and enjoyment to so many people. And to such a diverse array of people. Young lads to old women have told me they were yelling at the screen and punching with me during my fights and to me that's lovely.
In all honesty I felt slightly silly when I was told that the town wanted to have a reception for me as to me I'm just a normal young man, and if it was anyone else I'd be there in the crowd cheering them on then afterwards nipping into Savers to buy my toothpaste and deodorant. I was so nervous and just hoped people would actually turn up.
It wasn't until I saw the thousands of people in the town centre waiting for me as I drove up the high street in The Beach Radio's convertible car flanked by 4 of Lowestoft's finest policemen and women that I thought wow, I may have actually inspired some people here.
Even Woody bear the famous mascot of Pleasurewood Hills was also there. Woody used to scare the absolute cr@p out of me as a kid. Had me hiding underneath my Mum's skirt whenever he came calling so it was nice to get him in a headlock and give him a noogie. Paybacks a bitch eh Woody?
On stage the Lowestoft Town mayor, who is a great guy, presented me with the Lowestoft Coat of Arms which was a massive surprise and great honour. It was amazing to personally thank everyone firstly for turning out and secondly for supporting me through it all. Not just the 2 and a half weeks during the games but the years and particularly painful few months prior to the games.
John Cremin my long time coach was also honoured with an award which was greatly deserved as it was John that took me as an awkward 12 year old and played probably the biggest role in getting me standing on that podium. I've always thanked John for every training session or every time he's taken me sparring but it was nice for the town and other people to give him the credit that he deserves.
And finally what made the whole day special was again that one person I keep alluding to, my Mum. She was allowed a couple of hours leave from the hospital to come and join in with the celebrations. It was her first time out in 3 months and again watching her cuddle and play with her grandchildren made me realise that what I'd done is nothing. I'm sure everyone reading this has one person that they look up to more than anyone and no matter what they achieve in their lives it'll no way match up to this hero of theirs. Well that's my Mum.
So this leads me to how I feel about my medal now. Although it wasn't the one I wanted it means much more to me than “just” a bronze medal. To me it signifies that despite all the stuff I've had to overcome, the injuries, the personal heart break among other things I never let go of that dream.
Even when I was pulling pints for £5.85 an hour or sitting in a hospital bed with my arm numbed post operation, waiting for the pain to kick in. I never let go of that dream. I got to the Olympics and I made a lot of people happy. That's what my medal signifies to me. And because it was the bronze and not the gold that alone has given me the added impetus to make sure I build from this and eventually get to the very top of the mountain.
I fell short this time but I will get there.
Again a final thank you to everyone that has supported me. I'm currently resting my tired mind and body before I come back ready to tackle that mountain once again.
Anthony.
For more on Anthony, visit: anthonyogogo.com