Aug 13
The Sydney Games are widely considered the gold standard of Olympics. Magnificently staged, perfectly run.
I wasn’t at Sydney but I will take the veterans’ word for it.
We media types judge the Games less on the athletic performances (they stand on their own) and more on the experience covering them. Read more
By Leah (2012 Host)
Gamesmaker to Spectator
Once the Gamesmaking finished, it’s been fun to be a spectator at some of the venues, and at home when my TV reception cooperates.
Lots of us are describing a similar type of Olympics Time Warp – only being at home to sleep, forgetting to shop for groceries, not being in touch with friends and family, and every day being about the Games, only talking and reading about the Games, and trying to hold down Read more
Weightlifting was not very high on my list of events to see.
After all, there were my diving pals and Usain Bolt, Gabby Douglas and the opening ceremony.
But for sheer craziness and drama it is tough to beat weightlifting with its reality TV music, bigger-than-life characters and an arena full of screaming and chanting Iranians. Read more
As I am sure you have seen on TV, there are a huge number of photographers here. And although most days they dart around from venue to venue, nearly all of them want to shoot the marquee Olympic event: the men’s 100-meter sprint.
Positions are bought and paid for more than a year out. Negotiations for other positions and for remote camera access Read more
The women’s eight rowing team has not lost an international competition in six years and this Olympics was no different, winning gold by nearly a boat length over Canada.
And now Amy and I have a little history with this crew.
Amy, because she partied with the medalists on Friday at the USA House, meeting several of the team, including Mary Read more
By Leah (2012 Host)
My Gamesmaker volunteering is already officially over, and I had a blast despite the long hours. So I’ve contacted the organizers to offer help if they need any shifts filled. Next month I’m doing a different volunteering program for a week at the end of the Paralympics, but I’d love some more Gamesmaker work.
First came the cycling road races last weekend. I knew for a while that I would be a crossing marshal and the specifics Read more
You have been wondering where we have been. So now is your chance to find us. Amy and I are in this picture somewhere.
I met Amy tonight at the mall for dinner and I mentioned to her that the blogosphere was getting restless. She asked if I had a headline for the next post. I didn’t and I really only had a series of small items. And her suggestion for Hodgepodge for the Needy seemed quite appropriate.
By Amy
That’s me with a Czech coach.
After sleeping for about 12 hours, I decided to start touring London. The forecast was for a 25 percent chance of rain, so of course it started to rain as soon as I stepped out of the hotel.
First stop of the day – back to the hotel room to get my umbrella. Took the Underground from Euston to Embankment, exited the wrong way, of course, then found my way to the walk along the Thames. Walked past Read more
Eat at Joe’s 