Training in Dalian
It doesn’t get much better than this. I am currently in Dalian, about an hour away from Beijing by plane, and it is incredible to say the least! I am so fortunate to be part of a federation that would go to these lengths to help give all their athletes a clean, safe, and relaxing environment to prepare for the start of the Games.
I have been here since the 2nd and I have been able to enjoy all the amenities of this beautiful facility. There are three different tracks for us to train on, one for sprinters and jumpers, one designed specifically for the throwers, and a horse-shoe track for the distance runners. All these facilities were built within the last six months just for us.
Although that is unbelievable what is even more incredible is the 2000 security men and women looking after us. We never make a move without someone there. It is unreal how extensive the security is, almost like a human fence set up to keep us safe. As we drive back and forth from the track, there is a man or women, some uniformed others not, standing almost every 100 meters along the road side. Along with the physical protection, we are escorted by police, as they shut down the roads while we travel from each point.
There are also armed men set up on building tops at the track and around the hotel at all times. It is a major operation! A lot of people, especially the residence of the city, have made tons of sacrifices to have us here and we all greatly appreciate it.
Other amenities include a bowling alley in our hotel, a 60-seat movie room, ping-pong tables, pool tables, an athlete lounge area, a sauna, salon, and more. All these things really give us a chance to bond and feel like a family.
It’s always so much fun to be a part of the USA Team! You meet amazing new people, you cheer for each other in practice, and you become invested in everyone’s journey to success. I think it’s one of the best parts of track and field and I am honored to be an Olympian!
My training has been going really well and I am so eager to get started. As I write this entry, it is already August 7th here in China, just one more day until Opening Ceremonies. I opted not to go to the Opening Ceremonies this year, after participating in 2004. It is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had but it just makes more sense for me to stay here and continue to train and head over to Beijing only one time, on the 11th, a few days before my preliminary round.
Stay tuned