Day 30 - Bball Guys, German House

I was making my walk down to SportsDock just like any other morning to make sure the surfaces are clean and ready to go for practices for the day when it hit me that no matter how small or big each task I compete or any other person on the team completes they are all vital to Team USA's success.  It all builds into the big goal.  Each little thread inside the big rope is important to making it strong.  I've always known this but by looking at all the experiences I've had at these Games and my prior event experiences I can look back at the littlest things and see how that one thing can make something else difficult or snowball and make many more things more difficult or a bigger problem.  One small broken thread makes the big rope weaker or a weak link in a chain makes the big chain weaker (if that's a better analogy).  It actually shocked me I was able to think this deep that early because if there is one thing I've noticed after the many consecutive days is that it is hard to find the subjective feelings.  The little sleep deprives you and to do that nonetheless in the morning surprised me and made sharing that moment worth it.  The volunteers and I competed the morning tasks.  I couldn't thank them enough for helping me and simply making everyday an unforgettable experience.    Even though I know they have probably hated me making them print out all those gold medals to put on the medal standing charts lol.  I know deep down they love seeing the US do well.  It's been fun to see the amount of medals increase daily and help remind people working of the success that everyone has played a part in.  The US has really began to take off and completely exceed the expectations of many.  While we are an optimistic group many believed that realistically the Chinese would win.  We will have to see.  You can never count out America.  Once again I played escort to the many media personnel that were allowed access to the men's basketball team before practice.  It's amazing how many different people want to interview these guys.  I'll admit it was a fun day interacting with a few of the guys.  A lot of times in my position it is very thankless and many do not see what preparation is done behind the scenes but it makes up for it when you do get rare experiences like walking down the hall next to Coach K and he asks you how your day is or being acknowledged by a superstars like Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, a couple of my favorite players to watch.  After each practice the nutrition station has smoothies made for the guys.  Deron Williams and Tyson Chandler are all over that like white on rice.  They are jokers.  It was fun laughing around with them while they ate their smoothies today.  After practice we spent the afternoon watching some events.  Seeing Ali Raisman finish her Olympic quest with another gold was great and then seeing a good friend, Max Levy, win silver against Team GB legend, Chris Hoy, was special.  It looked like he had Chris beat but there seemed to be something extra that the home advantage gave Chris to hold off Max.   

Max and I and his silver medal

Nonetheless an amazing accomplishment for him.  Abby, Paul, and Ryan didn't mind the outcome of course.  Paul invited me over to watch some more events and cook a pizza for the evening.  It was nice and chill before another German cyclist friend, Christina Vogel, messaged me that she was at German House and could get Paul and I in.  So I talked Paul into it and we headed over there.  It was so nice of Christina and Miriam to use their passes on us.  It was located by Canary Wharf.  The place was set up quite nice.  A really good atmosphere for celebrating and hanging out.  It was quite interesting being in a place where most people don't speak english and even if they do they chose to speak German.  It was great to see the entire German cycling team there after they had been to Colorado Springs the past two years.  

Kristina's gold medal from the Team Spring

 Christina had her gold medal she won with her and she even let me try it on for a picture.  That thing was heavy!  So cool!  While this was happening Paul ran to the bathroom and next thing I know he is chatting it up at the bar.  When he came back he told me some non-German guy started talking to him in the bathroom and then wanted to buy him drinks.  He was being hit on.  I couldn't help but laugh because weird stuff like that always happens to him lol.  I know he'll enjoy me putting that in here.  He did get his chance to see an Olympic medal though because we ran into Max.  It was cool to see his reactions since event was only hours before.  Earlier in the day we were watching a German discus thrower win gold and then tear his uniform off and go running around crazy and start jumping hurdles.  It was hilarious.  Then he came running into German House still amped up. That was funny.  It was a good night and another new interesting experience that I never would have envisioned myself doing.  Still more days ahead to fill with other things.  It's amazing how much the opportunity drives you to keep going with the "It's the Olympics I got to take full advantage of this" attitude.  Well folks I'm shot.  'Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars'

