Hello from Beijing! We arrived safe and sound in China on Wednesday, July 30th, after a fourteen hour flight from Toronto. We started to get into the Olympic spirit right as we boarded our plane, since on our flight we were joined by the entire Mexican delegation and three women divers from Canada, plus some other Canadian coaches from the swimming team. It was a flight filled with excitement and lots of athletes getting up and walking around trying to keep the blood flowing and muscles moving during the long journey. Upon arrival in Beijing, we were whisked quickly through security and customs. There were special Olympic lines everywhere and at least ten people at every step to show us the correct way. Once on the other side we were greeted by many other Canadian people from the COC(Canadian Olympic Committee) holding Canadian flags to guide us to our awaiting bus. My initial impression was how organized and clean everything was in the airport. It couldn't have been an easier process to get into the country and we all felt very welcome.
A short bus ride later, we were at our hotel. We are not staying in the Olympic village during our competition, as the rowing venue is about an hour plus bus ride from Beijing in a suburb of Beijing called Shunyi. During the second week of the games, once the rowing is all finished, we will be moving into Beijing. Unfortunately, at this time the COC has said, there will not be any room for us in the village, though we will be staying at a COC apartment buildings just across the street from the Olympic green area (the main Olympic area, were the stadium and pool and village all are).
During the first evening right after arrival, we received our HBC clothing. They were very generous with what they gave us! We received many tops, pairs of shorts, shoes, hats and socks to wear throughout our time here, as well as some bags to transport our things to and from the course. The clothing is much better looking and more practical than all the press and hype about it a couple of months ago. I think that team Canada should look quite sharp throughout the games. My only complaint would be the closing ceremonies pants, as they are a bit on the wild side. It will be interesting to see what people think about how the team looks with those outfits on! (Or I should say pajamas ?) The opening ceremony outfits are very nice, and should look make the team look very put together. I'm not allowed to share what they are at this time, but they do look Canadian! As part of the Olympic sponsorship deal, we are required to wear at least one piece of clothing from our kit at all times. So far we have all enjoyed this, and look like quite a good looking team if I do say so myself!
Many people have asked me about the pollution and weather. Well the weather is HOT. Most days it has only been around 30 degrees Celsius on the thermometer, though with the humidity it makes for a very sticky, warm climate. Nothing ever dries, and a shower is really just a temporary relief from the sweatiness that waits right after. The first two days we were here, it seemed almost foggy outside. The visibility was only to about the 1000m mark on the course, and the air was very, very think feeling and it was a little bit hard to breath. Though since Friday the "fog" suddenly lifted, and mountains appeared around the course. (Which are just beautiful!) There has been blue sky, and shining sun every since. I think China's promise of cleaning the air has already gone into effect, and literally over night, the air pollution seemed to disappear. I'm hoping it will be able to stay this way to and throughout the games.
My overall impressions, to this point, of the games are that China has thought of everything and have so far crossed every 'T' and dotted every 'I' that I've seen. The man (and woman) power behind everything is incredible. There are volunteers and staff everywhere, and all are so friendly and very willing to help. If you need something about ten people will make sure you get it. Also everywhere is very clean. There isn't a speck of dirt, or piece of garbage anywhere. You constantly see people sweeping and cleaning up the sidewalks, and roadways. The gardens are also all incredible and the venues are absolutely amazing. There has been a lot of thought put into them. The rowing venue is perfect. Every buoy is in the right place, the boat bays are set up just right, and everyone has an assigned spot. There are cool rooms for each team to go to, to escape the heat, the grandstands look spectacular, there are brand new coach boats on the water, the docks are great. The course in general is one of the most beautiful courses I've ever seen (as long as the air is clear and you can see the mountains). It really is amazing. China is putting on an incredible show. Though I do get the feeling it is just a show. It is way too perfect. We drove into Beijing yesterday on our afternoon off, and there are so many areas that seemed to have temporary "walls" and posters around them, blocking the view to the general public and tourists. The road ways are almost completely bare and without cars as well. It really is a bizarre feeling. It feels like all of Beijing and surrounding areas have stopped living their normal lives, and have shut everything down to make everything into a fairy tale land of perfect looking gardens, streets and sport venues. China is putting on a very amazing show, and is doing a spectacular job of hosting the games, though I hope that the people of China are not being negatively affected by it all. I hope that the games coming here will be able to help the general Chinese population in some positive way once the games are over.
What about the rowing you ask? Well since arriving we have been busy back at training right away. We are rowing twice a day and working hard in the heat and humidity. We are also trying to get over jet lag as quickly as possible, which always affects the way training feels. Also the boat takes a couple days to get set up just right, so we have been spending some time getting all the little things just the way we want it with the rig. Training is going great though, and the boat is moving really well. Only one week today until racing starts. I can't wait to get things started!
One other thing that is quite different here than at other races, is the level of security. We constantly go through security checks. To get in and out of our hotel we have to pass through medial detectors, and bag scans, as well as an ID check. To get into the course, we also go through id checks and scans. There are guards around everywhere and cameras, and barbed wire surrounding the whole course. I am definitely feeling safe and well protected!
I have to say, things have been really amazing so far, but I have to keep reminding myself that this it, this is really the Olympics! This is my dream. This is what I have worked so hard for, for so long. It really seems a bit surreal still. I am trying to soak it all up and enjoy every minute of it from here to the end. Thank you to all of you who helped me in some way to get here. It really is going to be an incredible experience. I am so honored to be able to represent Canada at this awesome gathering of the World.
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