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
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