Turning a corner...

Today was definitely a turning point for us, and much needed. Despite the arctic temperature of the pool, we were on fire! (I never would have guessed that it would be cold here but yesterday it was downright cold! And it was so windy! There were chairs and umbrellas flying across the deck into the pool and pine needles blanketing the surface of the water. We needed mashettis to try and do our ballet legs!)
Our coach, the one and only Christine Carver, started off the morning by reminding us of what a great nation we are representing. We are not a nation stilted by fear, we are not a nation that lies down and takes abuse, we are not a nation subject to gossip and rumor. We represent a nation of heroes and innovators and great thinkers that have led the United States to be the greatest nation in the world. In this arena of the world, the United States is in the lead, so why not in our arena of synchronized swimming? It may seem small but it is very relevant to us where we are right now in our lives. She went on to say that we must refuse to be afraid of our competition or have our spirits weakened by "anti-American sentiment" and politics. We must be proud and bold and lay everything on the line. And it started today. We also got to watch some video of our competition which just fueled us even more. No matter what the outcome of this Olympics is, every single one of us knows that we layed it all out today and we will continue to do so all the way through competition day. Our free program finally felt like a complete package. We finally all felt that burn you get in your tummy when you know everyone in pattern with you is right with you and pushing as hard as they know how. The spark was there, as we imagined an audience and our competitors watching us perform. We all felt the same thing at the end of the routine, and while it was not flawless, it was the right approach. After lunch, our duet was challenged to perform their technical routine and was truly was almost flawless. It was so inspiring that I couldn't help breaking out into song and adjusting the words from "God Bless America" to "God Bless our Duet-y" (of course I had some more great lyrics in perfect pentameter but I don't want to share them until I can get the lyrics copyrighted) Our duet will be leading the charge on the 23rd and setting the stage for the team to follow.
We finished up with our technical team that is coming together so well. It's really an accomplishement for us since technical teams have usually been our weaker event, but not this time!
On the bus ride home our team leader informed me that I would have the opportunity to do an interview for Australian radio. I was so excited because my boyfriend (the most patient and wonderful man alive) is from Perth, Australia. So, on the bus I was reviewing all of my Australian knowledge like how to pronounce "Aussie" (like Auzzie) and what Vegemite is, and the correct usage for the word "bonzer". But, come to find out it was a Canadian reporter from Toronto. So, I did the interview but I've set our media guy on a mission to get me an Aussie interview.
I have to go do a quick landdrill with the team, no rest for the weary! We are all looking forward to another great day. A great day that will be highlighted by a visit from Matt Lauer and Al Roker from the Today Show. Unfortunately my idol Katie Couric won't be there but we get to toss and Matt and Al in the pool so that should be lots of fun!
Be sure to check out our awesome women's water polo team and our dominant women's softball team. They are doing some serious damage and getting us all psyched up for our upcoming competition!
And thanks for all of the comments, they absolutely make my day. I'm so excited people are enjoying my experience here. And hello to Los Altos Rotary, I'll be visiting you when I get back and hopefully with a medal to show you!