Journal2004

July 12th
Today was the first day of our first training camp. I left Bethlehem around 8 am and arrived in Colorado around 1 pm.

I got something to eat and hung out until practice. The afternoon workout was good. We warmed up and worked on technique for about 10-12 minutes. The live wrestling was all on the mat. We wrestled about 20 minutes and then had ten minutes of conditioning on our own.

After practice I went to the cafe to eat and hung out there for a while, then we played some poker. Jamill Kelly and Daniel went to buy the new College Football 2005 game, so we will begin have battles once we get a few game under our belt.

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July 13th

Today felt like Friday the 13th. I was up pretty late last night, I really could not sleep. We had an 8:00 media training session which lasted about an hour and a half. It was good, but it was tough to stay focused when i was so tired and I had gone through the training so many times before. When the media training was done, we went to practice. I lifted weights this morning.

After the work out I went to the cafe to eat, hung out there for a while and then played some football with Jamill. I went back to my room and relaxed for a while, checked my email and watched a little tv.

The afternoon workout was really tough. We warmed up for about 10 minutes, drilled technique for about 6 minutes then started live wrestling. We did about 8 - 10 short periods between 1.5 and 3 minutes and finished up with 10 minutes of conditioning.

I showered and headed to the cafe for dinner. I was pretty tired after practice, so I lounged in the cafe for a while. I spent a little time helping Daniel with his computer, then came back to my room. I played some football online with KJ then watched tv for the rest of the night.

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July 14th

I am so tired right now. This cycle was pretty tough. Today I woke up at 8.20. Took me a few minutes to get out of bed. I got dressed and went to the cafe to eat breakfast. Zeke ran the morning workout. It was a good one, long bout good. He armed us up and then we drilled technique for about an hour. It was hard to keep the intensity up the entire work out. We would go between 30 seconds and a minute and a half doing different situation drills. I really felt pretty worn out after that, but I knew I would have to be ready to push through the afternoon work out.

After eating lunch I spoke to Gary Michoces from USA Today. When Gary and I finished I can back to my room and had to fight off taking a nap. I checked and responded to email and returned some phone calls. After watching a little tv, it as time to go to practice.

We were on our own in the afternoon workout. I knew I needed to get a good one in even though i was so worn out. I warmed up, drilled for about 6 minutes and went live. I did a 6 minute go on my feet, 12 minutes on the mat and 6 minutes of clinches. I felt ok, but I was really flat after the first 12 minutes. It was tough but good to push through it.

I did some conditioning and did an interview with the local CBS Station, then showered and went to eat.

We played a poker tournament tonight. There were 21 players in. I made it to the final 10 but ran into a few good and and bad calls and went out in 10th place. I came back to my room and watched tv for a while and talked to my mom on he phone.

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July 15th

We had the day off today. I woke up around 9.30 and bummed around my room for about an hour returning email and phone calls. I went to eat breakfast around 10.30 then I went to lift. I was pretty sore today, but i needed to get my lift in. We had a sports psychology meeting today after lunch, then I went to play golf. I played with Greg Strobel, Mike Duroe and Rich Bender. We only got 14 holes in before we got rained on. We tried to wait it out, but it did not pass.

I came back to the training center and finished doing laundry. Jamill and I went to Best Buy. We got something to eat on the way back the the OTC. I played video games and watched tv the rest of the night.

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July 16th

I woke up at 8.20 this morning. I grabbed a quick bite to eat before practice. The morning workout was really good. We did about 4 minutes of drilling and then 10 minutes of live situations. I felt pretty good.

I showered and went to eat lunch. We hung out in the cafe for a while then came back to my room. I watched tv, played some video games and helped Stephen with his computer.

The afternoon workout was on of the toughest I have ever went through. We did 8 5 minute matches with between one and three minutes between each go. We did 5 on our feet and 3 on the mat and a 2 minute over time at the end.   I did some conditioning and then showered up and went to eat. We hung out in the cafe for a while, then a few members of USA wrestling's Athlete Advisory Committee met to discuss some issues the athletes are facing right now.

