Was he really ever that young?

Looking through some early digital photos I'm truly amazed how fast the time has gone. Thought you may enjoy a few ...

In 2000, Riley was the youngest athlete in the history of the Canada Games and the media was pleasantly surprised what a great interview he gave. He had already learned what a "sound bite" was by that age!

While the sign was actually attached to a trampoline being auctioned off by the Calgary Dive Club, couldn't resist a little creative license with the camera. Who wouldn't want to win such a priceless prize!!!

Our first time to Beijing but hopefully not our last!

Videos

Was asked recently if I had any videos of Riley and I realized I have only posted play time at the pool. Hope you enjoy this series of 10 metre dives - Riley winning the 2006 Junior National 10 Metre Championships and breaking his buddy Alexandre Despatie's record!

The Beijing Experience

If you followed the event, you'll know that Riley and Reuben were unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a 10 metre synchro spot for Canada. We knew a top eight finish would be very difficult and they would have to both dive flawlessly. Unfortunately, they each made a mistake which cost them any chance and ended up 13th. It was a long shot but would have been awesome for Riley, Reuben and the Canadian team.

I haven't had a a chance to talk to Riley in depth about Beijing but he did tell me he got the experience in the pool he needed and he was pleased with his training regime. He did end up getting sick while there which was a real frustration for him as he has been struggling to stay healthy. Long work outs, less sleep, rapid growth and diet are all impacting him and he really needs to focus on taking care of himself outside of the pool.

So Riley is now in Miami training and getting ready to compete in the Winter Nationals in Regina. I've decided to go to Regina and cheer him on. Feeling the need to connect and to provide what ever support I can. It will be a tough meet, not from a results perspective - there isn't much on the line, but the opportunity to dominate the event is important as everyone is chasing him for that very important spot in August. I'm really looking forward to watching him compete ... even if it is in the middle of the prairies in winter!

Oh, and one last Beijing note - he did report the shopping was "kick ass"! Can't wait to see what he brought me!

If you are wondering ...

Just a quick blog post to put up the link to the results in Beijing. First day of competition was a success for Canada in Alex and Arturo winning a bronze on the 3 metre synchro. No pressure for them as they have already qualified for the Olympics. Riley reports the events are HUGE with every country attempting to qualify and also compete in the Olympic pool. The men's 3 metre will take 6 hours!

http://www.diving2008.org.cn/en/

Text Messages and Skype!

Well he may be 16 hours ahead and half a world away but thanks to text messaging and Skype I've been able to stay in touch with Riley enough to know he's doing great. Xian was very successful on all fronts. The hotel and food both were outstanding which relieved a lot of stress. His messages indicated successful practises (one to coach Tommy had two "greats"in the note) and a general contentment. By the end of the first week, China had become boring (read no shopping yet) and a change in location to Beijing was welcomed. A surprise call on Valentines Day via Skype ( I was enjoying a dinner cruise on a historic vessel with the queen) was the end to a perfect day.

An update on day one in Beijing indicated the accommodation and food not nearly as good as in Xian but a note today full of enthusiasm for the Olympic pool (will post pics when he sends them) and the size of the events tells me he is still doing fine. Missing him lots but can't wait to hear how the events unfold. Team Canada is focused and on course.

Another Trip to the Airport

Riley left for China today. It was the first time that we've gone to the airport and he did the driving. A milestone in a year of many.

Hoping the internet connections in Xian works. The hotel website says there is wireless in the public area and an internet access centre but you never know in China. Its a long way away and I miss him already.

Beijing or Bust

...was the title of the celebration held today at Commonwealth Pool to announce that Victoria would host the 2008 Olympic Trials and to introduce 20+ Olympic and Olympic hopefuls to a cheering crowd of several hundred, mostly elementary school kids.

Riley was featured and did a great job of acting as an ambassador for the sport. When Mayor Alan Lowe recounted carrying Riley on his shoulders during the Trans Canada Trail unveiling in 1997 I remembered it like yesterday. How could that tall amazing young man up on the 10 metre be my little boy? An intense tv interview yesterday ended up on the cutting room floor due to some technical difficulties. I think Riley was just as glad as questions were asked regarding the coaching change and its impact. At dinner last night Riley told me how he had responded, focusing on the positives Tommy has brought to the training and leaving the rest unsaid. Wise move for one so young.

The rest of this afternoon consisted of a stop at the food court and a hair cut. Riley has always like to set the style and lately its been a revised "mullet" much to my dismay. Common sense prevailed as he realized it may not be appropriate for World Cup -the photo below is a memory of the head of hair. He definitely inherited my locks!

Tomorrow is his last day home before he heads off to Beijing. He is calm and prepared. The last few weeks of training have been fantastic. Exhausting both mentally and physically but he's seen the value of focus and training. He has a lovely quiet calm about him this time around. I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Oh yes, and what would a trip post be without a comment on travel arrangements. I think I acheived the mother of all coups in that I secured him an Executive Suite upgrade on one of AC's new 767's. Fly well Riley :)