8/16/08 9:02am Local Time, Water Cube
It's coming to a point where I'm actually having to remind myself that I’m still on the other side of the world watching the fastest swimmers compete in the most gorgeous facility on Earth. I remind myself that no, this is not normal, everyday life like it sometimes seems to have become. These are the Olympics and I am in China. I am still having a hard time coming to terms with that.
Yesterday's swimming was a nice little wake-up call to the aquatics staff. Rebecca Soni started it off by pulling a huge upset over Australia's Leisel Jones to win gold in the 200 breast. To be there to see the expressions on the swimmers' faces when they win their first Olympic gold is priceless. I was so happy for her.
Ryan Lochte ended up winning the 200 back over Aaron Peirsol for his first individual gold, as well. And of course, Michael Phelps came out with another gold and another world record in the 200 IM. The Americans won 3 of the possible 4 golds yesterday to finish off their best session of the meet so far.
This morning will be Michael Phelps' biggest challenge for gold: the 100 fly. It's a tight final and anything can happen in just 100 meters. I'm so excited to watch. And I’m in the commentary booth again today, too, so I get the best seat in the house for all of it.
I've saved the very best story for last today for 2 reasons: one being that it just happened about an hour ago, and the other being that it hasn't really sunk in yet that it did actually happen. I was told first thing this morning to get in a golf cart and go wait outside the Water Cube to drive people from there to the IBC. I found out soon after that it was Bob Costas himself that I would be driving and my broadcast manager, Cathy, made a special point out of letting me meet him. Two other carts were waiting there with me because Bob travels with a 17 person entourage, I guess. I saw a large group of people walking out of the Cube, Cathy leading the pack. She yelled to me and asked me if I was ready, and she brought Bob right over to me to introduce me. He shook my hand and was asking me how I've been enjoying everything so far and I seriously almost fell over. I was so excited. Cathy said he remembered talking to me on the phone back in October and he was excited to meet me. He told his group that he was getting in my cart to the IBC and he sat down next to me and just started talking away. I really couldn't believe what was actually happening. This was a bigger deal to me than meeting any athlete or any interviewer or any producer. My heart was almost pounding out of my chest, but luckily this time I managed to keep my composure and have an intelligent conversation (or so I hope). It was completely out of this world -- like a dream come true, not even exaggerating. And just the fact that he remembered talking to me back in the fall was a huge honor. It was the absolute best way to start my day.
On top of everything, I'm getting to go to the Great Wall this afternoon with a group of people from work. It's a gorgeous, clear, blue sky day (yesterday was, too, and the moon and a few stars were actually out last night!) and I can't wait to take some pictures!
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2 comments:
I am so happy for you. Sounds like a great time in Beijing. When I get a break at the hospital I watch NBC to see this World Class Swimming Event. Stay safe and have fun
Yeah, composed, intelligent, and probably pissing your pants in front of Bob Costas!
Two other things, how tall is the great wall, and do they let you throw things off of it? I'd want to pretend like people passing by below were really attacking Mongolians and throw pennies at them to fend them off.
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