[I just posted a new public album on Facebook: “Headed to London!” Check it out and share!]
Today’s the day! Team USA headed to the airport in t-minus one hour! My bags are packed, my passport is up-to-date, I have my in-flight entertainment (NY Times crossword + People Magazine= bliss!)… I’m ready to go!
The past three weeks have been an absolute whirlwind… team fundraisers, media events, athlete meet-and-greets, and of course, good hard training. I don’t want to give away any team secrets, but suffice it to say: Team USA is FAST!
Amanda and I were selected as the reserve pair, which means that should any medical disaster or unforeseen catastrophe befall one of our teammates (knock on wood!), we will step in and race. We must be ready to hop in any seat, in any boat, at any time; so for the last three weeks, we’ve found ourselves in singles, pairs, doubles, fours, eights… the goal is to be fit, fast, and adaptable!
It’s easy to get distracted by all the pre-Games hype: everywhere we look, there’s another magazine cover or celebrity tweet or news article about the Olympics. But from now until race day, Team USA will be focused on only one thing: preparing to RACE. Until then, we won’t be distracted by the hubbub over the Ralph Lauren apparel (made in China!), or the London nightclub scene (parties everywhere!), or the perks of being a US athlete (gear package!). USRowing has some business to take care of at Eton Dorney…
Go Team USA!
P.S. On a different note, my teammate Megan Kalmoe put together an insightful video blog and essay about “What it Means to be an Olympic Hopeful“. Check it out!
Best of luck in London Jamie Redman. The number of people supporting you and the team are greater than what you all may realize. I hope for great success for all of you. It’s a great experience to take in.
D. Willis
Enjoy all the festivity. I will look for you at opening ceremony. Not that I would wish ill will on anyone I do hope you row.
This is the trip of a lifetime, Jamie. Savor it for all it’s worth. What a great feeling I’d row to Mars if I knew your were backing me up. You’re a row model for all of us. Cheers… Rich
YOU GO GIRL! We’ll be cheering for you and Team USA from Australia. Enjoy the festivities and savor the experience.
All our best –
Barb and Tom
Wow, I can’t believe my lab partner from organic chemistry in college is now an Olympian. That is too awesome. Congrats, Jamie! You were always fast with the beaker and obviously those skills transfer over to the water. Good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.
Robert K
Jamie,
That cake your teammate made is awesome! However, did it taste good? Because… you did miss out on a delicious carrot cake made by Elise for your sister’s birthday. Oh well, guess you can’t always have every cake and the Olympics too. We think of you constantly & send best wishes for you in the next weeks….
The Otto Gang
Good hunting and best of luck to all boats, Jamie! Enjoy! Bearhug!
Jamie,
What a phenomenal experience that few earn the right to have. You have worked hard, persevered, and deserve your Olympic glory (as do all of your teammates). Enjoy and soak in every moment, because when you return to Spokane you have to share every detail with me and the family!
Coach V
Yes! Finally!!! Go Jamie and GO USA! I’m so excited for you and will be glued to the tv. You and Amanda are rock stars…best wishes to all. And….love the cake! Very cool. 🙂
Stephanie Y.
Go Jamie – the Bockstrucks are rooting for the team!
Jamie – How exciting to be going to the Olympics! We are so proud of you!!! Enjoy London. Go TEAM USA!!!!
Hey Jamie! London isn’t a bad place to spend your birthday! Hope you have time to celebrate and do something amazingly fun today, as well as fitting in your training, as I know that you are dedicated to the team and ready to support them in whatever role is required. Wishing you the best! Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday! What a way to spend it. This will be a birthday you’ll never forget!
Go Jamie! Have a good time–I am here rooting for y’all, without a doubt!