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 12

Day 29 - "Experience" recap, badminton, and soccer semifinal

It may be the Olympics but this morning felt like a Monday.  There wasn't much going onin the office.  Everyone was taking turns at getting towels clean and simply enjoying the Olympic coverage on TV.  The first few weeks were busy with getting things ready but I am very fortunate for the position I am in for the Games because once the Games started it has become very routine for me.  Many thanks go out to the other staff members who have positions that challenge them for many more hours at a time.  I don't want to take away from what I have done here.  The experiences and things I've learned are huge but I am very fortunate to have some great opportunities that others may have not had since the Games started.  It's allowed me to dive into so much.  I've been able to scan many areas of the city.  London offers so much.  The blend of ancient history and architecture along with the modern urban feel make it a city unlike any other.  While London customs in London are very similar to America's (more than I expected) it is very fun to observe the differences whether it be dress, language, interactions, or customs.  The people are my favorite part of it all by far but I've really enjoyed learning about the country's history, culture, economy, and simply how the country is run.  The whole experience has really gave me the experience of living in a very large city.  Using the Tube (subway) has become second nature to me.  I'm definitely going to miss not having to worry about tips in the service industry.  It's just so much easier.  Another interesting part is getting to see how outsiders view Americans.  I have not experienced any dislike for Americans on a personal level.  I try my best to be a realistic representative.  I make it clear that America is very diverse and that everyone can't be judged on the same level.  Yes, the majority do tend to be optimistic and share that "can do" mentality but someone from L.A. can be different from someone from Texas and someone from New York can be different from someone from Minnesota.  Personally, that's what I love about the country.  There are so many perspectives and differences among everyone but then there is a binding unity.  It seemed like a good time to share some reflection since the day was slow.  As I was saying before, I have gotten some fun opportunities like this afternoon.  Paul, Abby, and I set up a badminton net and played badminton.  I'm starting to get a good range of sports played over here.  I haven't played badminton since middle school!  I've forgotten how fun it can be to play.  Did you know a shuttlecock (birdie) is the fastest moving ball/object in sports?  Another fun afternoon at the office.  The night brought the usual.  A group of us headed to our favorite spot, Visa Lounge.  We are becoming regulars there.  Once again the food was delicious.  I had sushi for the first time during one of my previous visits and I'm actually becoming a fan.  It really makes me wish I had my own personal chef.  The hotel where Visa Lounge was very extravagant and due to the number of people we were forced upstairs to a massive conference area where many TVs were on displaying Olympic coverage.  We met some new friends and tuned in to watch the USA versus Canada semifinal .  The final was nothing short of spectacular and didn't shy away from the typical drama Team USA creates in soccer.  They always like to keep things interesting and demonstrate that "It ain't over until it's over" mentality.  When Alex Morgan (who I will admit I have a crush on) put in the game winning goal with a minute or two remaining in the second extra time the room filled with pro-USA supporters erupted.  It was one of those moments for me that will stick out for me from the London Olympics as a television spectator.  The ones where you jump out of your chair and are in complete awe.  In 2006 it was Apolo winning gold in the 500 meter or the 4x100 meter relay in swimming in 2008 that preserved Michael Phelps quest for 8.  The outcomes are so close and nerve racking.  Even as a fan the high from those moments are amazing.  It carried over as we wandered around a bit on the streets and then onto the Tube to head back.  Now the high is wearing off like caffeine and I can sense a hard crash.  Good night!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 11

Day 28 - Escort

These are the mornings where you can really feel the lack of day off hurting you because there isn't enough sleep and recovery time.  You want to do your job but then also make sure you take full advantage of a new place and see it all.  That leaves no time in between and sleep suffers because of it.  Luckily after the meeting Paul said he could help me knock out a few things so I could grab a couple more hours of rest.  What would I do without my minions (the volunteers)?  Love them.  Today did bring a new duty for me though as I picked up another one.  That's what I have come to do here in London, fill in the gaps.  I was asked to be a media escort as all kinds of media came in for the men's basketball practice.  It was pretty cool to see these people's faces that have written many articles that I have read.  Another crazy thing happened during this.  The first person that walks into the gym and asks me if he was in the right place was Apolo Anton Ohno.  I sure did not expect that.  He is a winter athlete that competes in short track speedskating and is now the most decorated US winter Olympian all-time, not to mention my favorite winter Olympian.  This Olympic experience never stops amazing me when I least expect it.  Then he decides he should shoot some hoops while he is waiting.  You all know I appreciated that.  During one of my trips to pick media people up I walk by a massive human being.  It was Mark Henry, the WWE wrestler and former weightlifter.  After things slowed down Paul and I decided a chill afternoon in Athlete Services  would be good so we sent to see Abby and ended up throwing a movie in.  A good change of pace.  We got news that Andy Murray was beating Federer so we immediately went to see that.  It was a breakthrough for Andy and another big victory for Team GB.  One of those moments that captivated the country.  It is so great to see that and experience it with Brits.  Later in the evening I joined Peter, Scott and some of the medical staff at the Fox for the men's 100 meter final.  I've been waiting days for this event because all the big names made it to the final, Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin, Asafa Powell, and the legend, Usain Bolt.  It was the US versus Jamaica.  I knew Bolt was going to rise again on the biggest stage and show his outstanding ability that no one can touch but I wanted to see how the Americans would rise to the occasion.  I really wanted to see Tyson Gay do well.  The final was the fastest foot race in history and so much fun to watch.  Amazing!  Tyson didn't medal after losing by 1 100th of a second to Gatlin but it was still amazing after running only few months after rehabbing from a major surgery.  The final lived up to the Hype.  I was happy to end the night after that and head back for a solid night of sleep.  To all my peeps, this is Chad signing off til next time.  Stay classy America!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 10

Day 27 - Olympic Park & the Velodrome

Welcome to Olympic Park

Olympic Stadium

Velodrome

Basketball venue

BMX track

Team USA competing in the Team Pursuit

Team USA being awarded their silver medal

Me in side the Velodrome

Is that Usain Bolt?

