Sochi experience: Not perfect, but not bad

I have been reading several peoples accounts of their stay so far here in Adler/Sochi, and those accounts have inspired me to write my own. Please keep in mind that I feel badly for anyone who is experiencing less than adequate conditions, like those that have brown water coming out of their faucet or those waiting for their rooms. But our hotel, The Azimut, is great. It is brand new, like many other sites at this Games. It’s so new that many things are added as we head out for the day. Yes, you may see that as unfinished, but I chose to look at it as a pleasant surprise that only makes my stay better. You leave for work and come back to find you have a new hook in the bathroom. The whole place has that new smell, and I am fairly certain nobody has ever slept in my rented bed…YAY! The staff is so helpful and always tries its hardest to understand our English questions. What we have to reconcile is that every Games has its problems, and Sochi is no exception, but we also need to recognize that we are not the focus here.

 

View from my hotel balcony of the mountains and village

View from my balcony of the Black Sea

My biggest worry was safety when I came, and I truly feel safe. There are security personnel everywhere, but they're not making life complicated. The lines have been minimal, yet I know they will get worse once the Games begin as they always do. The system is comforting. My friends and I play a game of “how many locals can we get to smile back at us?” I know they want to, but they just aren't used to having people smile at them for no reason in the morning. So far, we have found that about 43% of the time, we get a smile in return. I call that a victory that still has room for improvement. 

The food has been really good in the call at the IBC cafeteria and elsewhere, although I haven't' had time to explore much else. The last time I was anywhere near Russia, in 1989 in Estonia, I nearly starved myself…partly because I am not an adventurous eater and partly because they would never truly confirm what kind of meat it was under all the sauce. I didn’t know if it would different this time, but I'm happy to report IT IS!  In fact, I could really stuff my face if I wanted to. There are healthy options of perfectly steamed broccoli, a salad bar and soups, as well as other offering such fresh banana bread and endless pizza.

The park housing and all the ice venues in the Olympic Plaza are amazing. Everything is so close together. And the medals area, which will house the flame for the 17 days of the Games, is right in the middle. I know there is a lot of negative talk about the Games, but I am done with it.  No Games is perfect. I remember carrying water up three flights of stair to have it in my hotel room in Athens. They are never perfectly done, and each LOCOG is always rushing to finish the huge undertaking. And while that can be disconcerting to the outside world, it's not why we hold or attend the Games.

Olympic Plaza

So I'm not talking about the “unfinished” pieces of this Games anymore because it’s not what the Games are about. It’s time celebrate the athletes. Send out the positive juju so these Games begin tonight with happiness and hope and smiles. Don't fret about condition because I can promise you, you can find the same in hotels in NY. Focus on the good, the beautiful moments that will be the Sochi Winter Games of 2014. Because the only things that has to be near perfect at an Olympics are the performances. Bring on the Opening Ceremonies.

Jamie Anderson and her family after the first Women's Slopestyle Snowboard event qualifications Feb. 6th

London Daily: My Olympic Experiences (day by day)

Day 7 (July 28)

Watching Swimming with the First Lady

My time with the First Lady of the United States Mrs. Michelle Obama was surreal. From waiting with secret service and traveling via motorcade, to sitting at an event chatting like old friends, the experience was everything I could have imagined and more. We laughed and cheer with everyone inside the Aquatic Center on the opening night of swimming. And it was such an honor to be able to introduce her to a sport I love so much. She is so passionate about getting America healthy and activity and so supportive of those that represent our great country so well, that I was a bit stunned when she was truly surprised at how important and memorable it was to the athletes that she was there. I conveyed to her that for every single swimmer wearing the flag and competing for our country, it was special and meant a lot that the First Lady would take the time to come watch their events and support them.  We talked Olympic experiences, memorable moments, technique, even why the athletes often bite their medals during photos. But in the end, she and I shared one very important distinction and title that always drives a conversation, that of "mom." We are both working moms, and no matter what your status in life, the conversation always seems to come back to your family and how you balance your life.

All in all, the experience was a bit hectic but a pure joy. So it was a pleasure to relive the fun when I awoke to the plethora of messages via text, email and twitter about how much all of you enjoyed seeing me share swimming with the First Lady.

Day 6: (July 27)

Delegation Perspective 

I’ve been to nine Olympic Games, but until this Games, I’ve never been to an Opening Ceremonies, either as a spectator or participant. Thus, watching my first Opening Ceremonies in person was amazing. I walked into Olympic Stadium with the same feeling I had when I watched my first Olympic event in 1984 in LA. I took in every sight, sound, and sense possible, almost as if I was afraid to blink because I might miss something.

 

What I learned from my delegation buddy, Olympic soccer star Brandi Chastain - who was watching her first ceremony as well - is that athletes don’t get to see the production and spectacle when they participate in Opening Ceremonies. Instead, they’re in another venue, hanging out, doing team cheers, chatting with other nations, and trading pins. We each thought we knew everything about experiencing the Olympic “moments”, yet together, we were both able to experience something new. It was a magnificent, emotional night. The moment the countdown was done, I was already bailing, and I finished off the night with watching the lighting of the flame with a few more tears.

Day 5 (July 26)
Oh my! Well, today I discovered where I will be spending any downtime I have at these games, The P&G Family Home! Absolutely amazing with it's 65,000 sq ft space and an endless supply of P&G products. There’s so much to talk about, but instead, I’ll let my photos speak for themselves.
I wrapped up my day by being picked up by The White House….Yep, I wish I could tell you where I am, but then I would have to kill ya.

I have the honor of being part of The First Lady's delegation and an Olympic-sized “Let's Move” event. More on that and Opening Ceremonies tomorrow. GO USA!

Day 4 (July 25) 
I felt like a super lucky kid on Day 4 when I got to start my morning with my kids, having a great breakfast on a double-decker bus with a few friends named "Tony the Tiger", "Snap, Crackle and Pop" and "Mini" wheat!

We had the opportunity to tour some of the big London sites, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. It was amazing.

Then I went onto a second event without the kids to meet up with my other family, the swimmers and Speedo. I can't tell you how fun it is to be a Speedo athlete again. Being around all of the current swimmers makes me feel young again and makes it hard for me to believe that Barcelona was 20 years ago. I even got into a new swimsuit (a little piece for Yahoo! Sports, but that’s a whole story in itself.) You can see that and more of my coverage here and here.


Day 3 (July 24)
It was a gorgeous day to be with my Yahoo! girls getting stuff done in London. Lisa Antonucci, our coordinator; Sam Kilgore, my extraordinary manager; and Shannon Miller, Olympic gymnast and fellow analyst; and I were cruising from Tottenham Court to Big Ben and Parliament, getting credentialed and learning the lay of the land. We only got lost a couple of times, and a couple of us forgot our passports during the process…that would be me...But we asked some very kind Brits for directions and they did not steer us wrong. Life was grand. So far, the credential count around my neck is three...how many will it end up being in the next 20 days!

Day 2 (July 23)
I am not going to lie, today I missed home and I am not sure why…Maybe it was because my hubby took off for home for a week. Maybe it was because we had to hoof-it college-student style to the launderette 10 blocks away to clean ourselves up. Or because the kids and I got lost for 1.5 hours walking in what ended up being circles. And I got yelled at a few times for not doing things right, i.e. ordering food and walking across the crosswalk. Just feeling a little out of sorts.


But on a brighter note, we found an amazing playground for the kids in Regent Park where, for the first time (because I think they are outlawed in the states), they discovered the dizzying joy of a merry-go-round. And during my second lost in London moment, I stumbled upon the outdoor pool I was hoping to find for the kids. Also a plus, we have clean clothes again J So, today wasn't all discouraging. And, like a true Olympia, I muscles through. We are 3 days from what is my favorite night every two years, THE OPENING CEREMONIES!


First Day in London (July 22)
This is my Ninth Games as either a spectator, competitor or reporter/host, and I am just as excited today as I was that first time in 1984. However, this is the first Games where my kids are with me and have potential of truly remembering the experience. We popped thru Heathrow when I ran the torch a few weeks ago, but now we are settling into our hotel, i.e. our home, for the next three weeks and I can't believe it is actually here. And honestly, I can't believe I am saying that because I kind of feel that only an athlete has the right to say that as they have been busting their butts every single day, sometimes three-times a day, to get here and have a shot at bringing home a round treasure. But none-the-less, we’re here and I’m still a little in awe.
To really get into the spirit (and partially just to find my me), we took the Underground to the gymnastics venue and Olympic Park upon dropping off our bag. This kids' eyes lit up when they say the magnificence of it all. And all I can think is this is just the beginning…Wait until they see their first event. Up next, getting all of my many credentials and passes. Only a few days left of not wearing my awful picture around my neck every moment of everyday.

17 Days of Chaos

The chaos of the Games.

The Olympic Games…they are an amazing 17 days of pure, crazy chaos.  And covering the Olympics is a fantastic blend of challenge, excitement, anxiousness, drama, adrenaline and awe-inspiring moments with a little exhaustion mixed in. 

I feel so blessed every time I get to be a part of the action, and I try to carry that sentiment with me every day of work and competition.  It is not as easy as it was back in 1996, 2000 or 2002.  Back then, it was just little ole me; I had no one else to worry about.  Now, it’s more of a family affair…my own little European vacation minus the Griswold’s. 

As a reporter, analyst and host, I realize I am not there to cheer for Team USA. But as an American and Olympic champion, I will be cheering my head off for all of my peers and friends. The 2012 Games will be my ninth Olympic Games as either a spectator, competitor, or reporter.  Each Games is unique and equally amazing.  Just like parenthood, it is a chaos that I love, appreciate and relish! 

We’re less than 43 days now…Bring on Opening Ceremonies!

Don't call them little

If someone says “The big three” when referring to Olympics sports, can you guess what they are? At the Games, they are usually clumped together in venues that tend to usher their spectators into the same giant quad like area, and they often get a lot of the prime time TV love. They are: swimming, athletics and gymnastics. But we need to remember that they are only 3 of 26 sport played at the Olympics Games. 

When I was first introduced to the Olympics as a spectator back in 1984, we had a few tickets to the big three, but we focused mainly on the smaller venues.  I vividly remember standing outside the boxing venue waiting for Pernell Whitaker's autograph. If you are planning to take the family over to London, don't think you have to get tickets to the BIG 3 to make a BIG impact.  I was a swimmer, and I was just as inspired by watching the wrestlers and boxers as I was by watching Mary T. and Tracey C.…my swimming idols!  Think small and have big FUN!  Table tennis is some seriously fast-paced action.  Beach Volleyball plays a match about every minute, and talk about a party venue…sand, bikinis, Olympic volleyball, music...need I say more!  Or head to the rapids and watch the kayakers work wonders with mother nature.

I love venues where you get to walk around while cheering, or where the crowd is really into it so others to add to your list are mountain biking, cycling (especially the long distance track), water polo and taekwondo. And I don't know what it is about triathlon, but I FEEL every step for those competitors.  There are often many lead changes and super exciting finishes.  And finally, take the opportunity to fill the streets and cheer on the OLYMPIC MARATHONERS on the final day of the London Games.  Nothing says Olympic like 26.2 miles finishing in the Olympic stadium! 

All in all...If you get a chance to see it, SEE IT! Enjoy, be patriotic, and cheer for all sports!

London 2012 Competition Schedule