We finished the meeting and then I can back to my room, watched some tv and of course played some video games.

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July 17th

I felt pretty good this morning when I woke up this morning at 8.10. I laid in bed 'til about 8.20, then got up and headed to the cafe to get something to eat before the morning workout.

This morning Kevin Jackson, Zeke Jones, Stephen Abas, Joe Williams, Daniel Cormier and I went to 24 Hour Fitness. We played a couple games of Basketball, and ran some sprints. I also got in a lift.

We came back to the OTC and ate lunch. I hung out in the cafe for a few minutes then went back to my room and watched tv and played video games.

This afternoon Kevin warmed us up and put us through some drills. After that we were on our own. I drilled some technique on my feet, in the clinch and on the mat.

After practice we went to to eat. Then just hung out for the rest of the night watching tv and playing video games.

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July 18th

Today was a good day. I woke up around 8.30. We had to take team picture today, so after I ate a little breakfast, I went to the wrestling room. We got our national team warm ups and took the pictures. The morning work out was 3 matches. The idea was to simulate the Olympic games. I felt pretty good during the matches. After I was pretty beat. I was originally planning on playing golf, but I was too tired. We went to eat lunch, hung out in the cafe for a little while then I came back to my room to lay down for a few. Joe, Daniel, Jamill, Eric and I went to the mall to get some team dog tags. We left the mall and came back to the OTC. I grabbed a little food and then came back to my room and watched tv.

Tonight the Olympians and our training partners went out to dinner with James Ravannack, Rich Bender and the coaches. It was a good time. After dinner we came back to the OTC and I did some laundry, played some video games and watched tv.

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July 19th

Today was the last day of this training camp. I woke up around 8 this morning. I grabbed breakfast and went to practice. We had our last two matches of the Olympic simulation today. Some guys did two matches in the morning and ran the Cog trail in the afternoon. The rest of us did one match in the am and a second in the afternoon. I was definitely pretty worn out after this cycle, but i definitely got some good work in.

We went to the mall to pick up our tags between workouts. After the afternoon work out I went to the cafe and ate dinner. The rest of the night was pretty routine, I did some laundry, played some video games and played some poker. When I was out of the poker game I came back to my room and finished packing.

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July 26th

Today was the travel day for the 2nd training camp. I did a sprint workout this morning before I flew to Colorado. Once I got here, I got something to eat and hung out in my room. This camp is supposed to be more individual for the most part. Should be fun.

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July 27th

Today was a good day. I woke up a little after 8 got dressed and went to the cafe to eat breakfast. This morning I warmed up and drilled technique for about 30 minutes and then went to lift. We had a quick team meeting then I showered and went to eat lunch.

Between workouts I played did some email and played some video games.

This afternoon workout was good. We warmed up and drilled for about 15 minutes. Then we wrestled on the mats for about 20 minutes, did some cinches and conditioned.

We hung out in the cafe for a few a while nd then Joe, Cael, Rulon, Dennis Hall and I had to take some pictures for ASICS. After that I cam back to my room and returned some phone calls, played video games and watched TV.

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July 28th

I woke up this morning a little after 9. I went to the cafe and ate breakfast then went to practice. Tom Brands ran the workout this morning. We warmed up and did about 40 minutes of drills and some live situations. We finished up with some conditioning. I was tired but I felt good after.

I hung out in the wrestling room for a while then went to shower and eat. We had and Athlete Advisory Committee call this afternoon. It was a good call and I think our committee is heading in the right direction. After the call I went to my room. I played some football and returned some phone calls and relaxed for a while.

The afternoon workout was really tough. We warmed up for about 10 minutes and the we wrestled 10 three minute matches. I felt pretty good for the first 5 but my legs kind of left me for the next 5. I pushed through it though. I did a little extra stuff before I left to shower. A bunch of us went to eat at a sushi restaurant for dinner. I don't eat sushi, but I they had plenty of other stuff to eat.

