Gutes glück Riley

Hope Babelfish got that right. Riley and some of the Junior National Team are in Aachen Germany this week for a meet. Its an opportunity for him to compete with no stress and he has the potential to do very well. Results will be posted http://http://www.aachen-diving.de/.

Mr GQ lol

So as part of the HBC Athlete support program (look back to last year's posts and pics from Riley's service day in Nanaimo), the athletes all get posters and playing cards with their picture on them. The scanner doesn't do it justice but I just had to post Riley's card. He claims that he was fooling around for the camera with a fake GQ look and they chose that pic! If you click on http://www.hbcrunforcanada.ca/2008/about.php you may see Riley's profile. Its a random selection highlighting 200 athletes so you may have to refresh a few times!

So how does it all work?

I've had lots of questions about Riley and the Olympics. Starting with his success in March last year when he won a spot for Canada, its a little bit confusing as to why we don't know yet if he will actually be going to Beijing this August. He's been to a number of competitions the past few months and while they are all important in terms of training and experience, none have impacted Olympic selection. Thought I'd post a brief explanation as to what happens now.

Working backwards, the Olympic Trials to determine which two Canadian divers represent Canada will happen here in Victoria June 19th through the 22nd. The divers will compete twice, preliminaries and finals. The scores from both events will be added together and the top two divers will be #1 and #2 and earn 5 points and 3 points respectively.

Prior to June, six divers including Riley competed in Regina and were successful in obtaining a national standard score (380) which gave them the opportunity to also dive in one or two Grand Prix events. Riley will be diving in Montreal and Fort Lauderdale in May. Depending on results of the Grand Prix events, any diver could earn "bonus" points which will be added to their June Trial results. The bonus points are hard to earn; scores are hard to obtain and only Riley and Reuben have scored high nationally and neither has scored that high internationally. Its possible that none of the six divers will earn bonus points and the Trials will be the sole determining factor. Confused? Will post details as they come available.

It wasn't pretty but he did it

Today I watched Riley win another BC Championship title. It was quite interesting as usually the "BC's" are not much of an event. There are only 2 clubs in BC so there are few competitors. This one had a bit of a twist however as two of the top five divers in Canada also competed against Riley. Kind of made it a mini "nationals".

On Wednesday, Riley had the best practise of his life. Scoring two consecutive over 500 point results, he was excited to compete today. However, an unfortunate incident at the pool created a long delay and he his competition didn't start until 830 pm. He started out brilliantly with an inward 3 1/2 for 9's. It was beautiful. He continued on with a back 3 1/2 for 8.5s. All was looking great when he started his 3rd dive - an armstand triple and the unusual happened. He lost control and "balked" which meant he had to start the dive again and it resulted in a low score. Next dive was "ok" and then he finished up his last two again for 8.5's. Really only his first dive was internationally worthy but I was very proud of him as it stuck it out and did what he needed to do - win. The competition found out today that even when he's not his best, beating him is not easy.

On another note, today Riley's synchro partner Reuben broke the record and won the NCAA diving championships (yes Nigel - there are diving championships - not just basketball lol!) . Very cool. He's got a shot at the 10 metre tomorrow. Good luck Reuben!

Competition - a Personal Perspective

Last week I lost a competition. It was one I really wanted to win and I was and am deeply disappointed. As many of my wonderful friends and colleagues said, "things happen for a reason" and I'm sure I'll figure out one day what that reason is.

For now, I'm spending some time thinking about competition and I've been pondering how Riley must feel every time he gets prepared to compete. Competition is about winning and losing and there can only ever be one winner. There is risk as you put yourself out there and that risk is very scary whether it be up on the top of the 10 metre tower in front of thousands of people, or in a very small boardroom in front of a select few. In competition you manage everything that is in your control and minimize the risk of those things that are not. You prepare, you work hard, you train and the result is your best effort and the outcome will speak for itself. Win or lose.

