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 – them having practice in the courtyard
or us watching fervantly?” We weren’t alone. From the cluster of overlooking
balconies, curios eyes, Spanish, South African, and American alike, gazed on
the spectacle
I thought to myself - only
in the Olympic Village - this madly beautiful, chaotic place where a
spectrum of colors proudly drape themselves from the housing buildings and a
prism of cultures, curious about one another, shine together in harmony. Usually in the dining hall.
The Dining Hall
Wanna go to India? How about the America’s? Britain?
McDonalds? A little cultural food for
all.
Where should we sit? Front? Back? Middle? Blue, Green, or
yellow chairs?
Oh My Gosh. Is that Ryan Lochte? Lolo Jones? Paul Casol?
Gabby (the American Gymnast). Lebron James?
Real Life? Yes.
It’s hard to digest. Not the food, but the madness of
Village life.
The Today Show
Like this morning, we wondered over to the Today Show set to
sneak a peak at Matt Laurer and company at work. Little did we know that we’d
be pulled on set with Matt, Savannah, Giadi, and Natalie. We were like giddy kids. They were
awesome, so fun and friendly.
Really? You want us with you. Are you sure? Yes.
All the hoopla makes it hard to focus.
Focus
Although really, it isn’t that hard. We know why we are
here, and what will be asked of us. Discipline, a lot of discipline, and hard,
smart work. "Find work." That is what Navy Seal Chief Stella ingrained in our
minds when we trained with him and the Seals..
And at the Olympics, there is plenty of work to be done.
But for today, we will celebrate the Olympics, and our host nation at the Opening Ceremonies.
Dear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI want to let you know just how much your article "US field hockey team heads for Pan Ams" inspired my high school field hockey team this past fall. After a two game losing streak, I found the article, posted it in our team Facebook group, and read it out loud on the bus to a game the next day. We loved it so much that we decided to add an "AMERICA!" at the end of our pregame cheer. We won that game in the last two minutes, and a tradition was born. A warmup was no longer complete without a “1…2…3 BARLOW! followed by a 1…2…3 AMERICA!” (And although I am now an alum, I have been assured that the tradition will continue for years to come)
Your words provided inspiration and motivation to succeed for the rest of the season. We used to be one of the weakest teams in the conference, but this year we advanced to the semi finals of our state tournament for the first time in over 20 years.
So on behalf of the Joel Barlow High School Field Hockey team, I want to say thank you. You and the rest of the USA field hockey team were a source of inspiration for us all. We’ll all be watching and cheering for you in London. And I know you’ll make us proud. Thanks again and best of luck!
Anne Dolan
Happy Birthday, Rachel... may everything you do this year be golden!!! All the best!!! tom from NY
ReplyDeleteHello Rachel! I just wanted to tell you that my family was watching the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on NBC and your beauty stood out to me. For over a week I tried to find out who you were and finally found you on the NBC website listing all the U.S. athletes. Good luck in the games. And just so you know, you are beautiful!
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