We played poker tonight and after the game I played some video games and watched tv.

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July 29th

Today was our day off the mats. I got up around 10.30 this morning grabbed a quick bite to eat and went to get in a lift. I had a few errands to run today so after I lifted I hurried up and ate lunch. I had to got to USA wrestling and then we were going to play golf. Tim Hartung, Jared Lawrence, Zeke Jones and I went to the course, but we got denied by rain. So instead of golfing we played poker.

After the poker game I went to the mall and to the outlet stores in Castle Rock. I came back to the OTC and played some football and watched tv.

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July 30th

Today was another good day. This mornings workout was good. We did about 45 minutes of drilling at a pretty good pace. Then after the drilling we wrestled 2 three minute periods then a three minute period of about 50% wrestling and finished up with some conditioning.

I went to the mall between workout to pick up my other dog tag. Then I came back and chilled in my room until practice.

The afternoon workout was by your own design. We warmed up on our own, drilled for abut 15 minutes, then Kevin set the clock for 18 minutes. We were supposed to wrestle for as long as we wanted during that time on or feet. I wrestled about 7 minutes then took a break the finished the last 8 minutes. We took a break then the clock was set for 12 minutes to wrestle on the mat. I did 6 one minute go's on the bottom with Pat Cummins and Mike Faust switching each minute on top. We did about 10 minutes of conditioning after. I felt pretty good after practice.

I showered up and went to eat. The food wasn't to great tonight. I ended up ordering chinese food about and hour after I ate. I hung out in my room playing video games and talking with some of the guys for the rest of the night.

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July 31st

This morning we worked on technique for about 40 minutes. Then I went to lift. I felt pretty good. I showered and went to eat lunch. We played a poker game to pass the time between workouts. I played some video games and ate before the afternoon workout.

This afternoon we cross trained. A bunch of us played basketball. it was a good work out even though my team lost both games.

We had another poker game tonight at Kevin Jackson's house. After the game I came back to the OTC and played some football and watched tv.

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August 1st

Today was our day off. I slept 'til about 10.45. I got up put did some laundry and returned some e-mail. I went to eat around 11.30.

Today was a good day off. I really did not do anything today. I ate, hung out in my room, watched tv and played video games.

I can't believe that we leave to go to Athens in 10 days.

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August 2nd

Today I woke up at about 8.30. We had practice at 9. I hurried up getting dressed and grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading to practice. We wrestled 2 matches this morning and did a little extra stuff after the matches.

I showered and went to eat. The time between workouts went so fast. I came back to my room after eating and then it seemed like when I got there laid in my bed for a while and it was time to go.

We had two matches this afternoon. After the matches I went for a run.

We went to the cafe and ate, then went to Best Buy and the mall. We played some video games in the arcade. Then stopped to get some food and came back to the OTC.

We played a game of poker and then returned some e-mail and watched tv.

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August 3rd

Today I was pretty tired when I woke up. I got up around 9.20. I went to the cafe to to eat breakfast and then went to practice. This morning we were on our own. I drilled for about 45 minutes and then went to lift. I was a little sore, but I felt good the get the work in.

This afternoon was petty routine. I ate lunch, hung out in my room for a while, went to best buy and circuit city to find an ear piece for my cell phone, then went to practice. Today we had two matches in the afternoon. I felt ok during the matches, but my body is definitely a little worn out. After the work out Pat and I were talking and we figured that the extra fatigue was from the lift this morning.

After practice, we were going to go eat somewhere, but we were all pretty tired. We hung out in the cafe for about 2 hours then I came back to my room. I played some video games and some poker then watched tv.

8 days until we head to Greece.

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August 4th

Today is my sisters Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYMBERLY!!!!!

I woke up today around 8.30. We had individual workouts today. Mine was scheduled for 10 am. I got up finished packing and went to eat. Before the workout I had to go to the training room to sort out some paper work.

