We have just completed the sixth day in Beijing, and our training has been going very well.
The draws come out tomorrow night at 7. We will then know who all the Americans are competing against, round by round. As soon as we get the draws, I will be going over the strategies with each player on how to fight their respective competitors.
We have been having practice every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beijing Normal University. Travis and I have also been playing some tennis, as there are courts right next to the dining hall. Travis played tennis on his high school team in Tacoma, and since I play, as well, he likes to crosstrain with it sometimes instead of running.
He hasn't beaten me yet in the 2-1/2 years that he has been in New York but is creeping closer and closer. Our last match, I was winning 7-5, 2-6, 5-4 until we had to stop due to darkness.
The athletes chose four-time Olympian Brian Olson as their team captain. One of Olson's duties will be to meet tomorrow with all the other team captains from all the other sports to vote on who will get the prestigious honor to carry the U.S. flag at the opening ceremonies.
Our Canadian Olympic judo friends have now arrived and are located in a building close to ours in the village. Every one seems to have gotten over any jet lag they might have and are functioning on all cylinders.
We had an opportunity to go shopping at the Silk Market, which is an area to purchase many items. It is much like in Korea, where you go in and bargain like crazy to get the best deal. I already bought three suits for only $40.
The kids had a blast at the market, as this was a new and exciting experience for them. I think they are planning to go back soon.
USA Judo Team head coach Jason Morris is also posting photos to accompany his blog in the gallery "Olympic Experience". You can view the gallery by clicking here.