Lynx to Tokyo 2020

  Trading pins are a big part of the Olympic Games. Being one of the smallest delegations at these games mean that we have some of the rarest and most sought out pins at the games. We are constantly being asked to trade.  I have to admit this has been a great way to meet new people and learn about their home countries and the sports they play. 

What an amazing night opening ceremonies was. There is no better feeling in the world then walking into the Olympic Games then the people you have spent countless hours with getting ready for this moment.  It is very emotional to say the least. The new Olympic Moto of Together Strong could not be more true.  Due to covid protocol this is the one and only time that we get so see the Olympic Torch. 

It’s Phillip here-  Today we had our normal routine, having perfect breakfast before heading to the competition pool to do some swim workouts. I can tell you all that the pool was very packed, swimmer from all around the world sharing the same pool for warm up! It’s actually pretty amazing to see and meeting new people and get to experience they’re tradition/culture.  Also can you guess what day it is? OPENING CEREMONY!!! Me, my teammate alongside coach and chef de mission are super excited. So be sure to tune in and watch out for Marshall Islands cause they’re coming in HOT!!!  Have a good day! 

First Full day in Tokyo is in the books. To update you from yesterday’s blog on the cardboard beds….they are pretty comfortable. Although to jet lagged coaches and athletes, I think anything would be comfortable.  We started out the day meeting with the team Speedo reps who equipped the athletes with new caps, goggles, and team tech suits (race suits). There is no doubt that they are now equipped to have some amazing races next week.  We enjoyed our first meals in the cafeteria as well. There are many choices from around the world so it’s going to be hard to go hungry. They are pretty strict on hand washing, using hand sanitizer and eating in plastic gloves. They also have plastic shields around everyone to protect us with our masks off.  We were able to get our first glimpse of the competition pool. But we’re not able to train in the pool today as we were schedule to use one of the training pools. Yes, they have 4 Olympic size pools in the aquatic area.  After pract...

We have been asked a lot about Covid over here. We are testing daily (saliva). It is very hot today and you can’t eat or drink 30 min before the test. Let me tell you it’s hard to produce enough spit when your dehydrated.  Everywhere we go we have our temps taken with mandated hand sanitizer stations. Our health and locations are also tracked in an app. 

Here are the times of opening ceremony and races. Opening ceremonies: country 171: Friday July 23rd 7:00am central live broadcast. check local tv listings for evening prime time broadcast   Colleen 100 Free: July 28 5:00am central time  Phillips 50 Free:  Friday July 30 at 5:00am central  

  After an eventful day of travel we have arrived at our new home for the next two weeks at the Olympic Village. We are all worn out and ready to give the cardboard beds a try.