I can’t thank all of you enough! I have read all your emails and comments and they bring more tears to my eyes than losing the gold last night.

It was so difficult to work so hard and come this close to the gold medal and miss out! I set up the perfect race, ran 23.57 to the 200m and 35.6 to 300,which is where I always like to be to run 49.2 or better. I went for it and came up short. Some say I went out too hard and that is a bit frustrating. I have the best 200m PR in the field and I always go out harder than everyone else. It’s ironic that what people praise me for when I win, they crucify me for when I lose. I felt a cramp in my hamstring coming off the turn and although I had a decisive lead I was too far away to hold them off. I have never made any excuses for a loss, I’ve always taken them in stride, however this is not an excuse it’s just the fact!

I appreciate all the letters and comments I’ve received and although I was down for a while I am better now and I will continue to work hard and persevere until I fulfill my dreams. Thank you so much for believing in me an the best is yet to come….

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”-profound words of Jeannette Bolden after my loss. (not her original quote)

Training in Dalian

It doesn’t get much better than this. I am currently in Dalian, about an hour away from Beijing by plane, and it is incredible to say the least! I am so fortunate to be apart of a federation that would go to these lengths to help give all their athletes a clean, safe, and relaxing environment to prepare for the start of the Games.

I have been here since the 2^nd and I have been able to enjoy all the amenities of this beautiful facility. There are three different tracks for us to train on, one for sprinters and jumpers, one designed specifically for the throwers, and a horse-shoe track for the distance runners. All these facilities were built within the last six months just for us. Although that is unbelievable what is even more incredible is the 2000 security men and women looking after us. We never make a move without someone there. It is unreal how extensive the security is, almost like a human fence set up to keep us safe. As we drive back and forth from the track, there is a man or woman, some uniformed others not, standing almost every 100 meters along the road side. Along with their physical protection, we are escorted by police, as they shut down the roads while we travel from each point. There are also armed men set up on building tops at the track and around the hotel at all times. It is a major operation! A lot of people, especially the residents of the city, have made tons of sacrifices to have us here and we all greatly appreciate it.

Other amenities include a bowling alley in our hotel, a 60-seat movie room, ping-pong tables, pool tables, an athlete lounge area, a sauna, salon, and more. All these things really give us a chance to bond and feel like a family. It’s always so much fun to be a part of the USA Team! You meet amazing new people, you cheer for each other in practice, and you become invested in everyone’s journey to success. I think it’s one of the best parts of track and field and I am honored to be an Olympian!

My training has been going really well and I am so eager to get started. As I write this entry, it is already August 7^th  here in China, just one more day until Opening Ceremonies. I opted not to go to the Opening Ceremonies this year, after participating in 2004. It is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had but it just makes more sense for me to stay here and continue to train and head over to Beijing only one time, on the 11^th, a few days before my preliminary round.

Stay tuned……

Although it is only July 30^th, still nine days before the start of the Olympics and seventeen days before the start of the women’s 400m, at 4:30am this morning my Olympic journey began. Today I travel to San Jose for team processing, stay there for the night, then travel to Beijing on the 31^st. I’ll only be in Beijing for a night before flying to Dalian for our training camp!

I could never truly explain to anyone how exciting a time like this is in my life! After 2004, if felt like 2008 would never come, but not only is it here, the Olympics are right around the corner and I am qualified in my main event, the 400m!

After my last few meets in Europe I was only in Austin for six days…..six days that Coach Hart, Bruce Johnson, my strength coach, and Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle, my Pilates Instructor, squeezed in as much as they could possibly have me do. It wasn’t hard though, as I had more motivation than ever. What could pull me to the finish line quicker, allow me to throw the bar up faster, or do more Pilates hundreds, than knowing the Olympics are my next meet. No more waiting, no more anticipating…..The journey has begun.

I’m overwhelmed with different emotions excitement, anticipation, nerves, disbelief, but most importantly I’m HUNGRY! I’m so happy to have this opportunity in a year when I’m healthy and prepared. I am the American record holder, a two-time Golden League Jackpot winner, an Olympic and World Championship gold medal relayist, but still not an individual gold medalist!  I know if I execute my race this could be my year and I’m thrilled!

I’ll be giving updates from China as often as I can, but if not my race days are Aug 16, 17, with the FINALS on the 19^th……….Don’t miss it!!!

Until next time

 San