I Love LENOVO

I'm really loving Lenovo! I've been a partnership with Lenovo since May, blogging about my various experiences. They provided the tools ( a laptop and camera) I simply type. And let me tell you, its nice to know there are people out there that want to hear about your rambling. But, this isn't the real reason I love Lenovo.

Let me tell you why I think they are great! While I was in Singapore I accidently injured my laptop. Apparently laptops are designed to open and close, and opening a laptop beyond its desire range of motion can break the hinges...umm.... well let's just say I did the latter. Gradually my laptop no longer would stay open, it would either violently close or go back 180 degrees.

So, I shamefully brought in my new laptop, to Lenovo (which was onsite in the Village) to take a look at my once beautiful Lenovo Laptop. Yes, I was ashamed of the destruction I had performed, in such a short span of time. To my surprise, Kevin Walker a representative with Lenovo and the VP of Gobal Web Marketing, David Churbuck took extraordinary care of me.

They replaced my laptop, providing me with a sleek upgraded Beijing Special Edition slim version laptop (IdeaPad U110). Placed all my documents on my previous computer on my new computer and external hard drive. And provided me with nothing but love, support and kindnss. Never making me feel bad about my accident. These guys were great! Customer and Client Service -- Grade A.

I have used a lot of various laptops over the years, and without a doubt I can say that none measure up to Lenovo.

Loving Lenovo,

Nicole

Managing the Unexpected

Where to start... Well how about I start from the end and work my way to the start. Today was the qualification rounds for the Women's High Jump. I finished 11th in my field with a height of 1.89m.. just missing qualification for finals by the smallest of margins.

Under normal conditions this would be devestating, but, actually I am well recovered and pleased with my resolve. Obviously a qualification would have been wonderful, but sometimes you have to keep things in perspective to sustain some sanity.

Yes, it was raining. Actually "terrential down fall" is probably more accurate. However, the rain wasn't so much an issue. (It just sucked trying to stay dry!) And to the credit of my competitors I think everyone did a good job staying focused and competitive. I was never nervous, but felt very comfortable in the 100,000 seated stadium. I made sure to enjoy the moment and every jump. At the very least I wanted to make sure I left EVERYTHING on the track and could give no more. And I did do that, but it wasn't enough.

On this day, I could do not much more. But, why I am okay with this performance has to do with my ability to adjust to the unexpected. On Monday at the warm-up track I sprained my jump ankle, tripping on a railing. I was in shock, pain and devestated as I limped over to my medical people -- the tears forming in the corner of my eyes. They did a good job keeping me calm and controlling the swelling. However, a subsequent assessment at the village did create panic for me (it's not a confidence booster having your foot x-rayed 3 days before an Olympic qualification round). There is also a history with this ankle. I spent 6 weeks rehabing it in March & April, and a sprain at the Olympic Games poked a hole in my balloon.

However, with some alteration in my training and some aggressive physio we were able to put me back on the track and in competition mode. I'm applying 4 to 7 times my body weight on my ankle in each jump and confidence in that joint is needed to commit to the jump.... like I'm either attacking the bar 100% or I might as well not be jumping. And I did attack. I never backed down. I attacked with the same intention as I would if I was jumping in optimal conditions. Fighting for every height, as best I could. And this is resillency for me. It's raining hard, I'm wet, I'm cold, my ankle is stiff and taped up for support but none of that matters. My only concern is execution. And to give it my all.... And I do!

There is one last thing I should mention. When you perform less than what is expected usually people don't know how to react. Some people will give you the pity look or try to avoid asking you how you are doing. I don't identify myself by my performance. Just because I'm jumping well or poorly does not make me a good or bad person. I'm still Nicole. Answering media questions after competing today was more difficult than the competition itself, because there was an insuiation that I would be really devestated by my performance. So I found myself questioning what I had or hadn't done -- when in fact I walked off the track with no regrets. Ultimately, I realized that my initial assessment was the correct reaction. I left EVERYTHING on the track and could give no more.

