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| Inside USA House |
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| USA House |
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| 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
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