The week has been full of surprises in Guadelajara, Mexico. I felt great and excited up until the day right before my events. Then, I suddenly came down with an unexpected infection and had to have an IV treatment at the athlete village. I had good care, but everyone thought I wouldn't swim my first event the next day,on Monday, and maybe I would miss the entire competition!
However, by Monday I felt well enough to try the 200 I M. I
didn't quite realize the level of energy it would take. I did swim it, but I
did not place in the event and had trouble breathing in the high altitude. My
time was way off, and I was very disappointed, but my teammates were so
supportive. By Wednesday, I was much better and I was ready for the challenge
of swimming the 100 breast. I swam a respectable time, considering dealing with
illness and a 5000 feet altitude, and I placed second - taking a silver medal
for the US team. I realized then that I had reached my goal of being on the
medal platform.
I was thrilled to get a chance to also swim on Thursday in the US women's 200 IM relay and the US team placed second in this exhibit event. It was good to have my mom in the stands for all of my events.
The entire experience of the competition has been amazing. First, I learned that things don't always go as expected. But, you can still make the best of it.
I have learned a lot about what is expected to travel with the US team. The rules are very strict. As a team, we travel under police escort from the secured athlete village to the pool. We stay together at all times.
I have experienced what it feels like to swim in front of television cameras and huge crowds in a stadium. The stands are packed full of crowds who cheer continuously. The television coverage shows views of us swimming from every angle, even under water. The media coverage of every event and the formal medal ceremonies make us feel like celebrities.
I have learned what it feels like to represent my country and wear the USA uniform. I was proud to see the US flag raising at the medal presentations each time one of us took gold, silver or bronze.
I also experienced being in the athlete village. It is like a dorm, but we always had to have team staff with us everywhere we went. We are kept very busy with team meetings, team bonding experiences, and practices, and following a group schedule. We had some opportunities to meet and interact with athletes from other sports, and from other countries, too. We eat in a large tent that is a cafeteria, big enough for all the staff and athletes from all the different countries. I had to get used to different kinds of foods.
Now my events are over and I'll be returning home today,
Sunday. I can't wait. I look forward to applying everything I learned to
practice harder and improve my times with hopes of going to London 2012.
See you soon!
Jessica
