Olympic Whirlwind: a much-belated blog post
August 9, 2012 by jamieredman
Watching my teammates launch for the Olympic Final
This week has been the complete emotional rollercoaster… watching my teammates race for gold in their Olympic Finals was one of the most inspiring moments of my life. I’m so so so happy for their success, and I’m honored that I had a role to play in helping them achieve their Olympic dreams. It was a total affirmation for me to see the American women perform so well (6th in W2x, a close 4th in W2-, bronze in W4x, gold in W8+)– it is a small comfort to know that I didn’t lose my spot in the boat to mere mortals, but OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS. I am so so so proud of them, and proud to be called their teammate.
The best cheerleaders a girl could ever hope for
Now that racing is over, we’ve moved into the main Olympic Village in London (we were previously located in the satellite Rowing Village, about an hour away). As is evident by this much-belated blog post, life is a complete whirlwind. So much to do, so much to see, so many people to meet, and SO LITTLE TIME TO DO IT ALL! I’ve sadly neglected my email inbox, I haven’t even unpacked my suitcase, I barely have time to sleep or shower… there is just *that many* amazing opportunities! Paradise on earth! (Don’t even get me started on the dining options)
Look who we ran into on the bus ride back from the gymnastics arena! Pictured: The Fab 5 (!), Anthony and Robin (LM4-), and Ty (reserve pair)
For example: several nights ago, I was faced with a tough decision. Do I go to the Team USA hospitality house (delicious buffet, open bar, fun scene) where the US Swim Team (Lochte and Co.) was having a reception? Or do I get a free ticket (front row balcony) to gymnastics finals? Or last night: do I go to an exclusive party thrown by Coca Cola for their corporate execs? Or do I stay in, and watch track and field finals with other athletes in the US Athlete Lounge? Does this decision change when I realize that the other athletes are the men’s 4x100m relay team and Serena Williams? (On the outside: a super-chill rower, just playing it cool and chillin’ with her fellow American athletes. On the inside: “AAAAHHHHH!!!”)
Track and Field: capacity crowd, great seats, amazing competition… my ears are still ringing from the deafening cheers
This experience has been completely surreal. I am so so so blessed and excited to be here. THANK YOU for all the support and encouragement!
Inspiration for Rio? (a big thank you to Esther for loaning me her medal)
Hurray for Spokane Olympians!!!! (Amanda Furrer, Mead HS, 50m rifle)
it’s 3:30am PCT..obviously still recovering from the London rollercoaster experience! What an honor to be your “mum” and a part of your Olympic dream. Your integrity in the face of uncontrollable circumstances is “bouleversant” and inspirational with a farther reaching impact than a podium performance..just as Baron Coubertin intended! You’re indeed surrounded by a global village of cheerleaders.
Great stuff! Keep it up! Heading to the river…. Greg
Absolutely fabulous! It is a treat to see your pics and hear about your experience. Thanks Jamie!!! Other athletes are lucky to meet YOU, too. Keep having SO MUCH FUN!
We would expect Jamie to do a world-class job of soaking it all in. Go for it, girl.
I hope you can captures these giddy, amazing feelings and relive them in the days and years to follow!! WOW is all I can say! And yes … a teammate YOU ARE!
This whole process has been like one of those epic books or movies where even at the end you know that there will be more adventures to follow. I can’t wait for the sequel. Thanks for including us in your adventure. GO JAMIE GO
Hi Jamie
I’m a British rowing fan who has really enjoyed your photos and updates. It’s been a fascinating peek behind the scenes and I’m glad you had a great time. Congratulations to you and the American team for all your efforts. I was at Eton Dorney for a day’s racing and it was very special. Sorry about the noise, by the way, but it was exciting stuff!
In case you don’t know, your name was mentioned in both The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, two national broadsheet newspapers here. So if you’re keeping a scrapbook:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/london-2012/9473471/Olympic-athletes-share-their-greatest-memories-as-they-leave-London-2012.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/aug/13/olympians-memories-heathrow-terminal-4
All the very best to you.
Thank you!! It was thrilling to be a part of this whole Olympic experience; London really did an amazing job! Haha, if I had known our “memory tree” was more than a simple art installation, I would’ve written something much more patriotic! But even so, that Saturday night was one of the most amazing nights of athletics I’d ever witnessed… I was so lucky to be among the 80,000 people cheering for Jessica, Mo, and Galen!
I saw that you were there in your photos. Between Jess and Mo, the British long jumper Greg Rutherford won Gold too, so that Saturday night has already gone down in British sporting folklore. And you were right above the finishing line!
I was watching on TV at home and even there it was spine-tingling when Mo came off the final bend and kicked on. The atmosphere must have been incredible where you were. It was a great 1-2 also because he and Galen Rupp are training partners.