Tom Brands ran the bulk of the work out with input from Mike Duroe, Kevin Jackson and other coaches. It was good to be able to focus on some of my areas. It was good, but I was tired.

After the workout, Kevin and I discussed the next week of training then I showered and hustled back to my room to get me stuff. I had to catch a 1:00 flight.

I got back to Bethlehem around 9pm.

One week 'til we leave.

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August 11th and 12th

Today I traveled to Athens. It was a good two days. I left Bethlehem at 12.50 to fly to chicago. I had a 4 hour layover in Chicago. I met the rest of the team there along with Kevin Jackson and our trainer Dan. During the layover we played Video games. I have a small screen for mt PS2 the you can use when you do not have a tv around. It was a great way to pass time.

On the flight from Chicago to Amsterdam, we all got upgraded. Jamill Kelly and Stephen Abas went all the way to 1st class and the rest of us were in business class. It made the 8.5 hour trip allot better. We had a 3 hour layover in amsterdam. We had to walk what seems like 2 miles to get to our gate. Once we got there we just hung out and waited for the flight. Daniel and I tried to get some food, but the place we stopped at was not very good. One of the worst hot dogs I have ever tasted.

The flight to Athens wasn't to bad. We did not get an upgrade, but most of us had aisles. In 2000 we had a special charter for US Olympians and affiliates, this time we flew commercial, which was different. We did not get to meet as many athletes, but we did not have to wait as long. We traveled over with a few modern pent athletes.

Once we arrived to Athens it was kind of non stop. We got off the plane got our credentials, got our luggage, went to team processing, got our gear then finally got some food around 10pm. After we ate we got the the hotel. The hotel is nice, but the rooms are pretty small.

I got in my room and fooled around trying to figure out how to connect to AOL. I finally got it after about 20 minutes of trying. Then I returned some messages and unpacked a little.

It was a long two days, and I know I left some stuff out, but its late and I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is the opening Ceremonies. I hopefully I will get on TV so I can wave to all of my family and friends.

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August 13th

I was very tired this morning when I woke up. We had practice at 11. I got up about 10.30. We are staying about 5 minutes from where we work out, which is pretty nice. This mornings workout was basically to get the trip out of us, so we were on our own. Its pretty hot in the gym so we do not need to be in there for to long to get a good sweat. We also do not want to got drained by the heat. Pat flights were delayed yesterday, so he did not get here until after 3 pm, so I went through my work out with Mo Lawal. We drilled for about 15 minutes and then did some motion and hand fighting.

The gym where we work out is shared between us, greco, the women's team, Men's and Women's Judo and Men's and Women's fencing. Its pretty cool to be able to see other athletes train. A lot of the teams will train here so we should get a chance to mingle with a bunch of other athletes.

Former President Bush came through the facility today. Everyone got to take pictures with him and talk a little. His wife and grand daughters were there also along with former tennis star Chris Everett.

When I finished working out we went to eat. The cafe is pretty nice. I guess the head cook from Colorado Springs OTC is here running the show. This is also another place where we can mingle with the other athletes and support staff.

After lunch we had to rush and get dressed for the opening ceremonies. We found out later that rushing was not necessary. We left the hotel at around 2.45 and got the the village about 3.05. When we got to the village, no one else was dressed yet.

The village is awesome. It seemed bigger then it was in Sydney. We hung out there for about an hour and a half. The housing there is nice. The USOC has an athlete services center set up buy the housing. Its basically there to provide anything that the athletes may need. There are computers, phones, and a big screen tv. This is where we can sign up for tickets to other events.

At about 4.45 Jamill, Daniel and I went to the dining hall to get some food before the ceremonies. When we got back from the cafe, most of the US athletes were starting to gather outside of the housing area. This is one of the best times. You really get to meet and take pics with a lot of people. A lot of the athletes did not attend the Opening ceremonies. Most of the Track athletes are training in Crete. A few did come over. Most of them were first time Olympians and coaches. The Men's basket ball players were elusive during the pre- Opening ceremonies gathering. A few cam down and mingled, but most of them stayed on their balcony and watched until it was time to go.

We headed to the stadium at about 6. We sat in the staging area for about 2 hours. It was definitely more mellow this time then it was in Sydney. Most people took this time to get more pictures and video. We were in the middle of the pack marching into the stadium this time. I guess they sent us in by the Greek alphabet.

Entering the Stadium is still one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced. It was not as incredible as it was in Sydney, because nothing can compare to your first time, but it was still amazing. The gave us a strict protocol for the ceremonies, but they really did not enforce it. We walked in and the place was just exploding with energy. Flash bulbs, cheering, flag waving. Just and amazing feeling surrounded me.

Being in the middle was tough. We were standing out there for about 2 hours while the rest of the countries came in. but it was so worth it. By the time Greece made their way in as the last country you could feel the energy rising again. After the Greek team got to its place there was a short ceremony to raise the Olympic flag, a welcome and the torch lighting of the torch.

The torch lighting was great. Watching the torch ignite and raise into place is such a rush of emotions. Its so joyful and awe inspiring that tears almost came to my eyes. I mean it symbolizes so much. Its really solidifies the Games are starting, and it won't be long now before I get to really get a shot at what I have been working for for so long.

The torch made it to its final resting place about the stadium and fireworks were shooting up around the entire stadium. It was worth every second that we spent waiting for it.

After the program was over, we made our way out of the stadium and headed back to the village. It took and good hour to get out, then once we were out of the stadium, we had to wait for the buses. We finally got back to the village around 1.45 am. We got some food and came back to our hotel. I was so tired when I got back to my room, all i wanted to do was fall asleep. I could barely get enough energy to undress. It was an incredible day and night. I would not miss it for the world.

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August 14th

I woke up today at 12.40. I was so tired from the opening ceremonies, that I wanted to stay in bed all day. We had practice at 1 so I had to hustle to get there.

Kevin put us through about 20 minutes of drills after we warmed up. Then we wrestled a match and did some go's on the mat and finished up with conditioning. I felt ok today. A little tired, but I was able to push myself and have a good work out. We missed lunch so we had to eat at a restaurant down the street from our training facility. It was a small side walk cafe that had a good selection of food.

We finished eating and walked back to the hotel. On our way back we stopped by the USOC operations building. This is another place they have set up for us to check email or use the phones. We stayed there for about 20 minutes and then made our way back to the hotel. We made one more stop before we go to the hotel. We stopped at a video rental place. I bought an adapter so I could hook my Play station to the tv in my hotel room. We finally got back to the hotel around 6.

We hung out here for about 2 hours then we went to the village to eat.   After we ate, Jamill, Daniel and I went to watch the women's volleyball team play against China. It was a tough loss for the US Squad, but they still have a chance to come back, since they are in a pool with 4 or 5 other teams.

It took us a while to make it back to the hotel after the game. We tried to catch a taxi for about 20 minutes, then we we finally caught one, he did not want to take us. We finally got him to take us, but ended up going to the wrong hotel. This guys was in a pretty bad mood, we stopped and had one of the guys from the hotel tell him where we needed to go and he would not take us. We had to get out and the hotel guy called another cab for us.

When we got back to the hotel I came back to my room and relaxed and watched some tv.

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August 15th

Today was a busy day. I woke up at about 8.20 but did not get out of bed 'til about 8.40. We had practice at 9.15. Today's workout was good. We warmed up on our own and worked on our own specific areas. Then we wrestled a match and finished with some mat wrestling and conditioning.

I showered up and went to eat lunch after practice. We we finished eating we went to the computer lab near our training complex and hung out there for a while.

We came back to the hotel and hung out for the afternoon. I spent most of the time editing pics and video for my page.