Aquatics venue

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The Olympics are now over a week under way.  It's crazy how fast time is going now that they have started.  It's great though because there is so much going on.  Event coverage all the time.  Everyday we have these postcards delivered to the office by our courier.  On the postcards is an athlete or team that won gold the day before.  Jen and I decided it would be a good idea to place a bet on who it would be.  Unfortunately, I did not guess right and now have to pay up.  It's a fun daily debate though and I will redeem myself!  After a fun morning joking around and completing the daily tasks I wandered up to Olympic Park by myself.  Max had given me a ticket for yesterday and today's events at the Velodrome so I headed to check it out myself.  I got to the park and I couldn't believe how many people there were.  The place was a sight I had never seen  before in the sense that there were soooo many people in one area and people from everywhere on the planet.  It has to be the best people watching place to go.  You could easily spend a day just viewing the millions.  I've been to the Minnesota State Fair when it is at its peak busy time and the streets are loaded.  Now imagine every kind of person possible and the amount of people on steroids with every muscle bulging.  This was my first time getting right by all the main Olympic venues such as the Aquatics Center and Olympic Stadium.  My favorite part was the giant tv screen stationed in the water with a platform on one end for bands to play.  Then there is a huge grassy park area to sit and watch the Olympic coverage.  I wish I had more time to enjoy it and could get back in there easier because the only way in is with a ticket or an accreditation.  After traveling all the way across the park I reached the Velodrome.  Before I moved to Colorado Springs my knowledge of track cycling was next to nothing.  After being working at a velodrome and being introduced to it by some great friends I have made, I love the sport and appreciate it a lot more.  It's quite exciting once you understand all the events.  I walked into the Velodrome a little late but the welcome couldn't have been more exciting.  I came into the place as the U.S. Women's Team Pursuit was competing and they won to advance to the finals.  Following that the Great Britain team advanced as well while setting a world record.  The noise in that place was absolutely deafening.  I have been to some thrilling events with amazing finishes where the crowd is going nuts and it is extremely loud but I would have to say the Velodrome was the loudest venue I have ever experienced in my life.  It definitely helps that the British love their track cycling.  It goes to show after how they finished in all the events (mostly 1st place finishes).  I got to see my good friend Claire as she waved to me from her press box.  She was working the event for the cycling coverage with NBC.  Team USA raced against Team GB in the final but lost as the Brits set another world record and had the place rocking again.  It was a great finish for the US though because track cycling is almost non-existant in the States.  To make it even better is that the riders have trained in the Springs and I've gotten to know their coach pretty well.  It was great for them.  The rest of the events included seeing anothe one of the German riders, Robert in the match sprint.  Max was even at their doing a workout.  He stood up and gave me wave from the infield.  I can't thank him enough for the new experience at the Velodrome.  To cap it all off was Paul McCartney in the crowd singing along with everyone as "Hey Jude" played through the speakers.  As I left the Velo I strolled back across the park and tried to soak the place in more.  By this time it was well into the evening and it had died down quite a bit but was still an incredible feeling.  I wish I knew the best way to explain it.  It was a beautiful night and I felt like I was in a very surreal place.  I don't know if I've ever quite felt like that because it was the biggest moment I've been in where I knew I was in the Olympic atmosphere, especially when I heard the roars from inside Olympic Stadium.  I'll simply call it an "Olympic Feeling".  After scarfing down a Big Mac at the super McDonalds I slowly headed out of the park and back to the trains.  On the way back I stopped at The Fox for a drink and to watch the women's 100 meter final which was outstanding.  I was so proud of that team after they destroyed the competition and set a world record.  I was proud because 4 years ago in Beijing both the women and the men got DQ'ed for dropping the baton and now for them to run basically a perfect race it was very fulfilling.  Now that I was done being a loner I headed out with Rob to explore a new area of London.  We tried to get into the Austria House but it was full so we checked out the area of Shoreditch which is a fun area of London and a lot of nightlife.  The night was fun but ended a bit to late for my liking.  I swear this always happens to me on the nights when there is an early meeting the next day.  Why?  What a day! One of my favorites so far.  Good night blokes and birds!

Day of the XXX Olympiad: 9