It's a marathon, not a sprint

It is still less than two weeks from the curtain closing ceremony of the London Olympics, not that you needed reminding.

Since then sport, notably football, has been read the "follow the Olympic example" mantra and it shows no sign of abating.

There is no doubting that it is a credible mantra. The world has witnessed one of the most memorable Olympics of recent times and the feel-good factor generated across the UK was evident for all to see. The nation shared the elation of success and the disappointment of failure with the athletes, recognising the personal sacrifices made by each and every athlete who had given everything to win an Olympic medal at their home games.

Admittedly football does need to clean up its act after a season which was overshadowed by racism rows. Although the quarter-final defeat to Italy signalled the end of England's Euro 2012 campaign, it also signalled the start of the much anticipated court case involving John Terry, the Chelsea captain and former England captain.

The whole court case, read out in front of the entire nation, was an embarrassment to the sport and for all the organisations that have been working so tirelessly to rid football of racism. Whilst Terry was cleared of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, the QPR defender, the language used was deplorable and is still subject to a Football Association hearing. 

Whether The FA determine Terry's comments to be worthy of a fine or ban remains to be seen. Quite what Roy Hodgson, the England manager, was thinking by pleading with his employers for Terry to escape punishment we may never know. For such an intelligent man to even entertain the question of Terry's potential penalty was unwise, but not fatal.

The opening week of the new football season has, thankfully, shown an awful lot of good. For entertainment, there are few sports that can compete.

The euphoria that swept the nation during London 2012 was of such magnitude because everyone was supporting the same team and one can only hope that the same level of support is maintained for Team GB in the Paralympics.

Following the example set by the Olympics may prove to be difficult in the short term, but there is no reason why the success of one sport should shackle another.