At 4.00 I went to lift. It was a pretty good lift, nothing to crazy, but I got a good burn and sweat. When I finished my lift we went back to the computer lab. I helped Jamill with some computer stuff and then we went back to the hotel.

At 7 we went to the village to eat and went to the Men's basket ball game after. When the game was over we had a pretty adventurous journey back to the hotel. We caught a bus to the village. From there we had to take another bus to the train station, then catch a cab from there back to the hotel The whole time we were kind of nervous wondering how long it would take us to get back.

We got back to the hotel a little after midnight. I watched tv for a while and that was it.

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August 16th

We had two workouts today. The first one was at 9.15 and the second at 5. I got up about 8.30 this morning. I got to practice around 9.05. We warmed up on our own and Zeke ran the workout. We did about 12-15 minutes of drills and then wrestled a match. After the match we did 6 minutes of situations on the mat.

I showered and went to eat after practice. We hung out in the cafe for a while and then I went to the computer lab. I was in the computer lab for about 10 minutes, we had to take team pictures today. After pictures we had to go to a press conference. The conference was cool. From the press conference we came back to the hotel. I checked my email and watched tv. I ended up falling asleep in like 20 minutes. I was pretty tired.

I got up and headed to afternoon practice about 4.45. The afternoon work out was very short and intense. We warmed up and drilled on our own then wrestled a 9 minute match and finished up with conditioning.

We went to the Bank of America's Hometown Hopeful's place after practice for dinner. Its a place where all of the US athletes and their friend and family can go to meet, hang out and relax. The have food, computers, and a lounge area. We hung out there for about 2 hours and then came back to the hotel.

We played a poker game when we got back to the hotel. after the game I came back to my room, checked my email and watch tv.

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August 17th

Today was our day off. I slept until about 1pm. I got up and watched a little tv then went to eat. After I ate I went to the computer lab for about 2.5 hours. I updated my page, added some pictures, and returned email. I have access to the internet from my room, but its connects at such a slow speed that it much more convenient to do it from the computer lab where I can connect at a much higher speed.

When I was done in the computer lab, I went back to the hotel and hung out for a while. Jamill and I were going to go to the village, but we missed the bus, we stopped by the operations center computer lab for about a half hour. On our way, we went the wrong way down a one way street and made a few u turns, but me made it eventually. We went to the square to eat when we left. Pat and I ate Pizza Hut. We walked around the square for a few minutes after we ate, then went back to the hotel.

We hung out in the hotel for about 10 minutes and then went back to the operations center to watch the basketball game. After the game I went back to the hotel and relaxed and watched tv.

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August 18th

Today was the beginning of my tapering phase. I woke up at 9 but laid in bed until about 9.30. We had practice at 10. Today we were on our own. I warmed up by playing a little basket ball. It was Joe Williams, Kevin Jackson, Tim Hartung, Daniel Cormier, Stephen Abas and I. Abas kept making us mad because he was playing, but he was running around warming up during the game so he would be on the other end of the gym and then appear out of thin air and steal the ball.

After the game I went through about a 20 minute workout with Pat. We play wrestled for about 5 minutes and then I went over my areas of concentration for about 15 minutes. It was good.

We went to eat after practice and then Pat and I dropped some guys off at the hotel and then we went down to the town square to do a little shopping. We ran all over town look for a power converter that I could use for my Playstaion. We went to like 5 stores and finally we go one. I have not tried it yet, but hopefully it works.

We finally got back to the hotel and I spend some time on the computer and watched events.

This afternoon Pat and I lifted. It was the last lift that I will get. I cannot believe we weigh in in 8 days. I am so excited to get going. After the lift PAt and I went to the athlete lounge and got some food and then went to the computer lab to kill time. At 7, Jamill and I went to the village. The one bus had the women's water polo team on it. They lost a tough game today and I guess their coach was a little upset. He would not allow anyone on their bus, so We rode to the village with a boxer in our own separate bus. It was kind of cool to have a bus to ourselves.

