Hello Olympic Gurus!

I apologize for never ever blogging.  Powley has been doing her part from the Olympic Village, and now it is my turn to tell you about my life thus far in Beijing as an Olympic alternate.  Upon arrival on August 3rd, Barb Weinberg (the other alternate) and I checked into Beijing Normal University (BNU) instead of the Olympic Village.  Alternates, personal coaches, training partners, US olympic committee staff, and other integral people stay at BNU.  The name does sound very funny, but this school is actually awesome!  Only USA athletes are staying at the University.  I’ve met or seen elite athletes like the Kobe Bryant (that’s Barb and me with Kobe), Tyson Gay, Adam Nelson, and medalists from an array of sports.  The US Olympic Committee shipped many items from America such as hurdles for track and field, weights and fitness equipment for the gym, and all of the food we consume.  Oh, the food is actually awesome!  Countless US athletes train and eat at BNU because of the serenity and menu.  The rest of my team can definitely vouch for the food and its quality.  They think it’s better than the village!  The team has come to BNU twice for pool recovery sessions on off days.  I have been in the Olympic Village once, and it is just awesome.  So many different cultures living and competing together…I will never forget the first time I set foot in an Olympic Village.

Barb and I are making the most of our experience as Olympic alternates.  We practice with the team, attend every game, and stay fit and healthy at BNU.  You never know what could happen!  Our free time (which is more than the 16 staying in the Olympic Village) is spent working out, touring Beijing, and attending Olympic events.  We have seen the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, the famous Tian’anmen Square, and even eaten strange food at a popular outdoor night market (starfish, snake).  We do have so much more to see in the next week!  We also get to see lots of Olympic events.  I’ve seen beach volleyball, synchronized diving, tennis, and of course lots of field hockey matches men and women.  I am seeing men’s basketball, track and field, boxing, and soccer in the next week as well.  I know it seems like I’m bragging, but hey, you have to see it all if you’re here!

I think that sums up my last 2 weeks here in Beijing, China.  The people are very nice, but not many speak any English.  It’s fun to point and motion with your hands.  Also, the taxis are so cheap!  I’m talking ridiculously cheap.  20 minute ride for 4 US dollars.  It’s awesome!  Oh, and the weather has been fairly nice.  Not much smog the past couple days!  Oh, and by the way, we beat the Kiwis (New Zealand) pretty bad this morning!  4-1!  Yeah USA!  Pool play ends on the 18th…we have to win to be in semi-final game contention.  Wish us luck, and thanks for watching and cheering us on.  Go States!

Sara