Duke

Thank You!

2008-09-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to begin by saying "thank you" to all of you that have supported and voted for me. I have never put myself into an election before...and boy, was it interesting. I believe the challenges we are faced with are very exciting and can actually be a lot of fun. As I stated from the start, the only reason I considered running for the position of president was that I looked at the existing board and the possible new board members and knew that I would be surrounded by some great people. Most importantly, CONGRATS! to all the new board members...I look forward to getting to know you and working together to make the organization the best it can be. For those of you who don't know the new members, you can be rest assured that they are energetic and have some great ideas to help synchro. Thank you to all of the outgoing board members for their tremendous gift of time, effort and energy that they have given to synchro. If you have any ideas please feel free to give suggestions.

2008-08-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

August 29 Running for President

As many of you may know by now I was asked to run for President of USSS. At first I was shocked, and then honored to have been asked to lead the sport. After much thought and consideration I submitted my nomination. As the days and weeks have passed I have put a lot of thought into the position. A couple of questions come to mind, how does this affect my role with esynchro? Is there a conflict? What experience does he have with the board? From my standpoint there is no conflict because if there is an issue concerning esynchro and USSS I will remove myself from the subject. As far as the board is concerned I know I will be surrounded by many years of experience with the existing and incoming board members.
The exciting part is to utilize my years of experience in leadership and years of research and development in the sport of synchronized swimming to help the US regain its stand on the podium. I will have the opportunity to work with some of the most wonderful and brightest minds in the world as we work toward growing and leading the synchro world once again. Being able to work for and represent people who are very passionate about their sport is very exciting for me. The buzz is tremendous for change and I am honored and privileged to help in this process. If elected it will be of great importance for us as an organization to move forward quickly and very aggressively. I know that this can only happen if everyone is on board with the vision and there is tremendous trust amongst all of us.
I look forward to seeing all of you at convention and answering all of the questions you may have for me and plans for the future.

2008-08-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

August 28, 2008 We're Back

Things are "back" to normal. I received a phone call in the last hour asking about giving some tips on training and technique. The answer was "yes". To help me with more specific questions I would ask if anyone has questions to sign up on our social network and I can provide detailed answers and some graphics or pictures on training and techniques. Also, if any of you have local articles or photos or tv coverage please feel free to link up to our site...this goes for all of our friends from around the world. If it is in another language we will "find a way" to translate.

Another question I was asked was will you discuss some of the things you did with the team to prepare them. I was quoted very often in this last year saying, "we will need to turn the girls from rookies to veterans". Simply put, it was preparing them so they wouldn't be surprised by anything or anyone at the Games to throw off their focus. This not only goes for all the external influences, but the internal influences as well. We worked on thoughts, emotions, physiological changes, breathing and a cast of other influences. Please sign up on the social network and send us your questions on some of the specifics! Have a great day!

2008-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

August 27 Back Home

When were the Games? Being home for a couple of days, and recovering from the jet lag or not going to sleep the night before I left may contribute to my feelings that the Games were a long time ago. It seems like it was a dream… Yesterday I met with Brooke and Megan and they both felt the same way. The rest of the team is taking some time off and traveling throughout Asia.
Janet came home to get ready for her sister’s wedding…congrats to Jenny! Denise has a pretty busy week to with her daughter getting married this weekend….enjoy yourself Denise and congrats to your daughter and new son in law. This weekend is also the competition for our 13-15 team in Calgary, Canada…go team!
As far as our NT1, it is time to go back to the drawing board and plan for the next quad and what a quad it should be. A debriefing needs to take place and the three questions I ask all of my athletes need to be answered: 1) what went well? 2) what do we need to do differently? And 3) what do we want to make happen next time? I think there should be some great things that will come from this and many new areas to explore.
I will continue to blog and advise others to too! Please check out our esynchro social network and keep in contact with our worldwide family. I have been asked to update the new figures for Fina and I am looking forward to releasing them soon. And speaking of releasing, I will soon be releasing my Sportform system for synchro for all to use. It will include land training, water training, use of energy systems, the mental and emotional components that contribute to peak swims and much more. Again congrats to all who participated in this year’s Games you were all wonderful.
Duke

2008-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

August 23 Janet Culp

Today was our last day of competition at the Olympics! We had such a wonderful swim today--I mean really incredible. It was everything I had hoped it would be: slow-motion, in the moment, hard enough to know I gave it my all but not so much that I worried if I would make it through, feeling the energy of the audience, and connected with my team-mates the whole time. If I picture my perfect swim, our swim today would be it!

