July 31st, 2012

So the opening games have come and passed and we are just getting our last sessions in before we start competition on Friday. We have had great sessions since we arrived in England and its kind of scary how well it has gone. Jamie had a great practice and boomed over a nice bar in practice and Will looks faster than he ever has and his nagging injury from trials is for the most part gone. So you know why I'm ready for this thing to get started. 
           A real interesting look into the dynamic of Will and I, is we are more than just coach athlete. I train him and look out for his well being, but I've invested a lot of time and myself because he's more like family. I don't ask anything in return except a pair of Jordans each year because his success is the most important thing. Its amazing to be on a journey like this with such a special person and his family is amazing. As you saw in the previous pictures I'm staying in James's house, Will's eldest bother. James played football at Cal but was born in London. He is who will wanted to be like when he was a kid. He and his fiancee have gone out of the way to take care of me. Since I've been here they got me a temp phone, filled the house with food, and check on me daily. They re truly amazing people but I would expect nothing less from Will's family. 
        The other night was James' fiancees birthday and they had a party with a DJ and food and the whole nine. The food was amazing and the DJ played great music, unfortunately I knew most the music word for word so they were oldies but goodies. At the part Will was able to see his grandmother, aunts, and some cousins he had never met. They were so excited to see him. Zia, James fiancee and her friends are amazing women. They can cook like no other, are always checking to make sure the house is spotless, and checking to make sure you are well taken care of. This is not what was amazing, but the fact they are successful business women, veterinarians, pharmacist, doctors and lawyers. Pretty impressive and it was a fun and a festive night and allowed me to relax and not think about the Olympics for a little while. 
      Anyway, the days are counting down and our first prelim and final is Friday and Saturday. From here on in I get to make sure Will gets treatment, and we go through our script for the first day. On a side note, Nike has been amazing. They set-up treatment for the athletes and even hooked me up finally with a field band which I've wanted for months. But of course when I got my band, Will had to trump me and get a limited edition see through one. The only thing better is if it was gold. 

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