By Robert Johnson

Last updated at 13:27, Friday, 30 July 2010

Robert Johnson REF: 0295842

THERE have not been many uplifting sporting moments to shout about this summer.

England’s World Cup bid ended before it even began, while Andy Murray failed to win Wimbledon – again.

But at last we have something to shout about – and the star who finally shone on the world stage is a Barrovian.

Chris Thompson did himself, Barrow and the sport of athletics proud when he secured silver in the 10,000m at the European Championships in Barcelona.

And what a race it was.

Thompson ran the race of his life – producing a storming finish to come second behind fellow Brit Mo Farah.

I was so proud to see Thompson in arguably the finest moment of his athletics career.

It should be a shot in the arm for athletics both nationally and locally.

But as Barrow Borough Council’s sports development officer Chris Athersmith said – Thompson’s silver medal success does highlight the need for a running track in Barrow.

When we secured the London 2010 Olympics, Lord Coe said he wanted to leave a legacy behind. Lord Coe was talking about the physical legacy in East London.

But Lord Coe is also determined to leave a legacy in terms of sports participation.

He believes the Olympics should and will act as a springboard to encourage youngsters to take up sport.

But Lord Coe’s vision cannot be realised if we don’t invest locally in sports facilities.

The coalition funding cuts are hitting every part of our society and sport is no different.

But if we don’t invest in basic sports facilities like a running track, then a great opportunity to get the children of 2012 to take up athletics will be missed.

And that would be a real shame.

AT the same European Championships another British runner was making waves.

Dwain Chambers was expected to challenge for gold in the final of the 100m.

He was up against French running sprint star Christophe Lemaitre.

Fellow Briton Mark Lewis-Francis, who was only told two weeks ago he was in the GB squad, was also there. Many expected Chambers and Lemaitre to be the two main stars, while Lewis-Francis was written off.

But Lewis-Francis proved all his critics wrong with a blistering performance – finishing second to Lemaitre in a time of 10.18 seconds.

Lewis-Francis has been injured on a consistent basis and had failed to deliver on his promise.

So to win a silver medal is a fantastic achievement – hopefully he and Thompson can kick off in their respective events.

Chambers finished fifth – many ex-athletics stars expressed their delight at the former drug cheat’s failure to get a medal.

I think Chambers is a reformed character and his past should be left exactly there.

First published at 13:03, Friday, 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk