Beyond the Game

Today signifies the end of my Olympic adventure.  This one at least.  If I have ever felt the effects of finishing strong it has been after the last week I endured here.  Obviously it has made it really difficult to write from a time aspect but my mind feels fried as well.  Typically I do a good job of soaking everything in really well and closing everything up.  I am finding it difficult to give any of my efforts emotion but maybe that's another way to look at it.  The fact that I've exhausted myself reminds me exactly how great of an ending it was.  This experience is far beyond anything I have experienced in my life.  It has been the best learning experience for me in all regards whether it be what I learned about myself, the Games, people, culture, the city, etc.  The five and half weeks cannot be described in words.  I could use words like inspirational, sensational, and phenomenonal but they wouldn't do it justice.  There was so much between the lines.  What my eyes have seen has been the greatest spectacle on the planet but the feeling of being so close to so much of it is inspiring and motivating.  Coming into this experience my expectations were that the Olympics were the summit of the highest mountain but now that it is done I feel like it goes far beyond that and I'm now on the moon!  Work, events, and pleasure have taken me all over London and I've seen a huge portion of this remarkable city giving host to an athletic competition among 205 countries.  So while I've spent more than a month seeing London, I feel like I've seen the world.  There is truth to that because the city represented the world through not only the athletes but the millions of fans flocking here.  I've met many new people from all over the world and had some of the most fun I've ever experienced watching others .  What I will take away from this experience most is going to be the people.  The people I've worked with to create such a great team has been a pure joy and honor.  Everyone was so helpful with every task that rose up.  They were a perfect piece of the bigger team, Team USA.  I was able to strengthen many friendships and make many more, some so great I know they will be lifelong despite being from different parts of the world.  I look forward to future interactions with them all.  I really want to send out a big THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of every move at these Games and to every person that has helped get me to this point as well (that includes every good person that’s been some part of this lifelong journey).  I could never be more proud to be part of Team USA than I was at these games.  The expectations coming in were high but there were plenty of doubts.  The country once again showed that amazing spirit that bands us all together and won the medal standings in every category.  It was just as amazing seeing new friends from the host country have their most successful Olympics in over a hundred years because it was so awesome to see the inspiration it gave the country.  Is there a better example of the powerful impact the Olympic Games can have.  It's a mind blowing 2 weeks of seeing the impossible become possible and pure dedication and perseverance pushing people to the greatest heights.  It unites the world in one place at one time.  A world united is something you only see in apocalyptic movies any other time.  The energy is electric and you can't help but join in on the party.  This adventure concludes today and I begin a new one with just me and my backpack, yet there is absolutely no way to compare them.  I look forward to the next one but this Olympic Tale will forever be something special.  Thank you London for giving me the privilege of being part of it and for being an unbelievable host!  One last time…this is Chad signing off.....

Day 36 - UEL wrapup, Volunteer Celebration

GOOOD MORNING LONDON!  Well folks today is the last day of the action going on in my blog but tomorrow I plan to sum some things up.  I will admit that today was a struggle (a bit tired) but we all banded together and finished packing things up.  The movers once again showed the ultimate work ethic and helped give you reason to step you game up one more time and finish.  Like MJ said, “It’s not about how hard you push along the way, it’s about having something in you to finish.”  That’s exactly what it was.  Once again I have to thank the volunteers (Ryan, Paul, and Abby) for helping me rally after the work was done.  I really wanted a nap but they convinced me it was time for our pack to go have fun as a group in the city.  Paul had been talking for a while about an American western style restaurant in Shoreditch.  It was called Red Dog Saloon.  

Abby, Ryan, Paul, and I

They even had an eating challenge but none of decided to accept the challenge.  The burger I had was delicious.  From there we headed to a couple places that Paul was familiar with.  They were located in the business area of London.  The Gallery was our next spot which was very chill but had a great happy hour.  We were all having a very a blast celebrating the good times we had over the last few weeks and trying to make one more memorable night.  That is exactly what we did as we made our way across London Bridge and back to the place I was at last night, Belushi’s.  This time, however, there was karaoke and dancing.  We all shredded that dance floor and then took our one and only turn on the mic where we teamed up for “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams with a little bit of our own flavor as Ryan led a rendition of our own.  We changed the words to “Summer of 2012”.  After many hours and a full day/night of being together one final time I think I can say everyone brought their ‘A’ game tonight.  From there it was an enjoyable cab ride back to Paul’s to crash.  What a way to wrap up five and a half weeks in London and with some of the greatest new friends you could meet!  For me and my role at the Games this officially signifies the fulfillment of my duties.  I hope you all have enjoyed reading the blog and please check out tomorrow’s final piece.  Godspeed my friend!  Good night!

Day 35 - SCORE/UEL Teardown, Closing Ceremony

Well my fellow readers this is the day that inevitably had to come, the day of the Closing Ceremony.  During every other year when I’ve been able to only watch the Games on TV this day always seems like a bummer because it means the 2+ week of fun is over.  I don’t even think it is the end of competition that makes me feel that way.  It’s the end of that energy high you coast on.  The effect is amplified by a ton when you are at the Games because you rely on it so much more.  The coverage you see isn’t limited to what is on TV.  It is all around you all the time.  While the crash of everything being over worries me a little bit I also know that the ‘real’ rest does sound incredibly refreshing.  I was actually very excited for this day, not because it is the end, but because it is a day to close things up and celebrate.  A big group of us (volunteers, staff, and 24 Hour Fitness group) all headed to SCORE to tear down all of the equipment there.  Yes this meant tearing up the volleyball floor (my least favorite setup).  It was actually quite fun though because Paul and I were having a blast messing around and trash talking to each other.  We had so many people helping the teardown of both volleyball courts and the boxing ring went incredibly fast.  The people who ran SCORE were such great hosts during the Games and helped with any requests or issues that arose with a very fast response.  The same goes for the staff at UEL, from the security staff to Mary and Phil to the maintenance team, Graham and Yohan.  I am going to miss Yohan with his assistance he game me with the sauna and everything and his “No problem” response.  And seeing Graham on his scooter driving across campus was a sight to see every time.  Too funny.  One of my favorite parts of working at the Games is the unforseen hiccups that occur and make you improvise and try to find a solution.  I’ll never forget how ridiculous it was for all 10 or so of us (the Sound Moves moving crew and I) to be in the back of a semi-trailer trying to jump up and down so the wheel would gain traction underneath and the truck would be able to get out of the parking lot.  Something as big as the Olympics is absolutely impossible to prepare for and not have things that were unexpected to happen.  The Games test and challenge you to be on your feet.  I love it!  But at the same time a lot has to be said for the people that do try to examine every angle and minimize those occurrences otherwise it would be utter chaos.  After SCORE we returned to UEL to work on tearing down equipment at UEL.  The mats and fencing strips were a piece of cake to pack up but the worst nightmare was the sauna.  The worst part was the tarp underlying the sauna.  Imagine sweaty wrestlers in an enclosed box with high temperatures.  Um ya a couple weeks of that will produce the most disgusting slime/liquid and stench that you can imagine.  Paul, Ryan, Abby and I felt like our entire bodies needed to be disinfected after getting the tarp to the trash.  Disgusting!  That pretty much wrapped up today’s portion of the teardown at UEL and saved the loading and shipping portion for tomorrow.  After we all took turns sanitizing ourselves we headed over to the big grassy area along the path near the water and just laid down and enjoyed the beautiful day for a while over a cold one.  Jay and Rob joined us as well.  A solid day of work and now some relaxation before some great food at the Edge (dining hall) made by Terri and her crew was a perfect cap.  The food was amazing like usual.  It was a carribean/south american theme to represent the next Games in Rio de Janeiro.  After mingling for a while Jay, Paul (Amerian one), Rob, and I headed off the UEL campus and back towards Tower Bridge to try to get into Austria House once again.  Once again it was packed.  Instead we went to meet a bunch of other USOC staff at a place called Belushi’s.  It was by far my favorite place we went out in London.  It reminded me more of the atmosphere I like to go out to.  In there we met Andrea and the other dieticians as well as Wes.  On one level some were watching the Closing Ceremony and on the other there was a live band.  I enjoyed seeing all the music culture of the UK come out in the Closing Ceremony.  It would have been great to be there.  It looked like one big party and the athletes were really enjoying themselves.  After we tried to keep things going and tried to find Brazil House but once we did it was closed.  That wraps up the Games as far as competition days go but not quite the end of my time here working.  There is still another day and something tells me there is one more day of some high quality fun left ;)  Na-na-naa-na, hey hey hey, Goodbye!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 17

Day 34 - Mile End Teardown (Beginning of the End)

Ok at this point I'm running out of ways to open each blog.  How about a simple "Good Morning".  That is exactly what today was since it was an early wake-up for some good physical labor.  I use the word good lightly.  I'm kidding it was good to change things up again.  Today was the first real day of teardown though so that part was very bittersweet.  It's no joke that it is difficult to carry the same enthusiasm at the end of the Games as the beginning.  The experienced ones said that well before the Games and I tried my best to keep that in mind and keep it lively today. We spent the entire morning moving equipment and packing everything up at Mile End (the practice track).  It was actually very fulfilling to bring everything full circle.  I've now seen the beginning, the results, and the end of the whole process and let me tell you, those results were spectacular and make it all worth it.  It's always great when you win but there was so much more than that.  The culmination of seeing so many dreams on this stage really hits you where it counts.  Honestly, you don't want an experience so great to end but at the end of the Games after everything you witness there is an big sense of satisfaction with seeing the end of the tunnel.  It's actually a hard feeling to describe because if it is so good you would want it to keep going but I think if it would keep going for a long time some of the moments would lose value and luster.  That is why I want to make every final moment count and end it the right way.  The times when it's quiet and you know the activity is done with nothing to come are the ones where you can look at your teammates in the eye, let out a sigh, and say "what a ride".  Mile End gave me an opportunity to work with Peter and Randy one more time and get to know them more.  Peter was one of my favorite people I got to know at the Games.  His knowledge of sports, especially soccer, is unbelievable and I really enjoyed picking his brain.  Talking about soccer which is a sport I have only became a student of the game in recent years.  There are things I have really started to understand about the sport and to share them with him was a true pleasure because he recognized my interest and inquisitiveness.  The entire staff was incredible with everything and the 24 Hour Fitness crew deserve a big thanks for all their help.  "Many hands make light work."  After finishing packing up Mile End we returned to UEL where the men's basketball team were having their final practice before the big rematch with Spain for the gold medal tomorrow.  Today was great because it was very casual and I got more of an opportunity to see the guys shooting around and hanging out.  It reminded me of how much I miss being part of the basketball team in college.  After practice I worked on gathering a few items at UEL for the teardown there.  From there it I was off to Paul's to relax a bit and soak in the final night of competition while grilling some food.  We invited some friends we met in London over as well.  I couldn't be more appreciative of the bloke (Paul) for giving me the opportunity to get away once again.  Besides I really enjoyed using him for his cooking (I hope he reads this).  The finale of the London Games on the track took place tonight with the men's 4x100 meter relay and it was a finale that lived up to the hype with the United States taking on Jamaica for the gold.  Both teams loaded with talent.  To see Team USA come together despite being bitter competitors on the track and give it all they had for an American record (one that beat the previous WR) yet still come up staring at Bolt's heels at the finish line made me very proud.  The way they raced for each other and accept their medals as a team proud of one another was special.  To see Tyson Gay get his elusive Olympic medal was straight awesome after everything he had battled (the guy had hip surgery at the beginning of 2012!).  It was a great cap to a wonderful evening with fantastic friends.  Tomorrow is another big day but one that ends with a party.  Time to wrap it up.  Wishing you all a very good night! 

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 16

Day 33 - 1-on-1 Bball, Hitting the Spots one more time

Riiiiiiiiise and shiiiiine London! It felt great to get a full night of sleep for a change.  I went outside my building this morning and walked along the river/canal (whatever you want to call it) and simply tried to soak the place in a little more.  There are only a few more days left .  I watched the lineup of planes take off at the city airport across the water.  Thank God I am a sound sleeper because I now realize how annoyed some people are with them.  They are quite loud.  It's quite the opposite of how UEL feels now.  It is quiet.  Most of the athletes are now done training besides women's and men's basketball.  Today was the women's last basketball practice before they prepared to play in the gold medal final tomorrow.  The other volunteer, Paul (not the UK one), prepared to step onto the court for some 1-on-1 basketball ourselves.  We have been talking trash to each other for about a week now.  I'll admit the games didn't start out in my favor and it was a struggle.  I could tell it had been weeks since I had gotten some quality exercise.  I finally found my groove a bit more in the later games.  Nonetheless, it was great to sweat and do something that was a familiarity for me.  I love the spirit of competition.  Seeing so much of it firsthand at the Games is very inspiring.  It keeps you going every day.  Even though Paul (UK one) couldn't join Ryan, Abby, and I right away tonight for another trip to USA House we decided to go anyways.  I may have said this before but I truly feel like I got a true taste of 'big city living' these last few weeks.  Whether it be by bus or train, it is almost second nature traveling across the city by public transportation.  It is very different than anything I have experience in my life where being able to get from place to place by car was the main (if not only) option.  It has been nice and easy as well as quicker (especially in a big city) but at the same time I do miss the freedom of driving my own car and getting out on an open road with some music blaring.  Once again we headed straight for the food at USA House and once again it was delicious.  I have had many opportunities to eat like a king the last week or so.  No complaints here.  After feasting we headed up top to the patio, the Bud Deck, to watch some Olympic coverage for a bit.  It was very relaxing.  There is nothing like a beautiful evening and enjoying a cold one outdoors.  One of my favorite things in the world.  Later, Ryan and I split ways with Abby and went to meet Paul and some of his buddies at where else...Visa House!  The place is like our spot.  Paul brought his roomie Laura and her boyfriend Owen with.  They are Scottish.  It was so fun talking to them with their accents.  It never gets old.  I think it really makes you feel like you are somewhere new.  To be able to have that cultural interaction is something every person needs to experience because it gives you perspective based on your own experience and not just what others say.  Besides, they usually enjoy it just as much as you.  Owen is quite a character and so hilarious to BS with.  From there we got out in the center of Trafalgar Square and took some pictures before meeting up with the 24 Hour Fitness crew.  It was great final Friday night.  As I wrap this day up I have one confession to make and some may have noticed.  I've been cheating on the date and time of each of these posts.  I was waiting for someone to call me out on it.  It's been a struggle to get these done but I am very happy I did because I love sharing with all of you and it will be great to go back and read at some point.  Hope you all enjoy.  From one side of the world to the other this is Chad signing off!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 15

Day 32 - Women's Gold Medal Soccer Final

Wembley Stadium

Women's Soccer Gold Medal Final

Team USA after scoring goal

Team USA celebrating a gold medal victory!

1. Woke up.  2. Took a shower.  3.  Got dressed.  Ok ok I won’t bore you with that but at least I did everything in the right order right?  Today was a day with another grand adventure.  I forgot to mention yesterday that I won 2 tickets in the staff lottery to the soccer game tonight.  Since I hooked Ryan and Paul up with an event already it was Abby’s turn.  I think she was beginning to worry she wasn’t going to get a chance to see an event so once I told her what we were going to she was pretty excited.  Tonight’s soccer game just so happened to be the Gold Medal Final for Women’s Soccer and the United States was playing Japan.  This was a rematch of last year's world cup final where the U.S. came up short. 

Abby Wambach

 I was so excited for the chance at revenge because watching the defeat last year was tough.  Most importantly this meant that I got to see my future wife, Alex Morgan, in person lol.  Since the match was at Wembley Stadium (Britain's national stadium) we had to leave UEL a little bit early in order to beat rush hour and get there on time.  Wembley was located on the complete opposite side of London. UEL is in the southeast and Wembley is in the northwest so it was a long train ride across the city.  Once we got off at the station the spectacle of people was enormous.  It was almost like a long street leading right to a palace except the long street was flooded with thousands of people and the palace was the stadium.  It was incredible to be in that atmosphere.  Tons of people were dressed up in their gear and chanting U.S.A.  You could tell the vibe was one of a gold medal final.  These were two teams expected to be in this position so there were many  fans there to support their country.  There were definitely plenty of fanatics at this event.  Leading into the stadium it seemed like the crowd was very pro-U.S. but once we got in the stadium it seemed completely the opposite.   
Our section was very much for Japan.  Once the U.S. put in the first goal to take a 1-0 lead the Japanese crowd quieted down but then Japan evened it and the rest of the match remained tense.  With every breathtaking save by Hope Solo my heart stopped a little bit.  Midway through the game I was watching the time because we really wanted to get to the concourse to see Usain Bolt define history a little more.  To see him handle the field in the 200 meter final and win his second gold I knew at that moment he was the greatest sprinter this world has ever seen.  To have that much hype and expectation every time you step on the track and to perform the way he does on the grandest of all stages is downright amazing.  I feel incredibly lucky to have witnessed all of his races live.  I remember seeing Michael Johnson win the 200 in 1996 and destroy everyone in spectacular fashion by shaving 3 tenths off his time for a record people didn't expect to be broken for 50 years.  Now seeing Bolt surpass that but still no one else comes close to either is remarkable.  These are once in a lifetime athletes.  After the race we returned to our seats to see Carli Lloyd put in a second half goal to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.   
The pressure began to raise in the stadium as every minute passed.  Every time Japan attacked the U.S. denied them.  It was the kind of sporting event I live for.  It was like being in a basketball arena with the lead trying to fire back at every rally the other team brings.  After 90 minutes and some change I finally took a big sigh and jumped in the air as the United States wrapped up the gold medal.  It was incredible! This was my second gold medal ceremony and I can tell you all that it doesn't get old.  To hear the National Anthem play as the American flag is raised is an amazing feeling.  I never get sick of hearing that song.  I remember every time stepping on the hardwood and the song playing and getting chills, especially before the biggest games.  I can't imagine how all those women felt on that podium.  Unvelievable!  After witnessing all the postgame celebration Abby and I prepared for a difficult journey back.  Soooo many people leaving the stadium and headed for the same location, the train stop.  It was shoulder to shoulder and moving very slowly.  Someone could easily get claustrophobic.  Finally we got on the train and at a certain point headed different directions as she went home and I went back to UEL.  I think I felt the adrenaline rush for a good chunk of the journey which is a good thing because now I can crash.  Toodles, Chad    

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 14 

Day 31 - USA House

Inside USA House

USA House

Budweiser Deck

Welcome back readers!  The days are dwindling down here in London.  We are well passed transition of week one in the pool to being well into week two on the track.  Group play has also ended for the team sports as it now becomes tourney time to try and claim the medals.  With all these venues and events I can now see firsthand how incredibly challenging it must be to schedule everything with all the factors that come into play.  Another example of why the Olympics are so unique.  This second week of the Games has a different feel then the first one.  Maybe it is me but I get the sense from everyone around that this week is more of a celebration than the first week where the moment finally comes to culmination and the invigorating competitiveness begins.  Each day more and more athletes are done with competition and they get to enjoy the spirit of the Games more.  They did there thing and got their moment.  Now is the time to celebrate.  It feels that way at UEL too because there is less and less activity with the sports finishing up and no longer training.  People who were staying at UEL are leaving.  Many people in the office are getting chances to breathe and get out of the office.  Whether they find an opportunity to explore the city or see some events or simply catch some rest, they now have the time.  That's how these last days feel for me as well.  Other than some morning preparation I am finding a lot of time to hang out with the other staff and volunteers.  I've really enjoyed that flexibility.  Today one of the nutritionists asked if I could go across the city and pick up some supplies from the hotel where beach volleyball was staying at.  I said of course.  Paul and Ryan joined me.  It was probably my favorite ride across London.  Our driver was so hilarious and open about his experiences as a driver.  The conversation was great.  He told us about times escorting P Diddy and other celebrities to things that I am definitely not going to share on here (not appropriate) lol.  Later Ryan and I decided to go check out USA House.  I had been waiting to see if the volunteers could get a hold of passes to get in since I was given two passes for being staff.  Ryan was able to get 4 passes so since he had one extra we decided to go.  USA House is a place the USOC sets up at each Games for athletes and coaches to come in and celebrate their achievements.  They often hold award ceremonies here.  It is also the exclusive location of the USA Store.  Once someone gets access into USA House they are granted unlimited food and drinks.  Believe me, Ryan and I were all about taking advantage of the great food.  One of my favorite parts about the place was running into friends and staff that I hadn't seen in a while that work for the USOC.  I got to see the project that A.J. had put so much time into now in full motion and was able share some experiences about each other's different sides of the Games.  I also ran into multiple athletes that I have created friendships with over the last couple years now completing their dreams to be an Olympian.  I ran into Mary Killman (synchronized swimmer) who spent a lot of time at the Training Center when I was an intern and became a good friend.  Sarah Hammer was there doing her victory presentation with her husband and coach, Andy.  I spent many hours with those two on the track at the velodrome in Colorado Springs.  It was really cool hearing Andy's reaction after being at the velodrome here in London and witnessing the women's team pursuit team take silver.  It was incredible to be there and share that moment.  I think what I enjoyed the most was seeing how happy Ryan was to be there and talk with them as well.  He was star struck.  At this point I have seen and met a lot of people so while I still do love getting the rare opportunities I do not quite have the same sense of awe I had when I was a kid.  Don't get me wrong there are still times I do but I loved seeing Ryan go around and taking pictures and enjoying it like a kid.  I could tell the moment was very special to him.  One moment I definitely did not see coming was when Scary Spice came in the door.  I vividly recall the Spice Girls craze when I was in elementary school.  I'll admit I was as big of fan of Wannabe as any other kid during that time.  Don't all act like you weren't.  That is honestly an experience that I know many people won't have, at least not in the States since she is from the UK.  Imagine the main floor of USA House as the place for awards ceremonies/interviews/celebrations and tighter setting whereas the second level, the Budweiser Deck, was looser.   That is where we transitioned to.  It was chill with TVs displaying coverage and more of a casual place.  We even ran into Keith Sanderson (shooter).  He is my neighbor and husband to my good friend Claire.  I actually rent my apartment from Claire's parents.  It's crazy how it all come full circle.  We enjoyed a couple hours enjoying the night air on the deck and chatting with Keith.  He is always full of stories and random conversation.  USA House was a great time!  Here I am on Day 31 and still experiencing something completely new.  A fun night!  Let's see what tomorrow brings.  Lights out peeps!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 13