I'm writing this after having just attended a dinner in my team's honor with my parents, husband, and sister, and having spent a little time out in the city of Beijing celebrating with my friends. I was wondering what this moment would feel like, the moment when I look back on today and on the Olympics as a whole. I wondered whether I would be happy, satisfied, and relieved or disappointed, sad, and upset. And the thing is, even though our place today was not what I had hoped it would be, I'm not feeling angry or disappointed. I am so proud of myself and my team, no matter the place we ended up. It sure would have been incredible to medal--I can't deny that. But at the same time, it was pretty incredible that we had our two best swims at the Olympics. And not only were they our best, but I think they were the best we could have done. I have no regrets about the competition. We worked hard every day and we really wanted it. Sometimes that's satisfying in itself, particularly when you're competing against the world's best!

So now all that's left is a little time in the village, closing ceremonies, and a little free time in Beijing with my family. This has been an incredible and indescribable experience...but it was everything I hoped it would be!
Janet

2008-08-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

August 23 Team Free Routine - Duke

Great performances by all the teams! New, innovative choreography and some amazing lifts. The US didn't place as well as they had hoped, but they left a lasting impression. Congratulations to Russia who continues to set the standard of excellence and to Spain and China who won their first Olympic medals in synchro this year.
I'm on my way home but will add some final thoughts later.
Last time from Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

August 23 Duke - Team Free Routine

Today concludes the journey we began together 2 years ago. I have watched all of these girls grow into women, and mature from "Olympic rookies into veterans". They have completely embraced the responsibility of representing and leading our future swimmers. The "flame" will continue to burn and bring experience and excitement to our future.
Throughout this journey at every competition we have had words of the day to set our focus for the day. How fitting is today's word "fate". Today we "finish" what we started. The team is in a great place and ready for Beijing to "remember" the USA Synchro Team forever. The pride, support and belief has been phenomenal. Our draw is #1...just the way we like it, to set the bar for the rest. Go USA.
From the Water Cube in Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

August 22 Duke - Tech Swim

The team swam their technical routine today and they did Great!!The girls all looked good and had lots of energy throughout the routine. They are tied for 5th with the Canadians - every team had good solid swims today.
I am most proud of Becky Kim who has come back from some serious injuries in the last few months to fit right in and look just as strong and matched as everyone else. She's worked very hard to keep her Olympic dreams alive despite being questionable to swim at all.
After the synchro, I'm off to more adventures and seeing track and field at the Bird's Nest.
Only a few days left!
Duke

2008-08-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

August 22 Janet - Tech Swim

I am so so so very proud of my team. If you haven't seen the swim yet, and don't want it spoiled, stop reading now! Their performance was incredible. It was as near perfect as I could have possibly imagined it to be. Not only was it their best swim ever, but it was fantastic! It was beyond fantastic!! I think every element was at it's best, and they had so much energy in their last section that it could have been the beginning. This is what we've been working for all year...to have an amazing swim!

The unfortunate part of all of this is the scores. I think the only explanation is that we are at the Olympics! Every team had a good swim today, and our amazing swim happened to be 5th best--tied with Canada. Of course we had hoped for better, but really all we can control is the swim we have.