I suppose at the end of the day, "I tried my best" is an important take away and it has always been what I've asked Riley after every competition regardless of the result. This week Riley sent me two special messages - the first was beforehand, "Good luck Mommy, I know you'll do great" and the second one "I know you did your best". I really did Riley and I know you do too. xo

Regina - come and gone

Those of you that regularly follow Riley's events already know that Regina was a very successful meet. While he didn't win, (Reuben was on fire in his home town and couldn't be stopped!) he made some very important strides forward in his effort to spend this August in Beijing. An awesome personal best score of 462 and the completion of three lists (prelims, semi's and finals) in which he only 'missed' one dive were both really important goals that he had set and met if not exceeded. I was so pleased to have made the trip to Regina to watch him despite the -27 degree weather and the lack of other entertainment in the city. I did manage to spend my seven hour layover at the West Edmonton Mall (shock I did not buy a thing).

It was great to be "mom" for Riley and to try and remove any additional external stresses he may have had by just being there to drive him around, feed, him, buy him eye drops etc. It was important that he knew that there was someone there just for HIM and he didn't have to share or compromise his needs with me. It was also a lot of fun to sit with Reuben's family (he is youngest of 5) and cheer both on as they really were heads above the rest. Below is a picture of the scoreboard - the astrix indicates their score before they have completed the round of dives. That means that neither had to actually finish their dive as they were already so far ahead of the crowd.

Responses from coaches continue to be very encouraging and they are pleased with how hard Riley is working. His week in Miami with Arturo proved to be really worthwhile as he was very fit and was able to keep the momentum over the whole weekend. Tommy is off to Cuba next week with the provincial team and we are hoping Arturo will come to Victoria to continue the work. Riley seems to respond well to him and together with Tommy, they are doing some really great things. A comment from Riley on last nights practise - everything ripped - front 3 1/2 for 10's and the rest for 8'5 to 9's. Consistency is the key and everything is going to plan. Now to just stay healthy...

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 :)

Cubans Are Here

January is Cuba month. The National Team is here training with us preparing for World Cup. Their pool is under repair (truth be told - it will always be under repair) and has no heat. You may think that in Cuba, a pool doesn't need heat but diving into a cold pool from ten metres is miserable and dangerous. The water is harder and the chance of injuries greater. For Riley its nice to have more company up on the ten metre including Jose Guerra, world silver medalist and probably the only diver with a chance at beating the Chinese in Beijing. The Cuban team and their coach Leno are big fans of Riley and take their mentoring role seriously in encouraging Riley to be well prepared for the Olympics.

A First Look at Beijing

Following the Camo meet last month, Riley was invited back to Montreal this past weekend to participate in a camp that would determine whether he would be included on the World Cup team travelling to Beijing next month. After the 10 metre individual event, Riley and his synchro partner Reuben dove very very well at Camo but missed the very very high standard score by just a few points. I was very proud that he came back and gave a strong performance after such a personal disappointment and national office believes that Riley and Reuben have the best chance at securing a synchro spot for Canada in the Olympics (there will only be 8 countries included!!) but they wanted to put them through their paces one more time.

Well Riley and Reuben rose to the challenge and gave 3 awesome performances on the weekend which secured them the spot on the team. Word back from the coaching staff was that Riley in particular was outstanding. And so, we'll be packing him off again, this time from February 8th through 26th. How very important to spend three weeks training in the Olympic City and the Olympic Pool. If you want a sneak peek at this stunning facility, click http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/venues/nac/index.shtml

Leaving Behind, Moving Forward

Not one much for New Year's Resolutions (0r many deep thoughts for that matter), my dear friend Faye's invitation to her New Year's Eve Party tonight asked that we bring an idea or an object "that we would like to leave behind this year" has got me thinking. Is there anything about this year and my relationship with Riley I want to leave behind?

Certainly there has been a ton of good stuff. Watching Riley turn 16; achieve some of his athletic goals; get his driver's license; and still knowing that he needs his mom now and again as I've cheered him on through his successes and consoled him through his disappointments (and helped him through a few travel emergencies) have all been important experiences and not ones to leave behind but rather to squirrel away in that very special place that holds our memories.

So what to leave? Perhaps the anxiety of building a new relationship in a shared parenting scenario. Accepting I will always be his mom but that as he grows older and our relationship changes, looking forward to more wonderful memories and being less anxious about the impact of the decisions I've needed to make. That anxiety has certainly caused me many sleepless nights and I'd love to leave that feeling behind!

There will be a tremendous amount of pressure on Riley this year and I can help him best by continuing to be his mom, his number one fan and provide the unconditional love that is so easy to do.

