Air, En L'.

This is one of those stories that leaves you shaking your head at the marvellous wonder of it all. As you may know, Melbourne is currently hosting the Commonwealth Games. In the lead-up, one of the major banks released numerous advertisements on television with a Commonwealth Games theme. One of those ads has been set in a ballet class. At the back of the group of women is a great lumbering bloke trying, without much success, to follow the rest and spin on one leg. The teacher, observing his plight, gives him some one-on-one instruction after everyone else has left. As the man spins around, the image morphs into him spinning and releasing a discus in a sporting arena. There is the sound of a crowd cheering, and the ballet teacher is standing there, looking on with pride plainly stamped on her face. The concept behind these ads is that, with the right help and experience, together we can achieve our greatest goals. All in all, a very successful campaign. Meet Scott Martin, star of the advertisement and - although not many people realised it until a couple of nights ago - Melbourne athlete representing Australia in the Commonwealth Games in two events; shot-put and, you guessed it, discus. The reason he looks so happy in the picture on the left is simple. On Thursday night, Scott won the gold medal in the discus. Quite a few people were amazed when they realised he was the "bald bloke in that ad". It would seem the ballet lessons paid off, and I can just see thousands of budding shot-putters and discus throwers signing up for the next class. And it's also possible that the woman who played the part of the teacher had some hand in his success. She is actually a qualified ballet instructor. How's that for a little synergy? One of those pleasant little quirks of fate that pop up from time to time especially to put a smile on our faces.

Photos borrowed from the Herald Sun, with thanks.