I was talking with my team-mates in the caf tonight, telling them how proud I am of them and that I hope they realize how amazing they are! Then Christina said something that really hit the nail on the head: the Olympics aren't really about this swim today, the swim tomorrow, or even all the competitions during the two weeks of the games. It's really about the practice, the preparation, and the perseverance we've had for our whole careers. The athletes competing at here didn't wake up on August 8, and think, "Today I'd like to go compete at the Olympics." All of us, myself included, have worked for many hours, many days, and many years to make it to this level. And that process is really what the Olympics are all about--witnessing the end product of that journey (or a stop along the way of an athlete's career!)

So on to tomorrow. We are fired up! We know what we have to do tomorrow, and it exactly what we did today: go out with the fight and determination we need to have the swim of our lives, and in doing so show the world the amazing product we've created. We are so proud of our free program, and we can't wait to show it to everyone tomorrow afternoon!
Janet

2008-08-21T10:57:00.001-07:00

August 21 Duke

My meeting with the team went well today and they all look good and ready to perform. Can't wait for the competition tomorrow! After visiting the village, I met up with Betka and Sonia from the Czech Republic and their coach Kristin (who train in Walnut Creek), and had an adventure getting to the pearl market. We had a great time visiting and shopping. We split up and I was hoping to get back to the USA Netherlands gold medal water polo game, but I had quite an adventure on the Beijing bus system trying to figure out where to go. I missed the game and then met Gail Emery and headed over to the Holland house where we met up with Sonia and Bianca and their coach Jenny. They were celebrating the Netherlands win over the US. It was a lot of fun, but a little disappointing for the US.
Looking forward to the competition tomorrow!
Duke

2008-08-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

August 21 Duke

Today was my last meeting with the team and as every day I meet with them, I gave them a word for the day. The words are planned to provide a focus for them throughout practice and the day, and this time as they prepare for competition tomorrow. My goal is to keep them focused and not let the excitement and energy of the Games become too big.
I also had a chance to go to the athletes village and then do some shopping as these last few days will go by pretty quickly.
Duke

2008-08-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

August 21 Janet - Last day of Practice

Today was our last full practice day of the 2008 Olympics! When I first made the training squad in December of 2006, this day seemed so far away. I can't believe it's here now, it seems so unreal!

In typical synchro fashion, we made the most of every last moment today. We had a pretty tough morning practice where the team perfected our technical elements and did a lot of swimming. We've decided we must be in pretty good shape though, since swimming small sections is just as hard as swimming the whole program! We also touched on free a little which was an amazing feeling. After focusing on tech for a few days, the free program feels so amazing and, well free!! We went to the cube in the afternoon and did a full rehearsal of tech, from the practice in the warm-up pool to the last stroke. And an amazing thing happened...during the tech run-through the music cut out after the second lap, but the team got right back up and started again. The second swim was still calm and connected, despite the music flaw. That proves that we are prepared for any situation, because the music stopping during the routine is one of the craziest things that can happen mentally to us.

Tonight we have a little time to relax and prepare for our first day of team competition tomorrow. I am so ready to start! But tomorrow I'll just be there to help everyone out, make sure my team-mates are hydrated, happy, and comfortable so they can have the best possible swim. The tech program is worth 50% of our final score, so ultimately tomorrow's performance is just as important as the free program the next day. This is the moment we've been waiting for...I can't wait!
Janet

2008-08-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

August 20 Duke

Just a quick note today - Duet finals today. Christina and Andrea looked ready to perform but as you've probably now see, had a few synchronization problems. Still great performances with the changes in style they made this year. NO surprises at the top with Russia, Spain and Japan winning the medals.
I visited the temple of Heaven today - incredible and saw a few events. Its been raining here but the flame still burns brightly!
Every day is busy and its winding down now.
Duke

2008-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

August 19 Andrea Nott - duet

Christina and I are ranked fifth after our tech and free swims over the last 2 days. Of course we would love to be placed higher so far, but we aren't giving in yet.

We've been getting our own music time in the morning at BNU then heading over to the Cube for another warm up and competition.

We were a lot less nervous than we were expecting to be before the tech swim, and once we hit the pool we felt totally in the moment of every move and totally connected. We had a few synchro errors, but we were really proud of how technically correctly we performed each element.