We all have good days and bad days, but the lessons learned and how we respond is what makes us better... And if I'm sounding positive or upbeat, it's only because I've had other competitions where I've learned this lesson.

Still learning,
Nicole

Angels in the Dugout

Okay.. So, its been a moment since I've last blogged. I've been busy in transit. I've just returned to the village after being away at a training camp in Singapore. It is nice to be back but I'm also glad I'm just returning. Competing at the end of the games as the advantage of greater preparation time. For me the latter is important.

Today something dawned on me. While we the athletes are on the frontline and ultimately deciding our fate there are many people in the back, that the spectators do not see. It's the physiotherapists, chiropracters, masseause, coaches, and sponosors (as well as the family and friends) preparing us for battle. Our team therapists have been phenominal. They are the last one leaving the track arriving back in the village at midnight only to return to the track at 7 am.

As we approach competition days our demands from our therapists become greater. Suddenly, a minor tooth ache can manifest into needing our neck and spine looked at... okay, I'm exaggerating of course. The point is we are trying to make sure everything is working as we want it to our therapists are there to make sure we are... and never showing fatigue. Willing to help us and reassure us for battle.

Thank you Team Canada!
Nicole

The Opening Ceremony

So, I’m currently in Singapore at a training camp. Yes, I know the Olympic Games have begun, but unlike many other athletes I do not compete till the end of the Olympic Games, beginning August 21st (which would explain my current location).

However, before arriving in Singapore we had a staging in Beijing. The staging involved receiving our Canada gear, getting acquainted with the village, training venue and a chance to walk at the Opening Ceremony if we chose to do so. Being that I don’t compete until the end and this is my first Olympic Games, I made the obvious choice to walk.

The process was quite long. We left the village after 6pm and did not return until 12:30pm. However, it was well worth it!!! For the most part of the evening we (Team CANADA) were congregated together. So during this time we’re getting acquainted with each other from various sports -- learning about each others qualification procedure, general season and long term aspirations. And in this time we are unknowingly creating a greater bond with each other. It seems so fitting (now as I reflect) that as we walked into the tunnel, just a few steps from entering the stadium someone began belting out “Oh, Canada” and we all chimed in unison. Oh, Canada indeed!

Walking in the stadium (the very same stadium I will be competing in) was a proud moment. I waved my Canada thunder sticks with enthusiasm and Canadian Pride – ironically landing me a spot on television. We then walked into the centre of the stadium and cheered on the other countries as they entered. My teammate Scott Russell pointed out the Olympic Torch and we wondered how they would have it lit. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined it to be lit in the manor it was. And as I stood shoulder to shoulder with athletes spanning the globe the emotion I felt as I saw the torch lit, I cannot find words to explain. Certainly, a unique and special experience – feelings that were expressed in the tears that surprisingly streamed my faced. Yes, Beijing I have arrived! And I am ready!

Jumping High,
Nicole

The Flight of the Phoenix

Okay, so we are a few hours a way from the start of the opening ceremony. I arrived in the village yesterday and today I’ve been busy hustling from place to place, getting adjusted and familiarized. Tomorrow I’m off to Singapore, where I will stay until the start of my competition. It’s all been pretty wild so far, and I am looking forward to tonight’s opening ceremony. However, in this excitement and whirl wind of getting settled, I can’t help but stop and think about the long road it has taken me to get to this point. I can only say there is power, relief and gratitude in perseverance.

Sometimes when we’re watching the games we forget about those who came close to being a member of the team. We often hear that training for the Olympic Games takes many years, possibly more than a decade. However, to get a chance to compete at the Olympic Games one must first qualify -- and this can be the hardest battle for some athletes. Having narrowly missed qualifying in both 2000 and 2004 for the Olympic Games, I can appreciate this angst. However, perseverance can make an eventual victory that much sweeter. I have no idea what emotions I will feel as I walk out tonight, but I’m almost certain it will be altering experience…. Let the games begin!

Committed to excellence,
Nicole