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 4:

Day off (no racing)

This day I spent much like Day 2, resting and relaxing with the exception that I did a short swim program during the end of prelims in the warm up pool. I also went and watched FINALS in the evening.  My coach, Mel Nash, was there and we worked on my Fly a bit, just some technical stuff, nothing HUGE. After my warm up I went to lunch with my parents at somehole-in-the-wall named Zio’s. It was VERY good – pizza and calzones - mmmmmm! My mom is QUEEN of finding obscureplaces where we can eat that are so delicious and unique. Yeah Mom, you rock!!

I was a little disappointed in my 100-Free performance from yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I scored a best time but it was not the race I wanted to swim. Of course, that’s not a good frame of mind to have when you’re at one of the most important swim meets of your life.

I spent time at the pool last night and earlier today with some of the other swimmers including some of the names you’ve been hearing about in the media. We worked and talked and it helped me out SO much. That time allowed me to relax and hopefully put my race tomorrow in better perspective, realize that when I get past the hype and media attention, to me as a swimmer this is just another swim meet. The onlypressure that has worried me is the pressure I’ve been putting on myself.

Seriously, except for you few friends who have helped me and are following my progress, most of the world doesn’t care how fast I go or in what place I finish. What really matters – what should matter to meis that I am here doing something I love and am enjoying the total experience of being here. Just seeing other swimmers I know and othersthat I've been introduced to in a low pressure environment (hot tub, athlete lounge) and talking with them in those situations tends to release tension. Their companionship and encouragement were much needed as were the moments we shared of pure FUN. Quite a contrast to thehigh tension MUST PERFORM situations in the arena.

Finals Thursday night were exciting. I saw Garret Webber-Gale, a long time competitor, make the Olympic Team. Those of you who do not know who him, Garret swam at University of Texas while I swam at Texas A&M University just down the street. He and I have known each other for years, often competing at the same meets and in the same events. That’s what happens when you grow up in Texas, one of the nation’s greatest “hatcheries” for swimmers. I’m very proud of him making his first Olympic Team.

Just of note, I have found very little to do in Omaha. Actually, compared to Orlando where I’ve been training or Dallas where I grew up there is NOTHING in Omaha. I did find seven bowling alleys and a casino across the border in Iowa, but NOTHING really in Omaha – except the resturants my Mom is finding. ;-)

Now I’m going to sleep – tomorrow is the 100 Fly.