What an insane last week it has been. I am now in China at the Olympic Village, all I can say it WOW! This place is so amazing I can hardly take it in.  If you can in vision the most beautifully manicured Chinese garden you have ever seen that is what this village and all the venues look like. The man power and work it has taken the Chinese to create this beautiful venue just amazes me.

The opening ceremonies for the Games was by far one of the coolest experiences of my life.  As my room mates and I got dressed for the ceremonies it was such a surreal moment in my life. As I looked into the minor I was filled with pride as my eyes scanned down to the Olympic emblem embroidered my blue blazer. The thought that "I'm finally here" crossed my mind and all that has happened to get me to this point. As we headed out of our building it was like a sea of red, white and blue clothes. It was as if even though you did not know any of these people you were all one family, all with the same goal and all the same pride.

The night was filled with laughter, tears and lots of sweat from everyone as it was 90 degrees as we walked towards the stadium. But as I entered that stadium all the heat disappeared as the 539 American athletes started to chant "USA, USA, USA" What an indescribable feeling it was to come out of the tunnel into the stadium and see all those people. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.

I compete in one day and I am feeling nervous but ready. I am training hard here and having faith that God will give me what I need to do my best. Check back soon for updates!

 

Corey Cogdell is a freelance contributor for teamusa.org. This blog was not subject to the approval of the United States Olympic Committee or any National Governing Bodies.