Bustin Blogs From Beijing
August 11, 2008 | Field Hockey
Aug. 10, 2008
BEIJING - U of L head field hockey coach Pam Bustin is currently at the Beijing Olympics as an assistant for the USA Field Hockey team. The following is her journal prior to their opening game.
We have been in Beijing for a solid week now and have settled into our new 'neighborhood.' The US housing is in a great location to the dining hall and the transportation center...both VERY important areas to be close to! The first week was really the familiarization week...getting use to the climate, the air, the vibe and workings of the village, the hockey fields, seeing so many famous athletes and meeting so many amazing others, getting the scoop on how to get the food you want in the dining hall... when you want it and beating the crowds... and of course... the anticipation of Opening Ceremonies.
By now, you probably have seen and enjoyed the impressive show. For me, it was an experience that brought back such strong and powerful emotions from 1996 and also provided a renewed energy about the true meaning of the Games and the journey that one takes to get here! It was fun to hang out with LeBron, Kolby, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Tashun Prince and the rest of the men's basketball team, Lindsay Davenport and James Blake, our amazing US track and field team (yes, Coach Mann too!) and finally....President George W. Bush, his dad George Sr. and wife Laura. I must say...other than witnessing the joy and pride in our athletes as we entered the stadium, my 2 favorite moments of the Opening Ceremonies were the raising of the Olympic Flag and the creative and moving lighting of the torch. China absolutely out did themselves for the Ceremonies and with the Games themselves. Each venue I have seen has been spectacular and every athlete or coach I have chatted with remarks about the high quality of their particular facility.
Tonight we play our first match of the tournament. Our first opponent is our Pan American rival, Argentina. We look forward to opportunity to compete on the Championship pitch where we can showcase all the hard work and preparation that brings us to this day. USA is ready to PLAY!
Hi to all Cards! Thanks for all the great notes of support...we are going for the GOLD! I will be back in a few days!!