For the free yesterday we were definitely more nervous. We dove in a count late, but it turned out ok because we just waited for each other and caught back up with the music. I don't think anyone could have noticed it. Then, since we decided we have nothing to lose, we just went all out on every move, and if we died at the end, so what?! And... we did. It was SO hard, but it was our best swim to date! I told my best friend Lisa that I would make a little hand gesture for her as I was getting out, but I was so hypoxic at that point, I think it just looked like I had a hand cramp and was trying to shake it out. I guess I'll try again today :)

Today, we are going to try to perform and connect to the audience and judges even more. The free routine really lends itself to that.

Thank you everyone for all your good luck messages and support! We really can feel it!
Andrea

P.S. We're bringing our podium sweats today, j.i.c. !

2008-08-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tuesday August 19 Duke

Yesterday was a very full day. Synchro began with Andrea and Christina swimming a great tech program. All of the duets were good with all of swimmers swimming their hearts out...you could really feel it. The US athletes' families and friends were all in the lobby waiting. It was great seeing the excitement and love for the girls. It was an amazing energy. After the event Brooke Abel's brother Bryant and I went on an amazing adventure. We went to the USA vs. China baseball game with the USA wining. From there we decided to to take the subway and then a taxi to a soccer game. The game was USA vs. Japan with USA winning. Bryant and I left the stadium and walked to the Bank of America family and friends house and then the USA house, returning home a little before 1 AM. My night was capped off with a phone call from the states around 3 AM asking, "hey Duke, what time is it over there?" today is Duet free... Andrea and Christina are ready to SURPRISE the world.
Duke

2008-08-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

August 19 Janet - Duet Free

The best part of today, well besides watching our amazing duet swim their free program, was seeing my husband, my family, and friends for the first time in Beijing. I am so happy they are here! It's crazy to go from seeing Erick and Jennie every day or nearly every day to not seeing them for almost 2 weeks. Just knowing they are here for me is a tremendous feeling!

I just finished showing my family around the village, which I think they really enjoyed. How often does a person actually get to be in an Olympic Village! It really drove home the fact that this is an amazing place. On my way back from the "international zone" where I dropped them off to head back to their hotel (or a soccer game for my parents and siblings!) I had a chance to really take in this experience and enjoy it. We've been moving so fast, going from pool to pool and practice to practice that tonight was really nice just to enjoy being here with the people I love--my family, friends and team-mates!!
Janet

2008-08-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

August 18 Duke

The wait is finally over! competition begins today for Andrea and Christina with the tech duet. They drew number 4 and are ready. The team is going to train this morning at BNU. After training we will all travel to the CUBE where the competition will be held. It will be fun to see all of the girls' families and friends.
After the event Megan and i are off to USA Baseball and USA Soccer events. So far we have been lucky getting tickets to many different events. Time is going to pass very quickly now that the synchro has started ... the key will be to slow things down and enjoy each of the moments. Having a great time and wishing all of you were here with us. GO USA!
Duke

2008-08-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

August 18 Janet Culp

I just got back from the pool where our duet swam very well and placed 5th. Their spin and heron elements (for those synchro fans!!) were near flawless and the best we've seen all year! My team-mates and I are so proud of them as they are off to a great start for our team!

This morning we had practice at BNU again, which is so much better than having a crazy schedule of no music at the competition pool. Then we practiced for a short bit after the duet swam. Even though all of our attention is on the duet right now, we still have to keep our team routines sharp so they can jump back in on Thursday when their competition is over.

