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The Beginning of Things

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 a bunch of transplanted MidAtlantic-ers, this sunny paradise sure feels like home. We became a family here - bonded over our love of two things - Field Hockey and America - and our pursuit of another, that unknown greatness that beckons ordinary people toward extraordinary beauty.

Today. I woke early and stumbled groggily down the dark stairs. The street light filtered through the window. I walked to the sink, flipped on the faucet, grasped the rusting kettle and filled it. I took out the French Press, poured two scoops of coffee beans into the grinder. The noise shook me. I took a deep breathe. A delightful aroma filled my nose - the sultry scent of fresh ground coffee. I moved the kettle to stove and waited. Same as every morning.

Through the window, a palm tree swayed gently in the morning wind. In the distance an airplane landed. Slowly, I awoke. In awe of life, and its simplicity.

The Olympics. I am excited. Yet calm. At peace with what is, and what will be. There is an unknown before us, and in the coming weeks, we will seek to define that unknown. An opportunity we will face boldly and courageously. Grantland writer Katie Baker said of our team, "Now they find themselves occupying the odd space between "just happy to be here" and "official dark horse candidate." It is an odd space, indeed. Not just for us, but for all Olympic athletes. That's the beauty of this experience. That we confront and slowly reveal, the unknowable, in glory or defeat, while letting the beauty of the experience shine.

Courage, Trust, and Praise. There is a quote on the back of my front door that my roommate Elliot Hovey, a member of the 2012 Olympic Rowing team, posted a few months ago  - Do Your Best, and the Best Will Follow You.  

It's a solid reminder, as I leave for the Olympics to give the journey, and life, what it deserves - the best of me. And in the end, life will give you the best back, if it hasn't already. 





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