Nick Mashiter’s Olympics diary – August 1

It’s unlikely Alison Williamson will have to look long for employment – even in this market – as she contemplates her next move.

But the Stafford archer was still advertising for a job after her disappointing London 2012 exit yesterday.

The 40-year-old was obviously deflated to see her Games campaign end at the first hurdle to Mongolia’s Bishindee Urantungalag.

Her bubbly persona was curbed a little but she still showed some of her sharp wit which has been a trademark during the build-up to the Games.

By Nick Mashiter at the Olympics – follow Nick at www.twitter.com/nickmashiter

Barely five minutes after her defeat the former teacher was talking to the media and answering questions on her future. After a record-equalling six Olympics she has a decision to make and a job to find.

“I’m probably going to have to look for a job, so if anyone wants to employ a six-time Olympian who can do a bit of archery then I’m your candidate.”

And she also believes the home of cricket can become the new home of archery after being impressed with the 5,000 capacity arena.

Supporters are whipped up by music in between ends with more of a T20 feel about it than a Test match and Williamson offered the MCC some parting advice.

She said: “It looks really impressive. It’s a great setting and maybe Lord’s needs to think about diversifying a bit. The MCC could turn into the Marylebone Archery and Cricket Club.”

The media has been pretty patient with the lack of gold medals within Team GB so far. A home Olympics and no golds after three days usually means panic stations.

The British press – I am one of them – expected much more by this stage, even if it was unrealistic. The big build- up and the big opening have led to a subdued start from the athletes – discounting the brilliant bronze from Kristian Thomas and the Team GB gymnastics squad.

We in the West Midlands might be biased about Kristian’s medal but the team’s achievement alone will not mask the fact Team GB must start winning gold soon to keep the wolves from the door.

The Main Press Centre is sharpening its knives with many complaining Team GB’s athletes are not worth the fanfare they have been given.

But, two gold medals today and Team GB would draw level with their medal haul from Beijing at the same time.

It’s fine margins between success and failure as Gemma Howell and Danny Williams in the judo and Alison Williamson and Naomi Folkard know.

That quartet are out of the Games, it’s over for them, after four years of trying. It’s not when you win the medals, it’s how many you finish with and Team GB still have their West Midlands hopefuls to lead the way.

Andy Tennant and Jess Varnish race in the team pursuit and team sprint tomorrow while James Fair continues his quest for gold with the men’s hockey which doesn’t finish until next week.

The point being is, while there is a tendency to make snap judgements, there is still a week and a half left.

If Team GB fail to deliver criticise them, they will deserve it. But not before.

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