And the best news of the day, is that my parents, sister, and brother are due in today! I haven't been able to reach them yet, but I can't wait to see them tomorrow. They have tickets to the duet event, and so at the very least I'll be able to see them up in the stands! Erick arrives tomorrow as well, as do some of my friends. I can't tell you how excited I am that they are going to be here to watch me and my team compete. It really makes my swim that much more special! Plus we could use a few more American cheerers in the crowd. Thanks as always for your comments and emails...your support means more than I can even say in words!
Janet

2008-08-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

August 17 Duke
Today Megan and I are off to a basketball game and then from there we are going to a softball game. We will meet with the team for a while back at BNU. After that I am looking forward to meeting up with Jenny, Sonia and Bianca (Netherlands duet who trains in Santa Clara with their coach). From there Megan and I are off for more events. We have been lucky to get so many event tickets. We will be taxiing from venue to venue to watch events all day. This is a good prelude to the synchro which begins tomorrow! The duet kicks off with the duet tech. The draws are being picked this afternoon. Andrea and Christina look GREAT! As the day goes on and interesting things unfold I will update. GO USA!
Duke

2008-08-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

August 17 Janet Culp

Today marked our last practice before synchro competition starts tomorrow with duets. After 3 days of duets, there is just one day off until team competition begins. I can't believe that all the waiting is almost over!

Practice went pretty well today, although our music time at the cube was not until 4:00 so we had a long day. We started again at BNU but today we got to eat lunch there in their amazing cafeteria. It was a highlight of the day! Another highlight was the warm-up CD that we listened to this morning. Kim, one of our captains, often makes CDs to listen to while we warm up every morning. But this one is extra special because it is our Olympic mix with such songs as Neil Diamond's "Coming to America" and Kim's original "Hero" compilation. It's a great way to start the day! We also had our last practice with Sean our circus school teacher, and it was sad to say goodbye for the last time. It was a foreshadow of things to come...there will be a lot of goodbyes before too long!

The final highlight of the day was watching the men's 400 m relay capture gold and watching Michael Phelps win his record 8th gold medal of the Olympics. What an incredible athlete! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to watch such a historical event, and to be a member of the US team with him on it! His story is among the many memories I will take home with me after the games are over and I'm back to living a regular life!
Janet

2008-08-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

August 17 Andrea Nott

Today started out a lot like our competition day tomorrow will be. We had practice at Beijing Normal University, then after lunch went to the Cube, had music time and then swam tech duet. We even walked down the hallway that we will walk down tomorrow right before we compete. It felt really good. I felt warmed up and calm at the same time. I even imagined the stands full and my family and boyfriend watching. Tammy said it was our best swim through yet.

Kind of a short blog today, but I'll let you know how the first competition day goes!
Andrea

2008-08-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

August 16 Back to Work

Yesterday was relaxing and fun visiting the Great Wall, Summer Palace, dinner and my best nights rest since I've been gone. I think the weather gods had something to do with it...it was absolutely beautiful!
Today the team trained at BNU and immediately following practice they traveled to the Water Cube for afternoon practice. Megan and I got a couple of tickets for the badminton match tonight..we are both very excited. WE are trying to go to the USA vs. Poland women's volleyball game tomorrow...we'll see!
Things are starting to go fast so it is very important for the girls to slow things down and be still so the experience and the games don't get away from them. I am really proud of them and and how they are doing...I know they are not only swimming for themselves but for all of USA Synchro... great job girls!!!

Duke Zielinski

2008-08-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

August 16 Janet Culp

Today started out with a morning practice at BNU, the US-only training center that's about 15 minutes (give or take 30 minutes depending on traffic) away from the village. We had a little longer warm-up than usual due to our day off yesterday. It sounds funny, but sometimes you kind of need some time to get re-acquainted with the water again after a day off!

Unfortunately we didn't get to eat lunch at BNU, as we had to head strait to the competition pool after practice. I was looking forward to the food there because it is so outstanding! But the boxed lunches the food staff made for us were pretty decent: plain turkey sandwiches w/ condiments on the side on nice, soft, American bread. My kind of sandwich!

We had a really good afternoon practice at the cube with some music time in the competition pool. The coaches were impressed with both our programs, but especially free since we didn't do too much to warm it up and it still looked pretty good. We only stayed in the the warm-up pool for a little bit to fix things...sometimes the warm-up pool time lasts for hours! And now we have some time off to relax before dinner and a video/land-drill session later this evening.