Here comes 2008 Riley and the poster on your bedroom wall that says "Its a long road to Beijing" is truer now more than ever. The road is much shorter now and I'll be there on the road in what ever way you need me.

Much love xoxo

It's Not All Hard Work

Last Thursday I went to the pool to pick up Riley after practise. As is my practise, I went early to watch and what a surprise. Our sixteen year olds had time travelled back to when they were ten and were playing up on the ten metre, or rather the eleven metre! Enjoy!

Twelve Days of McCormica

Some years ago, Riley decided to adopt his own version Chrismukka made popular by the TV show OC in which one of the lead actors Seth Cowen celebrates the holidays with his Jewish father and Protestant mother. While no Jewish blood has yet to be found in our immediate family, Riley loved the thought of getting gifts for both holidays and the twelve days of McCormica was born. Judging by the small pile under my tree, checking with girlfriend Bri on her list and knowing Riley's dad always a big Christmas gift buyer will have tons, McCormica is alive and well again this year.

I'm really having mixed feelings about it all. It seems every year the real reason behind the giving gets lost behind the monetary value of the gift. Riley so enjoys both so its hard to take that away but I have always struggled with the need to buy and buy. Not really sure how to express it clearly so I'll leave it at that for the moment.

One of the nicest holiday activities we enjoyed was an evening at Butchart Gardens. Bri's mom Jackie and I took her four and Riley for an evening of skating, hot apple cider and a wander around the brightly lit gardens. The twelve days of Christmas are featured and its really a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.

For me, the best gift Riley could give me is his time. It was a lovely evening and a lovely gift.

"What the Hell Happened to Me This Week?"

Well that was the tag line on Riley's Facebook account after a week of turmoil in Montreal. I'll cut to the chase - he came 14th! He was beat out by three other Canadians which meant he did not get a spot on the World Cup team and I'm not really sure what his choices are for Grand Prix.

After a few days to put it all in perspective, this is what I think happened. First the injury. Leading up to the event he could not train on 10 metre. He was only able to get one full practise in during the week in Montreal leading up to the event. That impacts consistency and confidence. The results showed that for sure. Some dives he did really really well for scores of 8.5. Others he missed completely, scoring 3.5 to 4. The field was incredibly strong and a lot of amazing divers dove really well. The Canadians not so much, the top Canadian came 10th and if Riley was in form, he likely would have been around 6th.

Next is the change in coaching. He and Tommy are doing well together and are making a lot of necessary changes to move Riley up in the World rankings. Unfortunately, they are in the middle of changes and as a result, putting the dives in cleanly is challenging. Tommy reported that all coaches, divers and judges really like the changes he is making and they are on the right track - its just a matter of time ... not so sure how much of that we have this year though.

Finally, I'm not sure Riley really understands the changes he personally needs to make in this very important year. He's still trying to fit in all his activities and sometimes that means late nights, not great nutrition and distractions. That has had an impact too.

Reality is, this was a disappointment and a wake up call but not that big a deal. I'm reminded of many top athletes who have set backs and come back with a vengeance. It's Riley's choice on how he deals with this experience - it will be interesting to watch. I'm still his biggest fan and will support him all the way.

The Road to Beijing Starts Again ...

Riley is on the road again, this time to Montreal. He's competing in trials to determine which top two Canadian 10 metre divers will go to the World Cup in Beijing in February. This event is really really important because 1)World Cup is the test event for the Olympics and 2)it sets the tone and course for his competitions for the rest of the season. Establishing himself as the top 10 metre diver in Canada gives him confidence going into the trials for the Olympics which will be held in June in Victoria (and yes you are all invited!!!!).

Hard reality of sport - Riley is injured. During a routine practise 2 weeks ago he landed wrong on a back 3 and 1/2 and has hurt his back. The medical diagnosis is "He compressed the facet joints of his lumbar spine and mildly strained lumbar musculature". He is getting good care and healing but the timing couldn't have been worse. He's going into this competition less prepared than he would like. Its a good lesson however. I read somewhere that elite athletes rarely compete in top form, usually nursing some kind of injury or another. Its disappointing for him but its the nature of the game.

Wish him luck! For those interested - his competition is Sunday December 9th and the results can be found on http://www.integratedsports.net/diving/LiveResults46/. I'll be on the computer watching and cheering him on!