Night of upsets

Marty and I went out to the track last night to watch the action.  There were plenty of upsets…the Olympic champion placing 4th in the steeple, Jelimo pulling out of the 800m, Isanbayeva no-heighting in the pole vault.  There was also a bizarre incident in one of the 800m heats where the Moroccan just collapsed backwards onto the track, clearly unconscious, and was carried away.  The atmosphere of the old stadium is amazing, except for the annoying Slovenians who blew horn-like instruments practically non-stop for 4 hours!

Donna

Early Bird

There is so much internet traffic from athletes in the hotel that I’m up before 7am to get online.  I’ve recovered well from my race- a few sore muscles- but I am so glad I didn’t hit any steeples.

I watched the Aussies compete yesterday…unfortunately no-one progressed beyond the first heat.  It’s a tough sport.  I will watch the final of the steeplechase tonight.  The world record holder from Russia is clearly the best in the field.  Some of the key contenders will be missing though…the reigning world champion and two other finalists from Beijing didn’t make it through to the final. 

I’m enjoying myself for the last day or two here.  I’ve been to Berlin’s handcraft flea market and the zoo, and today I’m going shopping before heading out to the track.

Watching Bolt run 9.58 was pretty amazing! 

Donna

Jumps great, engine stalls

I was hoping that things would come together on the day because my preparation over the last 2 weeks in Germany has been really good.  My water jumps were the best I’ve done since before the Olympics but I didn’t have the engine to run as fast as I have in the past. 

As we walk the over 500m tunnel from call room 1 to call room 2, we pass the motto of the Championships- Have a good time.  I can’t say I enjoyed the race experience but overall the atmosphere of the track and the team are amazing.

Donna

Result

Donna finished 12th in her heat and didn’t progress to the final.

First Heat

Donna is running in the first heat at 10:50am German Time (6:50pm AEST).  There are 3 heats.

Count down

The double-decker bus tour was great.  (I did wonder at times if we had booked into an adults only tour but I think that was just the seedy humour of the tour guide).  It seems anything goes in Berlin.

I had an easy 30 minute run this morning and now I’m just waiting and resting.  I really need to do some washing but as long as there’s one pair of clean socks left it’s not critical. 

We have a team meeting tonight with ‘Captain Hook’.  I have a strong suspicion what’s going on and I’m excited.

Donna

Busy Busy Busy

My race is on the first morning of competition at 10.50am German time.  I don’t know which heat I will be in until later today so it could be up to 30 minutes later than that.  I did some 200’s at the training track this morning.  There are so many people sprinting, throwing javelins, doing relay practice etc that you have to stay alert in order to not get bowled over (or speared).

In spite of that I did feel safe at the track…there were six armed police in uniform watching over us. 

This afternoon ‘the Flame’ is going on a bus tour of the city.  That will save a lot of walking around later on.  There are a lot of activities organised for all athletes as well…athlete’s internet lounge, table tennis, wii stations, numerous exhibitions, musicians, dancers, cooking demonstrations etc.  No point just sitting around getting nervous!

Donna

Berlin Berlin

After nearly 7 hours on the bus (a Mercedes) we arrived in Berlin.  The hotel is a very trendy, retro style- literally called Hotel Berlin Berlin.  The whole place looks like an upmarket nightclub.  I am sharing a room with Lisa, who is running the marathon.  I ran this morning around the park…once again it’s easy to get lost.  Thankfully the Brandenberg Gate and the tower with the gold angel on top are good landmarks.

The Australian team has officially announced its new name….The Australian Flame (singular).  This name will exist for future senior teams as well, as in the Hockeyroos etc.  The response has been positive from the athletes.

Poor Marty.  He’s not allowed to stay in the team hotel, and his 3 bedroom apartment is actually a 3-beds-in-a-room place.  Apparently it’s so bad it’s funny.  He went out to the supermarket this morning to buy towels.  At least he has been given team accreditation so he can visit me. 

Donna

Too much stuff!

Packing for Berlin is proving quite difficult.  Since I’ve arrived I have my Aus uniform, extra backpack etc and it doesn’t all fit.  The trip takes around 4 hours, plus a 2 hour stop for lunch. 

Donna

Time Out

When we are not training, most athletes spend their time on skype or facebook, playing cards, drinking coffee or making trips to the laundromat/supermarket.  The only English TV stations are the news and Eurosport.

My main ‘time out’ activity at the moment has been doing cross-stitch (whilst watching German TV).  I started one about six years ago, and I brought it with me.  It gives me a chance to relax.

I will train at the track this morning (it looks like a downpour will happen any minute).  This is our last day in Cologne…it’s been a great week.

Donna