We got to the village and ate and hung out for a while. We walked around the village and stopped by the International Zone. Its an area that have a store, post office, barber shop/hair salon, Bank and a few other things. I guess the idea to make every feel as close to home as possible.

After that we went to the athlete services center and signed up for tickets for some events. Then came back to the hotel. We stopped by the operations center computer lab and then went back to the hotel.

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August 19th

This morning we all had to do interview for the NBC broadcast. I do not why, but they were scheduled from 7.50 am and every ten minutes after that. I think i had mine around 9. So I literally got out of bed and walked next door to do the interview. I got back in bed after the interview was done and then got up again about 10 minutes later to answer a few more questions. Now I was pretty much awake so I started to watch tv and then drifted back to sleep for about 20 minutes before i had to go to practice. I wanted to get a little road work in so I ran to practice today. Its only about a mile or two so it wasn't to tough, but it felt good to change up my training a little. I believe the running always adds to the mental toughness of our sport.

Today the coaches pulled a fast on one me. I had my individual workout scheduled for 11.15 so when I got there since i had run I was warm. Pat walked up before me so he offered to carry my bag while I ran. It took him a little longer than me to get to practice so I had to wait a few minutes. I did some light stretching and motion until he got there. Now here is where they got me. I figured we would do some hard drilling and only do technique. Well they said to be ready to go live. I was like huh? The practice was all live situations. Up by a point down by a point, tied, 1st minute, last minute. All kinds of situations. I was definitely caught off guard, but it was a good work out and I am glad they pushed me through it.

I had some rough spots during the workout. I am so lucky to have Pat here because he can really push me and if I am not at my best he will make me pay for it. Today I got pretty frustrated during the middle of the workout but was able to push through and finished hard.

After practice I did an interview with CBS. It was cool. We talked for about 20 minutes and then I showered and went to eat lunch. After lunch we can back to the hotel. I set up my Playstaion in the lobby and KJ and I played a couple games of football.

I was of the mats this afternoon, so I went to get a massage. After my massage I swung by the wrestling room and the guys that were off in the morning were working out still so I went to the computer lab to kill some time. When I got to the computer lab Pat was there. I am slowing converting him in to a computer maniac like myself. He has spent more time in the computer labs the last few days than in his whole life I think. He was using the instant messenger to talk to his younger brother AJ. Aj is crazy, that's all I can say about him. I chatted with him for a little while but he is way to much for me to handle. I also chatted with some guys from the Lehigh team. Actually one guys was on the team for the last to years but he just transferred.

I left the computer lab after about 20 minutes and the guys were just finishing up so I decided to walk to the operations center and get some snack and visit some of the other athletes. I hung out there for a but a half hour then Daniel called and said he wanted to get some food and I left and went back to the hotel. When I got back to the hotel everyone was hanging out in the lobby. Jamill and Daniel were playing football and some others were playing cards. I needed food so Pat, Tim Hartung and I walked to the "square" to find something to eat. Tim ended up going to Pizza Hut and Pat and I ate a some small greek place were were got some "authentic" greek food. After we ate we walked around for a little while then made our way back to the hotel. On our way back we stopped by the operations center and got some snacks the went back to the hotel.

When we got back, there was a poker game about to begin. I was not going to play because it take so long if you win, but they were all like lets play lets play so I got into the game. It was a good one and I played pretty well, made a few mistakes but managed ok. Then after the poker game I played KJ in so football. After that it was pretty late so I headed to bed.

One week to weigh ins. Its almost time.

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August 20th

I was pretty tired when I got up this morning. I got up at 9 and went to do watch some videos for scouting. Tom Brands and Mike Duroe watched them with me as well as Pat. Then I ate lunch. After lunch I hung out in the computer lab for a little then went back to the hotel. I was still a little tired, but I don't like to sleep during the day if I can help it. So I played some video games. I did rest for about 20 minutes.

