The blog on this website is my account of the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. I have read that there is no photography equipment allowed in the Qwest Center however I’m going to see what I can do to snag a few pictures.

Day 1:
Orlando - Waking up in Orlando with my dog Q (a 6 month old male Siberian Husky) who was helping me get up since it was time to leave for the airport.

I moved down to Orlando the first week of June last year at the end of my NCAA career to train for this event. All of my efforts for the past year have been focused on the performaces expected this week.

I staggered out of my bed, took Q for his walk and played with him - he was going to miss me, no dogs allowed on the pool deck. Then to the showers, then packing (throwing some clothes in a bag) and then to my car. Mr. Honeck (my current host family) drove me to the airport at which I arrived literally 3 minutes after the check-in deadline for my flight. No worries though, I was rushed through security with no checked bags (due to being late for check-in) went to the ticket counter and was immediately assigned to the first available seat.

Dallas Ft. Worth – I arrived in DFW it seemed just moments after I fell asleep which I did shortly after takeoff from Orlando. I know it’s a gift to be able to fall asleep almost on command on a plane and I greatly enjoy it, I highly advise you all to see if you can train yourself to do it. We arrived about 5 min late and I had to rush through the airport in search of my connecting flight WHICH WAS IN ANOTHER TERMINAL! But thanks to the Skylink it was an easy jump. I hadn’t eaten yet (real food) and grabbed some chicken nuggets on the way to the Omaha flight - they were a little stiff. Eh, airport food.

Immediately after choking down the nuggets I arrived at the gate and was immediately boarded and was given an exit row seat (yeah leg room!) and a window - bonus! Falling back asleep off we went to Omaha.

Omaha – After landing calls went out to my former roommate Ozzie Gardner who was with Doug Boyd (Texas A&M Associate Head Coach). We traveled to the Embassy Suites and checked in, after selecting one of the comfiest beds I’ve enjoyed in a while, we rested for the next hour.

The Qwest Center and the Pool – Riding with Steve Bultman (Texas A&M Women’s Head Coach) to the pool we arrived in one piece after navigating drastic traffic over the 5 blocks from the Hotel to the pool (literally 10-15 min walking distance). Ozzie and I had not received our credentials and were not able to enter the same entrance as the Aggies that we rode with, and were told to go around the Qwest Center. This began a 30 minute journey around and through the center to find the single place where we were able to check in. Taking my picture and laminating my new fancy credential were small tasks compared to finding the pool. We ran across Cynthia one of the ladies who had the “Qwest” uniform on, she said she could help us find the pool deck. Well… after trying to throw us out the back door onto a stairwell, and walking almost completely around the convention center and the arena (again), we discovered the Athlete entrance.

Walking into the Athlete entrance with credentials around the neck, there were members of our Military as checkpoint guards. Flashing our badges and walking through the entrance, it was like entering another world. Walking in on the ground level everything was Red, White, and Blue, the Olympic Rings are on a massive banner right at the entrance. Right behind the banner was the monstrosity of the warm up pool, 6x25 yard lanes and 8x50 meter lanes. It is a temporary pool and is set up on the floor of the convention center area of the Qwest Center, on one end is a giant pace clock and a Giant monotone screen setup with a direct link to the live results on the competition pool. To the right of the screen is a video projection of a live feed from the pool deck. All around the warm up pool is the Athlete Zone which has a widescreen TV with Rock Star hooked up to it, some couches, water, and an internet café type setup.

Next to the Athlete Zone is a massage area with free massages to all the athletes, all you have to do is sign up and specify an area where you need work done on. Next to that is the Coaches Hospitality, I REALLY wish I had my coaching credential with me right now ;-). Next to them is the Speedo fitting area, you can check out the new dome caps and goggles, in addition to getting fit for the LZR Racer Suit. Around the rest of the pool deck I’m not sure I haven’t explored that area as of yet.

When you go from the warm-up pool to the competition pool, there is another checkpoint with Army in camouflage. To the right of the checkpoint are the locker rooms and the ready room for Finals, straight ahead is a set of steps up to the pool deck and the athlete seating area.

I basically ventured all around the Qwest Center pool deck, got a massage from one of the massage therapists and watched the races. When the last race was finished (Women’s 400 Free) we all then packed up in the Jeep and headed to the Spaghetti Factory. I ate some lasagna and headed to the hotel which was conveniently across the street to sleep in a wonderfully comfortable bed.

Going to sleep now, going to rest and get ready for Wednesday.