By the time I returned home the Olympic debut of triathlon was a fading cloud on the horizon and already the acrimony is spreading about how Britain should have done better. All I can say is that each and every one of us needs to look closely at our own achievements and ask, honestly, could we, as individuals, have done better in their place. The answer is, quite simply, no. Sure, errors were made by athletes of all countries in how they ran their races -- that's what racing is all about! You get it right and you win -- there's only ever one winner.

What we need to do now is simple. Work out, as a nation, how we best prepare for the next Olympics and continue with the fantastic work that Gregoire and the other national coaches started at Bath to enable the next generation of Olympic hopefuls to have the best possible chance. And, part of that effort is the requirement that each and every one of us puts just a little back into the sport once in a while. Support isn't just cheering on the people on the TV -- it's getting involved in the details of the sport: helping out at your local club, marshalling at races, organising events, coaching and even, perhaps, going along to the BTA AGM and letting them know what you think of the way they run the sport for you.