August 24 Duke Reflections

Tonight is closing ceremonies and I think we are all expecting another spectacular show. The time here in Beijing has been very memorable. The people, places, culture and city are more than anything I could have ever imagined. The Games were awesome. As someone said last night at the team party, I did get to many events, saw many sights and met many people. The most important though of all was to see the girls live their dream. They will forever be Olympians...I feel so fortunate to have been part of their dream. I would like to wish a big Congratulations to my friends from around the world. After the event I was able to congratulate the Russians, coach Anna from Spain and Diane from Canada. For those of you I did not have a chance to speak to...congrats to all of you on a job well done. I was also able to speak with the head coach from Japan. As always she was gracious and classy in light of the penalty her team received...we can all learn a lesson from how she handled herself after the incident. What was most impressive was how she handled herself with the press for about an hour long questioning session.
Again, congratulations to all of the competitors and their countries. To have been part of these games is a great honor. We will all go back home with memories of these games and hopes of returning in 4 years to compete again doing what we love to do in one of the best sports in the world. Thank you Beijing!