Olympics/Paralympics 2004

  

2.4 Meter Laser 470 Star Tornado

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2004 Olympic Diary

For the sixth time in his 24-year career with US SAILING, Olympic Director Jonathan Harley is accompanying the USA's Team to the Olympic Games.

His first Olympic diary  -- from Sydney, Australia -- offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of the U.S. sailors at the Games.  Now in Athens with the 2004 Team, Jonathan is back with a second installment of his Olympic Diary.

Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.
 

 

   
  August 24 – With only the 49ers scheduled to race their three races today (Stars added one make-up race) there was a chance to “escape” for a few hours in the morning to visit the Acropolis.  Courtesy of the “Meltemi,” the weather was very breezy, clear and comfortable, making the view of usually-smoggy Athens excellent.  I have visited many places in my career with the Olympics but none can compare with the Acropolis, when you think of civilization at that period in time.  It also reminds me of my Ancient History classes in high school, and seeing things in person make it that much more interesting.  Returned to venue by noon to see off our teams and continue the process of getting packed up.

As you know by now, despite a very convincing win in race #15, our 49er team has been mathematically eliminated from a medal.  Our Star team made a huge comeback and is now in the thick of the medal hunt, as is our Tornado team.  With two races in the remaining classes tomorrow we will have a much better idea of how things stand by nightfall.

Kevin Burnham has been thoroughly enjoying his third Olympic experience, visiting venues and attending as many events as possible.  Last night there was another Sports Illustrated party and Kevin had been asked to come with his GOLD MEDAL.  We had been told the party was oversubscribed, but Kevin managed to get us on the list.  Apparently he was responsible for getting quite a large contingent in!  Everyone knows Kevin. 

At one point the managing editor of SI invited the entire Gold Medal Women’s Softball Team to the stage and then displayed a copy of this weeks SI cover on which the team is featured.  They won every game and outscored their opponents 51-1 for a very convincing medal.  Once again celebrities galore were present:  Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush and Nancy O’Dell, The Today Show’s Al Roker and Aussie swimmer Ian Thorpe (below).

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