The Athlete Way

Today. What a magical word. The Games have officially arrived. Sorry I haven’t written. The past few days have been a whirlwind. So much has happened since we left – and more since we’ve arrived. A trip to Cotswold on the English country side. Some peace and calm. A scrimmage versus Holland. So many people, places, things, and my favorite of all - practices on the blue “smurf” turf. Such simple encounters have already become amazing memories. Pinch. Is this real life? Yes. Katelyn Falgowski, myself, Lauren Crandall in Cotswold The Village.  Pop. Pop. Smack. Swishhhh. Haaaahhh. Haaahh. Pop. Smack. The strange noises drew me toward the open patio door. I looked out to see a clash of strong Italian bodies in the courtyard. More a tango of men clad in gloves and head gear performing some violent dance than a boxing practice – our mouths stood agape. We were in awe. Amy Tran, who say beside me, said, “I don’t know what is more funny – ...

From a unique, sometimes odd perspective,  I welcome you to experience my teammates and I Olympic Journey in London. Competition begins July 29th versus Germany.  Sunset on the San Diego Bay First, allow me to preface with a word on my summer adventure - no not the Olympics - the Lord of the Rings. I will conquer the trilogy this summer, hopefully in London. I am midway through The Two Towers (Book Two), and if there is one thing I have learned so far from Frodo and the gang, it is that the middle of things is no beginning for a story.  But sadly, I must begin our quest for the Olympic Rings in the middle of things, for too long is the history that has brought us here. July 21, 2012. It's been a mark on the calendar for what seems like ever. A date that would never come.   But, strangely, today is upon us. A testament to the ever-onward flowing of time and journey's. Today we leave for London, and the 2012 Olympics. Our last few hours in California. For...

Teammates on the Ledge  ( In Valencia, Spain, August 2010)   Lauren Crandall, Kayla Bashore, Jamie Carpenter, Caroline Nichols, Jackie Kintzer, Jesse Gey.  Photo and words courtesy of Rachel Dawson.