Our coaches also told us today that they've made official decisions about our players in each program, which means that Becky is well enough to swim the tech program next week in competition. For those who don't know, she was recovering from an arm injury that has been plaguing her for a couple months now. I'm so happy for her--there was a time when she wasn't sure she was going to be here! At the same time that means I'll just be swimming the free program since I was filling in for her in the tech during her recovery. I'm a little disappointed about not swimming tech, especially since I've been working on it for so long now. But that feeling is definitely overshadowed by the honor I feel to be in the free program and to be competing at the Olympics with the world's best athletes. It's just incredible to look around the computer room where I'm typing this blog, the cafeteria where I eat dinner, or even the elevator up to my room and be surrounded by so many talented and amazing people. And it's incredible that I'm part of all of it!
Janet

2008-08-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

August 16 Andrea Nott

Back to the Water Cube

After our training in Korea and a day off, we're back in the Olympic Village.

This morning we had a quick practice at Beijing Normal University, had a box lunch in the van, and then had our practice with music time at the Water Cube. It's even more exciting to swim in there now with all the American Olympic Golds that have been won in the same water.

We also have been taking the time to notice and appreciate how cool our Olympic venue is. I think we've been pretty successful in taking in each moment and living these few weeks in slow motion. That was one of the things we talked about before we left home. We don't want to end up at Closing Ceremonies wondering how it went by so fast. So far so good!
We had a great, energetic practice this afternoon. I think we've got a great vibe going on now.

One more practice day until our part of the Olympics starts!

Andrea

2008-08-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

August 15 Janet Culp

Last night I got back from Korea, and today was an absolutely perfect day to have off back in the Olympic village. The sun was shining, it wasn't too terribly warm, and there were really exciting events to watch! I started the day with a trip to the water cube--not to swim but to watch some swimming finals. I saw the men's 200 m back, the women's 200 m breast, and a couple semi-final events before I headed back to the village to explore. I am so happy for our US swimmers who are doing so well!!

The village is so huge. When I'm walking from my room to the "caf" everyday, I hardly realize that it is really like a small city's downtown! I went into the international zone for the first time, which has, among other things, a book store, a souvenier store, and a couple of cafe's run by Olympic sponsers. Every time I go in an Olympic store I have to stop myself from buying one of every thing inside...even the most tackiest of products is appealing when it has "Beijing 2008" on it! I managed to leave with only a couple items though, which I'll likely never use.

In the afternoon I took it easy. I watched various events on the TV in our room that has a live-feed of any event going on. Some cycling finals were going on as well as a softball game and water polo game. I took a short nap, and found some time to organize and move into my room, which I really havn't had time to properly do since I got here the first time. Anyone who knows me knows that I like being organized, and so it was a big relief to get that done! It was also nice today just taking my time eating lunch and dinner, enjoying the company of my team-mates and meeting other US athletes who stopped by to chat.

Tomorrow it's back to work at the pool...duet competition starts on Monday and teams start 4 days after that. I am so anxious and excited to start! I feel ready to go and show our stuff to the world!

From the Olympic Village,

2008 US Olympic Team member Janet Culp

2008-08-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

August 15 Day Off in Beijing

Today was a relaxing but fun day, seeing the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven under clear, sunny skies. All were incredible and I'm glad I got to see them and get some pictures.
I also had a chance to meet up with Kristen Heaston, a US shot putter who is from my home town, and graduated from the same high school my son attends. Her father was the US men's water polo coach for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and she was the first woman ever to compete in the ancient Olympic Stadium in Greece during the 2004 Olympics. It was great to visit with her and I'm planning to watch her compete tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the last phase for all the synchro teams - the last couple of swim throughs in the Water Cube and then the Olympic competition at last - all the years of hard work and the opportunity to show the world what you're made of.
From Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

August 14 Back in Beijing

We are back in Beijing and it feels great. It has been raining quite a bit. The energy here is quite different than what we were experiencing in Korea. As we were leaving Korea the people at the pool were wishing Gold for the team... tremendous support from the Koreans for the USA. When you see and feel what the "real" message these people are sending it makes me feel so proud to be an American. Today is a day off for everyone so some are going to try to attend an event, others will meet with the families and some will sightsee or just hang out. Denise, Laura, Gail and I are going to the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven with one of the people we met here. Tonight should bring some interesting food and them maybe a massage to rest these not so young bodies ...I am just speaking for myself that is. As I said to the team upon our arrival back to Beijing - Let the Games Begin!
From Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

August 13 Back to Beijing!

