Diary
August 14, 2007
Sarah Mergenthaler and Amanda Clark
470 Women
After a long week of traveling, unloading containers, boat work, training, adjusting to a 12-hour time zone change, measurement and a practice race, the Pre-Olympic Regatta Eve here in Qingdao, China is upon us! As we looked around the spacious boat park, built for the 2008 Olympic Games, we see the area is littered with boats flipped over on trollies as sailors polish, prime and add finishing tweaks to their boats.
We’ve had a great week of training, focusing mainly on light air boat speed and trying to learn as much as possible about the ever-quizzical current here in Qingdao. The US Sailing Team is fully loaded and the support for the 18 US Sailors here is fantastic. We have the Olympic Sailing Committee Chairman, two athletic trainers, meteorologist, nutritionist, a Chinese liaison, 10 staff coaches and even a boatwright, all fully focused on getting great results on the water. The energy in and around the US Team is buzzing!
Beyond the scope of the US Camp, the Chinese have once again rolled out the red carpet for this event. Great planning and unbelievable organization! There are so many orange-clad regatta workers that we only have to appear to have a question before at least four of them are circling you, wanting to help out. The opening ceremonies was a mind blowing display of traditional Chinese drummers, singers belting out hits from Phantom of the Opera, dancers and, of course, a huge fireworks display rivaling the Macy’s 4th of July show in New York City! The people of Qingdao are so excited to host this event and the 2008 Olympics, they have taken the obsession of “ ‘08” to the next level: What time did the opening ceremonies begin? Why, 8:08 of course!
We are looking forward to a great week of competition. We are honored to be here in Qingdao, representing the USA!
Best,
Sarah Mergenthaler
Amanda Clark
USA 1736