...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 :)
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