Not much has changed on the water since my last update. For the most part, it has been business as usual gearing up for the Games and tapering.   I am becoming increasingly more confident on my equipment and I am eager to start racing tomorrow.  The big event the past week was clearly the Opening Ceremony in London.

Traveling to the Opening Ceremony was almost as exciting as the event itself.  Firstly, we were stuck in horrible traffic heading into London, which was fairly unpleasant.  However, once we were close to central London, 15+ police motorcycles greeted us, in addition to a few police cars.  The armored caravan escorted us, at high speed, through central London.  Locals flooded out of street side pubs, stores and apartments to express a variety of emotions.  We witnessed friendly waves, enthusiastic waves, fist pumps, middle fingers and of course - the coveted “double-barrel middle finger.” All the US athletes on the bus were extremely proud to be the Americans in town and it was a special feeling being escorted through central London, particularly as Americans. 

The Opening Ceremony was an incredibly exciting moment that offered a once in a lifetime feeling that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  There were a few moments during the night that have been continually resonating with me as I reflect back - particularly, the moment Team USA was waiting in the tunnel right before we walked in.   The lights from the stadium were shinning through the dimly lit tunnel and the amount of euphoric energy that the group displayed was nothing like I have ever experienced before.  All of the memorable experiences that I lived that evening will undoubtedly be with me forever.

The evening of the Opening Ceremony we didn’t get back to the London village until about 1:30am.  The entire team quickly passed out and woke up at 6am for an early bus back to Weymouth.  Upon arriving in Weymouth, my primary focus was to rest after the long evening and get out on the water for a couple of very light (30-45 minutes) sessions as my training is finished and I am fully in a taper mode.

The Olympics regatta starts tomorrow and I have done everything within my ability to control as many variables as possible, thus satisfying my final preparations for the event.  I can’t wait to race – let the Games begin! 

How to Follow:

NBC and BBC are showing live streaming of our sailing events.  From what I have heard, NBC's streaming does not have a broadcaster, but BBC's streaming does.  However, viewers may not be able to access BBC from the United States as it is not the official US broadcaster.  My suggestion, log onto NBC streaming first, if they don't have a broadcaster, try BBC's streaming.

NBC's Streaming: http://www.nbcolympics.com/liveextra/
note that NBC also has a streaming app called NBC Live Extra

BBC's Streaming: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/2012/

Follow results at ISAF's Olympic sailing website: http://www.sailing.org/olympics/

My Sailing Schedule:

My schedule is always tentative and will most likely change due to wind conditions so stay tuned to ISAF's Olympic sailing website for updates, http://www.sailing.org/olympics/

As of right now my schedule is as follows (BST):
Tuesday: race 1 - 12pm, race 2 - 12:50pm
Wednesday: race 1 - 12pm, race 2 - 1pm
Thursday: race 1 - 330pm, race 2 - 420pm
Saturday: race 1 - 2pm, race 2 - 250pm
Sunday: race 1 - 130pm, race 2 - 220pm
Tuesday's Medal Race: 1pm

Let me know if you have any questions...I may be able to answer them!

In the News:
NY Times Q&A
Chicago's Red Eye
CBS Chicago
Chicago Tonight

Thank you all so much for the support! This is the fun part!

Best,

Bob