Today we captured our first win (4-1), while most of China was just waking up. It was a 5:00 am wake-up call for the entire team, as we prepared to take on the Kiwis. We went for a run, ate breakfast, and had a pregame meeting, all before boarding the bus at 7:15 am.
It was truly nice to get up early and see what the village is like at
sunrise. Of course, it seemed peaceful because most athletes are still fast asleep. The sun was just rising and for the second day in a row, you could see blue sky. As we stopped running to stretch, we observed a few individuals making their way back from a late night out. It seems
that those finished with competition have decided to check out China’s
nightlife. Needless to say, we had a good laugh, while watching them stubble back to their apartments. We finished the run and soon headed to the field.
The game got started at 8:30am sharp and we took an early lead. It was refreshing to get on the scoreboard quickly and continue to persist, regardless of the score. As the whistle blew to end the game, we were happy for the three points and ready to relax for the afternoon. It’s a long tournament and crucial that we take care of our bodies. After each game, we are required to take a 10 minute ice bath. The training staff calls them “bathes” but the reality is that it’s far from your ordinary bubble bath. Rather, we are submerged in a large trash can full of ice water. Combine the fact that you are in a trash can and the looks of the discolored water, I would have to argue with the terminology. But, I will not neglect whatever it takes to stay healthy for each match.
The rest of the day has been relaxing. A time to recuperate and see loved ones. I used the three hours off to meet my family and friends at an Italian restaurant. Angie Loy, my teammate from Perry County, and I jumped in a cab and headed for the Westin hotel where we found a great menu at Prego. My niece needed to eat something other than chicken nuggets and I was excited for a change in cuisine. I also thought that I could not go wrong with a little carbohydrate loading.
Now back in the village, I find myself relaxing with my feet up and watching track and field on the television. Although, Phelps has already won seven gold medals, some athletes are just getting started with their competitions. It’s been exciting to observe the Games in person and meet so many talented athletes. I hope you are all enjoying them from home!
All the Best from Beijing!
Keli #13
We are over halfway through our Olympic journey and the days seem to be
speeding up by the hours. The team remains on a strict schedule, but
yesterday we got out of the village for a special pep rally with
friends and family.
Everyone met at the Bank of America house/ Hometown Heroes venue.
This is a wonderful restaurant that Bank of America has rented out for
all American athletes and their families. In it’s three story
structure, you can eat, drink, and get massages for free during the Games. It is a
wonderful amenity for our families and yesterday, we were also lucky to
take full advantage of the perk.
Upon arrival, the group greeted us with cheers and the sound of loud horns. They had made all types of attempts to show us their support and love. Signs were used to assist the team cheers, while others used red, white, and blue face paint. Most of this was caught on tape due to the presence of MSNBC and a few other media channels. For me, it was special to simply have some time with my family. Besides a few minutes after each game, we are limited to only a few hours of “family time” during the next week. I prefer take full advantage of it when possible!
Our days are now focused on competing one game at a time. We have played half the teams in our pool and now we are looking to get two wins out of the final matches. If we do that, we have a good chance of making the medal rounds.
Today was a disappointing lose to Germany 4-2. We played well but didn’t capitalize on some of our opportunities and in return, they finished 3 out of the 4 corners that they were awarded. We have debriefed the game and looked at video. Tomorrow, it will be time to focus on our next opponent, New Zealand.
With the rain coming down, I will cover up in bed and say good-bye. Take care!
Keli #13
The games have begun for the USA field hockey team, the family and
friends have started arriving, and now the real fun is underway.
We started our first game on Sunday night in the rain against
Argentina, our Pan American rival. Our pre game schedule was
in progress and you could see the clouds rolling in above us. We began to
run and stretch just as the rain started to fall. No one enjoys a game
in the rain (especially the spectators), but we knew that the
likelihood of the weather affecting them more then us was high! That
thought increased our, already high, confidence.
The team was nervous and no one would deny that fact. More
importantly, we were ready to play. It took us 15 minutes to shake the
nervous and by that time, we were already losing 2-0. But, we fought and
crawled our way back and with 5 minutes left in the game, it was tied
and we felt they were crumbling. We had chances to win the game but
instead failed to put the ball in the net with our final corner of the
match. A tie gives us 1 point going into our game today against Japan.
Today will be another battle, but one that we can also win. We have a
few hours ahead of us until the whistle blows. In that time, we will
follow through with our normal game day routines. Four hours
beforehand, we run and stretch. We incorporate sprints to spike the
heart rates. Afterwards, it’s off to a pre game meal, then a team
meeting, and the final 90 minutes before departure is for each
individual to follow through with their personal rituals.
We have played Japan five times this year with positive results. They
will be fast and likely to use their quick stick speed to eliminate.
As we prepare with video analysis, the match-up looks like it will
provide another exciting game for those that wake-up back home at 6am with the
coffee pot brewing.
At the conclusion of today’s game, I will be greeted by my Dad, Mom,
sister, and niece. All of them arrived safely yesterday
afternoon. I can not wait for the hugs and comfort of seeing their
faces. I am sure they will have many stories for me after just a few
hours in Beijing. Today, they went to see a volleyball match and roam
the Olympic Green before the start of our game. I look forward to
hearing more about their experience, as it will be very different from
mine.
All the best from Peking (Beijing)!
Keli #13
