(Kim Kreiner of Fresno, American record holder in women's javelin, is a member of the U.S. Olympic team. She is blogging about her experiences in Beijing.)
Well so far I am surviving here in China. We have had a few rain storms, but I haven't had to get out the water wings yet. The days after it rains are beautiful.
I did happen to make my way over to the Nike hospitality [area], which is set up for all Nike sponsored athletes. In order to get there I took a cab with two other Nike throwers, who happen to be very large guys. I felt safer traveling with the guys than I would if I had to get a cab by myself.
The cab ride was very interesting to say the least. I though on a few occasions that I was going to die right there in the cab. The lines painted on the roads -- you know, the lane lines -- mean nothing here, it's more of just a guideline. And I have no idea why they install blinkers in the cars because no one uses them, but they do use their horns!!
And bikers ... wow! They just weave in and out of traffic like they own the road -- and let me remind you the cars are going full speed. I started to feel like a milkshake getting tossed around in the cab ... maybe even a little sea sick from all the stopping and going.
I felt much better once the three of us were able to get out and walk back to the Olympic Village. Thank goodness the gentlemen at the Nike house spoke Chinese and told the driver exactly were we needed to go.
They only let cars get so close to the Village for security reasons. But I was happy to walk that last little bit and breathe some fresh air!! Now I have to figure out how to fit all this stuff back in my bag for the trip home, but that is a while down the road.
Practices have been going great and I think I am ready to smack the javelin out there and qualify for finals. I had my last throwing workout before the big day and the weather was great! If it stays like this it will be perfect for throwing the javelin. I am fully recovered from my cab ride :)
-- Kim Kreiner
