Talk of the town: Swim star catches his rivals napping

THERE’S no doubting that the Olympic Games have been kind to the Capital, and now some of the secrets behind that success are starting to emerge.

Despite being pipped to the gold medal, Michael Jamieson, the former Edinburgh University student, produced the fourth fastest 200m breaststroke in history and puts his lightning speed through the pool down to a lofty sleeping position.

The 23-year-old prepared for the Games by bedding down in an altitude chamber, which triggers the body to create oxygen to fuel training.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steve Baddley, director of sport at Bath University, where Michael trains, said both the silver medallist and fellow finalist Andrew Willis had been using the chambers.

“One was sleeping at 2800 metres and another at 2400 metres,” he said. “It’s used to thin their blood out and increase the red blood cell count and get themselves in top condition.

“It sounds slightly quirky but whether it works physically or mentally doesn’t matter. If they believe in it, then that’s the main thing.”

But one thing is for sure – it’s certainly taken Michael to new heights.

Raise a glass to the city’s tipple-top spots for drink

IN a city full of fine drinking establishments, it would be impossible for us to select the best, so we’ve let someone else do it for us.

Free lifestyle magazine Shortlist has handed out its 2012 Pints and Pistachios Awards and we can report that the Capital has fared rather well.

They visited and reviewed gastropubs around the country before more than 5000 readers voted for their top ten – hammering their colours to the masts of three Edinburgh venues.

In at number eight was The Westroom in Melville Place, which was praised for a “guaranteed great experience”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Picking up a bronze medal (well, it is an Olympic summer) was The Sheep Heid in Duddingston, but edging ahead of that in second place was The Salisbury Arms, which “feels right whether it be for coffee, lunch or supper”.

Big hand for Festival

LAST word goes to Twitter user Withered Hand, who very early one morning sums up his Festival experience so far.

“Drove across the town just now. Dog-tired. People drifting home arm in arm. Happy. This is a magic town. I love this city. #Edinburgh”

Related topics: