Sally McLellan, at the tender age of 21, has shown us how it is done, on and off the track. She can run fast, both over the hurdles and on the flat, and has an unswerving belief in herself, no matter who the company.
But most importantly, she is completely unaffected in front of a microphone or camera.
She maintains her infectious enthusiasm and natural honesty at all times. None of the platitudes or cliches apply for McLellan. Just straight, honest answers for everyone.
There are many similarities between McLellan and the livewire in the Wallabies squad, Luke Burgess.
Neither pretend to be anything other than a natural, youthfully enthusiastic, slightly starstruck, but aggressive and successful performer on the world stage.
Long may they continue to be themselves.
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LeftArmSpinner
Guest
yeh, its great. more of it. the latest one is "aaaannnnnddddd, I didnt even run all that well, so when I do, I'll get the gold!" but delivered with the intonation of a 5 year old talking about a lolly for being good!!! dont for a moment think that I am knocking her. I think she is great. more strength to her arm!!!! dont go changin'
Benjamin Conkey
Editor
'Did you see me?' has already worked its way into all my friends conversations. Hopefully it catches on all around Australia.
Trevor
Roar Pro
A breath of fresh air. She's worth gold in my books. I've never enjoyed an Olympic moment so much.
Jameswm
Guest
Yeah - I did mean loony in a good way. None of those cliched answers. Cathy Freeman used to be the same. She was asking the journalists afterwards if they wanted to touch it. "It's real, wanna touch it?". Great stuff.
LeftArmSpinner
Guest
we need more of this. hopefully, but most unlikely, the press will trample her at the first moment.
The Cougar
Guest
Agreed. She was so refreshingly honest. "Did you see me at the start? Did you see how pumped I was...". Gold stuff.
LeftArmSpinner
Guest
Loony, well i know what you mean. I prefer her to the filtered, coached interviews full of cliches from most of the others. More strength to her arm!!!!
Jameswm
Guest
The interview of the games so far - she's a classic. Loony, but a classic! And a genuine world class athlete - we don't have too many of them.