2004 ATHENS OLYMPIC GAMES - JOURNAL ENTRIES
AUGUST 25, 2004
It's hard to believe it's only been five days since I last wrote everyone something -- it seems like so much has happened here. I've seen medals, I've seen heartache...I've even seen some more of Athens!
I made it out to Schinias last Sunday for the final of the men's 8, sure that I'd be seeing Canada on the podium just in front of me...well, you all know how that event finished! I did really enjoy sitting right in front of the podium and seeing the joy the various medal winners showed...as you can see from the new photos I posted -- I got quite close to some of them. When I went behind the stands to try to buy a "Rowing" hat, I went past the "Kiss and Cry" area and was so touched watching the athletes embrace their loved ones with their medals proudly displayed around their necks. I only wish that I'd been able to see the Canadian boys show that joy.
After that affair, I was convinced that Andre and I were cursed! Every event we'd been to, the Canadians had failed to podium...it started to make me wonder! So, it was with great trepidation that I headed to the Gymnastics venue on Monday night. Luckily enough, the curse was broken when Kyle Shewfelt nailed his floor routine and won Canada's first gold medal of the Games -- and Canada's first medal EVER in men's gymnastics. I had been lucky enough to hang out with Kyle the other night in our offices following some interviews and was very impressed by his poise and professionalism. (He even wore my white Canada jacket on his interview with Ron Maclean!). I was so happy to see him rise to the occasion.
When we learned that Lori-Ann Muenzer had made it to the gold medal final for the women's sprint in track cycling, Andre and I rushed over to the velodrome (a very cool venue because it's quite small and the sound that the cheering crowds create is really impressive!). It was completely awesome to see Lori-Ann trounce the Russian girl who was 16 years her junior! I had great fun helping the Canadian photographers to get her attention after the medal ceremony -- because they were all placed facing her back, they had to make her turn-around if they were going to get any kind of shot of her with her medal. Luckily Andre found two Canadian fans that had sewn together about 10 flags to make one huge Canadian flag to spread it over the stands in front of them all and then I went in front of it to help yell and get attention. Our efforts were rewarded -- and apparently I got myself onto CBC! (Look out for me :) )
Other than all the sporting fun, I've been getting out and about in the Plaka and other areas in Athens....it's an OK city, but I'll be quite happy to leave it next Tuesday! The job is going well but I'm getting quite bored with typing up quotes, bits of history and photo captions! Andre has completely had it as well and is just hanging on until we hit the ferry for Lesvos....can't wait for that! So...just a few days left!
Here's hoping that everyone at home is well and keep writing! I may not reply but trust me, I'm reading and enjoying :)
Julie
AUGUST 20, 2004
Well, the pace has definitely slowed down here in Athens -- I even had enough time to go to the Island of Aegina yesterday morning with Caroline and Ginette! It was awesome to get away for a little bit and to finally put my feet in the ocean. It's pretty sad to think that I've been here for almost 2 weeks and hadn't even touched the ocean yet! But standing on that beach yesterday made me even more eager to get to Andre and I's sojourn on the island of Lesvos after the Games! I finally got to enjoy a good meal as well...nothing like real Greek Tzatziki and Greek salad...yummy!
Some other highlights from the last few days have included:
1) Brushing shoulders with American cyclist Tyler Hamilton when leaving the Main Press Centre on Wednesday night. I phoned my brother Steve right away to tell him and he informed me that Hamilton had won the gold medal in the men's Time Trial that day -- I had no idea! (I guess this is what I get when I don't get to watch the events on TV...) I wish I'd know as I would have definitely said something to him...ah well. I was amazed at how short he is -- I don't think he was any taller than me that's for sure.
2) Chatting with the families of Chris Jarvis and Dave Calder last night in our office.(Jarvis and Calder are the men's pair that was disqualified from their race on Weds and have been appealing that decision.) Dave's wife Rachel was here with their baby Mira and was so nice. I had just been chatting with my buddy Jen in Kabul, Afghanistan via MSN who told me to say "hi" to Rachel for her as they used to row together in Montreal! Small world. The family was so nice and seemed to be taking the whole ordeal so well. I was particularly touched with seeing Dave looking out at Rachel and his daughter in their press conference last night. I really hope their appeal goes in their favour...as they say, they came here to race with the best in the world and they defnitely earned a spot in that "A" final.
I
just heard that David Ford placed 4th in the men's K1 Slalom final...BRUTAL!
I think I'd almost rather finish 5th than 4th at an Olympic Games --
at least then you wouldn't have JUST missed a medal. Poor guy. Hopefully
our medal tally will pick up in the next few days so I have some more
stuff to cover! I'm going to head over to diving momentarily here where
we likely have a shot. I'm also planning on going to the velodrome
later for the women's 500m race.
Well, take care everyone and please keep in touch!
Julie
AUGUST 17, 2004
Well, as you can probably tell by the lack of correspondence from me -- I've been a bit busy! The Games are now in full force and I'm trying to balance seeing as many events as possible with still getting the newsletter out each night! It makes for some early morning and late nights, but I only get one chance to see these things so I'm sucking it up! (and sucking back the cafe!)
I went to see the canoe-kayak slalom events this morning and was very impressed by the venue....completely wild to think that the whole place was built where an airport used to be. There were finally quite a few spectators as well which made for a nice change -- there was almost no one at Archery the other day, and even beach volleyball yesterday wasn't packed. I'm sure things are going to pick up but I don't think it will ever be like it was in Sydney -- the Greeks have just all taken off (or are too busy volunteering!)
There isn't much to report really, other than the fact that I'm getting out to see lots and loving it. The weather has been amazing (and REALLY hot!), and about my only complaint is that I still haven't had a great meal since arriving (the Ronnie's fries everyday are getting REALLY old!). I'm hoping to get down to the Plaka again soon to try to find some good souvlaki...the stuff they're serving here at the Main Press Centre (MPC) is not very varied.....
Anyways, I hope everyone is well and keep in touch!
Kalimera :)
Julie
AUGUST 11, 2004
Hey
everyone,
Sorry for the group email but I think this might be all I'm going to manage
for the time being! Just wanted to let everyone know that Andre and I arrived
safe and sound in Athens and have basically hit the ground running! Andre has
been busy running around covering practices and team events and I've just been
trying to figure out the lay of the land! It's incredibly cool to be here and
to see all the venues and athletes (we were up at the village the other night
for dinner -- the dining hall is HUGE!).
Last night was the team reception and it was very moving to see all the Canadian
athletes walking in (not the whole team, but a pretty good selection...) Nia
Vardalos from "My big fat Greek Wedding" was there and was very graciously
posing for pictures (I didn't bother!)
The first issue of the team newsletter is set to come out tonight so I will
have to get started on it pretty soon here.....I also have taken a bunch of
pictures that I will try to post to my website today.....
Sorry for the quick message but I just have a lot of things on my mind to get
done!!!
I hope everyone is well and would love to hear from you! I will try to write
some individual emails today as well......
So take care everyone and Kalimera! (Good morning!)
Love Julie