This afternoon I warmed up and went through about 20 minutes of hard drilling, working on my areas of concentration. After drilling I did some conditioning and warmed down. I watched the other guys finish up practice and then went back to the hotel to drop off my bag and then caught the bus to the village with Joe and Jamill.

We ate dinner at the village and then went to the women's volleyball game. After the game we headed back to the hotel. It was a little easier to get a taxi this time. Once back at the hotel I played some more football and watched the recaps of today's events on tv.

Seven days to go.

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August 21st

Today was our day off. I got up at 11.45 and a bunch of us went to The Asics Lounge. Its a kind of visitors center that Asics set up here in Athens. We went there and hung out for about an hour. We ate lunch there and then came back to the hotel.

It was a pretty laid back day. I played video games, did my laundry and watched tv. I spent a little time at the computer room in the American College of Greece and the Operations center. We were gonna play cards, but the game never got going.

The women weighed in today. They are ready to set the tone for the rest us us. GO USA!!!!

6 days to go.

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August 22nd

Today I got up at 8.30. We had practice at 9.15. We headed to the workout room. We decided to watch the women wrestle before we worked out. They had a great opening round, it got us pumped up to get going.

For practice today, I warmed up and did about 20 minutes of drills. Then cooled down and showered. After practice we went to eat. We finished lunch and went back to the hotel.

Back at the hotel I played some video games for most of the afternoon. I did a taping for ESPN Cold Pizza. It was a lot of fun. After we finished we headed back to the hotel. The roads were all blocked because the marathon was going on, so it was an adventure to get back, but we finally made it.

I hung out in the hotel for a little while and then a bunch us us went to eat dinner. After dinner, we went back to the hotel and played more video games. It was a good day.

5 days to go.

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August 23rd

Today was another good day. I woke up at 8.15 but did not get out of bed until 8.45. I got up and went to the college to work out, before practice we watched the women compete again. After the matches I went to workout. I spent about 20 minutes going through drills and then shot around on the basketball court.

I showered up and went to eat lunch. After lunch I came back to the hotel and played some video games. Some guys went to work out in the afternoon. I hung out at the hotel and then Pat and I went to find a place for him to exchange money. After that we went to the college to watch the finals of the women. We will well, Patricia Miranda won the bronze and in a close match Sara McMann took the sliver. Congrats ladies.

After the finals we had a team meeting then ate dinner and played poker and video games. It was a nice relaxing day. I feel better everyday and its only gonna get better.

4 days to go.

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August 24th

This will most likely be the last entry in my journal until after the games. I have to start getting focused and limit my potential distractions. If I get some down time I will try to post something, but if not Just know that I appreciate everyone reading and writing to me.

Today was a busy day. My family arrived. It would not have been possible if I did not get some much support and donations. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! It was so good to see them.

I went to the airport to meet them and we returned to the hotel. Many families arrived today. There was a lot of activity at the hotel. The families had to get their credentials and rooms. We moved to the village today. It went well, and also that allowed rooms to be opened for the families to move in.

We got to the village and settled into our rooms. One guy was going to get his own room so we decided to do Rock, Paper , Scissors to see who would get the room. Stephen won. After we got into our rooms, we hung out there for a while then KJ and I went to eat.

Daniel and I went back to the hotel after we ate to spend time with our families. It was really nice to have some time with them.

We took the 9.00 bus back to the village. We stopped in the cafe to get a little food and then went to the Athlete services center to watch some event, since we do not have tv's in our rooms.

That was pretty much my day. Again I thank you all for the support.

3 days to go.

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August 27th

Well its over. I lost the last match of my career tonight. I lost 4-1 in overtime from the clinch. Terrible way to end.   I just wanted to thank everyone for your support. I would not be where I am today with out the support from so many. Its gonna be interesting life with out competing, but I am definitely ready for it.

The rest of our first group is in the semi's Stephen, Jamil and Cael all won there matches. Great job boys. The second group weighed in today and are ready to go. Go get 'em boys.

Again thanks for the support and best wishes to everyone.