The last few days have been filled with hours of training, final touches to the routines, lots of walking and absolutely great food. The people in Korea are absolutely wonderful. Today is our last day of training here. We had a "showtime" yesterday and the team was able to evoke the mental and emotional levels necessary to perform at the Games. This is just the tip of the iceberg because it will be like nothing they have ever felt before... very exciting. Land drill, swim, mini showtime and then we are back to Beijing.... LET the GAMES Begin!
From Suwon,
Duke

2008-08-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

August 12 Suwon

I left early this morning with Laura LaCursia to take a tour up to the DMZ - the border between North and south Korea. Intense and tension filled, but definitely worth seeing. Seeing our military in action gives you a new perspective and respect for how we are protected around the world.
Working with the team this afternoon and evening. I can feel the excitement building.
Duke

2008-08-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

August 11 Suwon

Training is going well and the girls had their best swim ever - a great lead up to returning to Beijing. Their spirits are high and training is going well.
I always love to see some of the local culture and sights and had a few hours to visit the Hwaseong Fortress. Pretty incredible! We've been watching what we can of the Olympic events - some amazing comebacks and inspiring performances! Can't wait to get back to Beijing!
From Suwon,
Duke

2008-08-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

August 10th

We're in Suwon, South Korea, training at a university with beautiful facilities. I'm meeting with the girls a couple of times each day - finishing our preparations for the competition. They have unlimited pool time to practice and finish the final touches in their routines. The plan is for this time away from Beijing to allow the girls to focus completely and return with renewed energy for a few final days of training before the competition.
From Suwon, South Korea,
Duke

2008-08-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

August 9th

As many of you have now seen, Opening Ceremonies was absolutely incredible. The human performances and precision and the technology were amazing.
We left early this morning for Korea. During the trip the girls on the team were sharing stories of who they had met and talked with and had pictures with during the ceremony. They were all in great spirits and looking forward to this last phase of training.
Duke

2008-08-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

August 9th Opening Ceremonies

It's 2 AM here and I just got back from Opening Ceremonies and all I can say is - SIMPLY SPECTACULAR!
what a show and an amazing start to the Games!
Tired in Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

August 7

My first full day in Beijing and my first opportunity to meet with the team who traveled here a day before me. I met with the team on their way to practice. Everyone looks good and is healthy and excited to be here. During our meeting many people were gathering around to see what was going on ... you could feel the excitement and energy of the Olympic Games. A show is going to be aired on NBC on August 22nd showing some of my work with the team.
After practice, Meghan Kinney (who as an alternate to the team is staying in the USOC Village where I am housed) and I went shopping. We found lots of great stuff. We're looking forward to the Opening Ceremony tomorrow - it should be exciting!
From Beijing,
Duke

2008-08-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

August 8 Opening Cermonies

The Games officially begin and you can feel the excitement in the air. The team was really excited and looking forward to it and to be honest, so am I. I'm off to the Opening Ceremonies in a little while and I'll post more when I get back!
Duke

2008-08-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Arrival in Beijing
I arrived in Beijing late last night and can feel the energy and excitement of the Games. I've been working and traveling with the US Team for the last 2 years and am looking forward to this ultimate competition. I'm staying at the USOC village and will meet up with the team later today.

Olympic Team Session

2008-05-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today I met with the US Olympic Team and continued preparation work for Beijing. NBC was filming the session today. I discussed the mental and emotional preparation needed for an athlete to perform at their peak and not "be surprised" at the Games. We worked with anchors and breathing as well.

Duke Zielinski
esynchro