OPENING CEREMONY

Flag Raising and Flag Bearer Presentation

OLYMPICS 2008

Well its been a long while since I have written, mainly because its so hard to know what I can and cannot put up on my blog during the games. .......unfortunately I can't show you the fanastic shots I have at the opening ceremony, or pics of myself with the Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bogut, and or the William sisters to name a few...only mainly lonesome ones of myself:)...lol! (Promise to post all the good ones aftr the games!!!!!!)

I can however, share my experience of being an Olympian and the lead up I have had.

Right now I am back in Korea finishing off my last preparation before I compete. In case you have forgot...thats the 22nd of August! I went across to China for the Flag Raising Ceremony, Flag bearer presentation and Opening Ceremony! All of which I had an amazing time (and sweaty time too!!! ) China at present is extremely hot and you can't walk too far without breaking a sweat! oooooooooh and to answer the pollution question, yes I feel it is still a problem and I feel for all the athletes who compete in outside events. I think China has done the best job they could cleaning everything up but unfortunately the environment can't handle the lifestyle here. ....But despite that issue the Olympic Games here is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Everything else appears perfect! The olympic village is green, green, green----the food hall ...has everything (even McDonalds with a McCafe!), and the units we live in are very comfortable! So comparing things to Athens, I am much prefering these games so far!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

Back in Korea for another birthday!!! I would have to count that now as my 4th birthday spent in this country! Lucky number 26!!!

Anyways...it was a pretty busy day, being Sunday! We had to train in the morning and the afternoon. I was suprised by two birthday cakes in the evening! WOAH! How much cake do they think I can eat!
Check out the pics...those strawberries are massive!

Thanks to Wattle Grove Year Ones!

I recently received some letters from the Year One's at Wattle Grove Primary School! Just want to say a huge thankyou to them. I remember when I was 6 years old with a dream of going to the Olympics. Perhaps there is an elite athlete amongst this bunch waiting for....2024?

Team Australia Vs France/USA/Korea

For the past few weeks, 4 Korean, 2 French, and 2 USA athletes have come to Australia to help us prepare for the upcoming games. Each Saturday we have practice matches with them. So far I have ben successful on all occasions, winning USA 7-4, Korea 7-4, USA 1-0, and Korea 8-6.
Its great having more people in the gym to make some noise and push us higher. I find whilst they have totally different styles to me, I am learning alot more about myself as a fighter and person.

ASADA Hurts Sometimes!

I know they are doing a great thing, keeping sport clean and athletes honest! ...But I think when they take blood it would be nice if they took a little bit more care on how they jab us! 8 years in the tank and I got an 8 day bruise to match!

Backwards Walking to Beijing

Yesterday was an interesting one for me....Dale, the physiologist, got me to do incline, backwards walking on the treadmill....! I know it might sound strange - and let me assure you I was thinking the same thing as you ( how can u have an inclined walking machine and walk backwards on it!)...hmmmmmmm well there is one here at the AIS and my purpose for using it, is to assist in preventing calf/achilles injuries! After only 30 minutes of walking backwards my calves were shaking as I got off and still shaking at training that afternoon. Today Im really quite sore from the experience, but I am sure next week should be a bit easier:)