Monday, August 24, 2009

Monday PM update






Wow, the Opening Ceremonies were absolutely magnificent!! The entertainment was stunning, singers, dancers, instruments & speeches. The pre-ceremony waiting time was not so magnicifent, 2 hrs or so, first for our Team USA picture then into the ceremonies. Seeing all of the other 50 country's flags flying at the same time was inspiring.

During the waiting period, I was able to visit other countries' team members, often exchanging pins and taking pics. A memorable moment was when a 9 yr old Japanese boy approached me to swap stuff. He gave me a paper Ninja star, like an Origami-type deal. Several recipients from Team Hong Kong were delightful, especially one who was enamored w/ a super-tacky "Party-city" patriotic flashing necklace.

Tomorrow, I will cheer for our cycling team in their Time Trial race. The team is well-organized and very fast, so I am looking forward to being a spectator & helping out. Yesterday, I practiced in a 50 meter pool, focusing on freestyle for the better part of my session. Team UK was also practicing, and are a big team. It is obvious they have come to the World Games to win, and there's significant chatter about who will win the relays. Trash-talking not in the open, yet.

I've attached some pics from my visit to a wildlife sanctuary this afternoon.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Dear Brian,
We are so proud of you! We are all cheering for you here at the National Foundation for Transplants! We hope you can hear us all the way from Memphis, TN!
We hope you have a wonderful adventure in Australia and bring home gold!
Best wishes,
Connie Gonitzke

Coach Andy said...

Just remember the great Phelps said, I save my talking for the pool. Well we know those results. You got it brother.......!!!!!!!!!!

Ken Loyd said...

You are an ambassador for your country, transplant recipients, and your Lord. How wonderful! God bless your every endeavor.

Unknown said...

I love the pictures!!!!!!! You look so happy and HEALTHY!!!

Welcome to heart2swim

Thank you for visiting my blog! You will find the latest on the development of TI in the Triangle area, as well as well as my own personal jouney from a heart transplant to competitive swimming. TI Swimming is more than simply a business, it is my passion! I hope you enjoy the posts and pics, and freely add your comments.

I currently coordinate the Adult Swim programming at Rex Wellness Center in Wakefield, and private and group lessons are available to members and non-members. Easy Freestyle Workshops are co-sponsored by the FS series,
www.fsseries.com, and are offered in Raleigh and Charlotte. You can reach me at bbarndt@gmail.com or 919-757-1230.