Olympics blog

Macau

Boredom can be an issue for those athletes still enjoying the facilities here at Team GB holding camp and now itching to join the action in Beijing.

In between their carefully regimented training regime, time is filled with music, the odd book, a game of pool in their exclusive lounge.

But like an excited child desperately trying to kill time on Christmas Eve during the seemingly endless wait for their presents, restlessness can set in, so some bright spark came up with the idea of "A Question of Sport" style quiz night at to keep the troops entertained.

Assuming the role of Sue Barker was BBC TV track and field reporter Phil Jones.

Perhaps not quite as eye-catching in a dress as the former queen of the French Open, Phil nevertheless proves to be a compere beyond compare!

But any thoughts that this is simply a bit of fun to pass an evening are quickly dispelled by Kelly Sotherton, who fronts a formidable track and field team, supported by javelin thrower Goldie Sayers, who demonstrates a formidable all-round knowledge; Andy "brains" Baddeley, 1500m runner with a Cambridge degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters thrown in for good measure, and Olympic 400m legend David Hemery, who also seems to know alot about everything.

You don't win Olympic and world championship medals without being a fierce competitor, and Kelly makes it clear from the off that failure here is not an option.

Vocal throughout, she bellows out her answers and expresses astonishment when they don't tally with hers.

She keeps an eagle eye on the scoreboard - the responsibility of another former Olympic medallist Katherine Merry who keeps her composure in the cut-throat atmosphere - and constantly reminds Quizmaster Phil of his own rules.

Her fellow hepthathletes had better watch out.

Sotherton's sheer will to win backed by the intellectual power of her team-mates prove an irresistible combination as they storm to victory, ahead of the inexperienced but richly talented team representing the BOA's Olympic Ambition programme.

These youngsters are clearly the ones to watch should there be a rematch at London 2012.

Sadly, the judokas, tipped to deliver medals in Beijing, have had what's technically known as "a mare".

They finish a distant last, reaching their nadir during the "Home and Away" round when they get only one of their four judo questions right.

Poor Craig Fallon must feel it was an omen.