I'm Here!

Its 4:15 in the morning here in Beijing and I'm not sure if I can't sleep because its 1:15 in the afternoon in BC or because the bed is hard or just because. Flight was great, executive class is definitely the way to fly! 11 hours of pampering - very different likely going home though as while I have an executive ticket, Riley is also on the flight and its likely he will do every charming thing he can to bump me from my seat!

The airport was a breeze to get through and even though we picked the wrong line (kind of like the grocery store lottery), and got a trainee customs agent, all went smoothly. Our car and driver had signs with our names on them (I'm travelling with fellow colleague Paul Clark) and was waiting with a big smile on his face to greet us. We found Rodd in the concourse (he had arrived about 20 minutes ahead of us on a different flight) and then we all drove into the city in an air conditioned car. Blue sky today an bearably warm which were both nice surprises.
Dropped Rodd off at the apartment where Mitch and Tommy are staying and then headed to our hotel - the Lee Garden Service Hotel ( you can Google it). It is a very nice hotel, clean and has all the modern conveniences. Some of the funny things are the light switches (backwards and not logical to the location) and the washing/drying machine (instructions in Russian!). Called Riley from the car and had a quick chat and he tried to get tickets for Alex's event for us but no luck so ended up watching him on Chinese TV! Couldn't understand the commentating but certainly understood the result - yeah Alex!!!

After we got settled into our hotel we were taken to BC Canada Pavilion for a BC Club night. The Pavilion has started free event nights for BC/Canada residents and athletes in effort to get more people to come to the building. Its in a great location right beside Mao's tomb in T square but it has not been that busy as it is in the other direction of the Olympic Green. We had a nice evening chatting with some BC visitors (I started interviewing some about their Olympic experience) and getting caught up with our tourism colleagues who have been here a while and could tell us some of the tricks and moves to make the stay more pleasant.

At about 830 pm (which of course was 530 am!) we walked back to the hotel via Tiananmen Square. So different than in 2000 as the Chinese were actually allow to hang out in the square and there were way more people than guards (it was the opposite last time). People were having so much fun taking pictures of themselves in front of big gardening displays with the Olympic theme. We of course took a few ourselves. Watched Alex be amazing on the 3 metre (so relieved and pleased for him) on the TV then crashed.
Today will be spent trying to get my accreditation and tickets for tonight's event as well as getting a first hand look at the visitor servicing experience. Not sure when I will see Riley as he will be getting into serious training mode but no doubt it will be tonight at the pool for sure. He was trying to get us access to the Olympic Village for a tour so I’m hoping that may happen soon.
My first impression of the city is one that has been echoed others is how they have cleaned it up. Its busy and modern and warm and inviting. My interviews last night all were similar, while the visitor experience may be lacking in information expertise, the people here are so so so kind and eager to help and that makes it all worth while.

Thanks again for your kind words and support of Riley - I know he definitely appreciates it!

Off to Beijing!

I can't think of what to say. Have been blogging for over a year about preparing for this time and now its here. Can't wait to see Riley - its been since July 29th and I miss my boy. I think he may even miss me a bit. Ok, truth be told, he's bored at the village and the parents arrival will be a good distraction.

I've often posted how Riley the young adult is more important to me than Riley the athlete. A conversation this week with national team technical director was awesome - he was saying how proud he was of Riley - not just his diving (which was going very well) but as a young adult. Apparently he has handled himself so very well and that's so rewarding. Its going to be cool ...Stay tuned ...

Wow!

Struggled to find the proper title for today's posting. How do you describe watching television to see your only child fulfill his Olympic dream?

I am an Olympic junky and have watched every Opening Ceremony for years - I never mind getting up early or staying up late to address the time change - its important to watch it when it happens and not tape delayed if at all possible. I don't think I properly prepared myself to watch this Opening Ceremony however. Catching a glimpse of Riley on the field was a huge emotional moment. He wasn't one of the masses of excited athletes - he was mine! We've gotten so used to his achievements and the press and attention that has gone along with it that I've been kind of treating this like every other event. But its the OLYMPICS! and I think it was that moment that it dawned on me that he's there, and what he has accomplished to get there. So I'm choosing WOW. It really was just that.

Sending off an Olympian

Opening Ceremonies Only Hours Away!

Can't' believe a whole month has gone by and I haven't posted - living the dream instead of planning for it has been exciting and very very busy. Riley's been doing interviews, training and trying to keep life normal waiting for the Olympics to begin. And now they are ...

Below is the first of hopefully many installments from Riley from Beijing. Much more interesting to hear his perspective than mine!

Hey everybody.

My first thought when we arrived in the Beijing airport was that the Olympics might not be as crazy as all of my fellow team mates had told me. And then came the 50 plus reporters and cameras to chase Alexandre Despatie down and surrounding him within moments. To see Alex scared by these 5 foot 5 inch Chinese reporters was a moment I will never forget.
Finally we left the airport after Arturo Miranda had finished playing body guard for Alex and headed for the Olympic village. Upon arriving at the village I was taken back at how many volunteers there was who all were willing to help. When we finally made it to our rooms it was time to turn around and head for the Water Cube were all the aquatics will be held. It is MASSIVE. One of the largest facility’s I have ever seen all decorated in the Olympic colors and logos. After we finished a very jet lagged practice we headed back to village where it was time to eat. We headed straight for the huge food tents and who is the first major professional athlete I see, Rafael Nadal. As I was thinking that I could get used to this lifestyle I am constantly reminded by my team mates to pace myself and that the Mcdonalds isn’t going anywhere.
Tomorrow is the opening ceremonies and I am very excited.

More to come

Riley McCormick

Canada Day Again!

Those rowers are huge!

Our Vancouver Island Olympians

Wow - posting pictures of Canada Day means I've been blogging for over a year and what a year it has been. Just wanted to put up a few pictures of Riley at the HBC July 1st Run For Canada. This time he was there as an Olympian and many more people knew who he was. As always, great to see Simon - who couldn't resist running the 10 k and winning!

Autograph Signing

Holding the Tape at the Finish Line for the Kids Race

Some Photo Memories

Connections

When you are building towards a dream a lot of time is spent in the "now". It interesting in the aftermath of the Olympic Trials to take a step back and look at all the really amazing things that have come as a result.

1. Kid connections - some of my favourite messages have been from friends with kids and how they have reacted to Riley and his Olympic Dream. My friend Susan's son would only let her clap when Riley dove because that is who they were there to cheer on; Doug's daughter Katie Ann sat with her mom (Dad in the stands with me) and asked her magic paper puzzle (remember those ones you folded up and wrote messages on and then asked questions and picked numbers) if Riley would win and it said "undoubtedly so"; Ruth's son Sam cheering at the computer especially at his favourite "twisty" dive which got 5 perfect marks; Shelly's daughter Katie still talking about Riley at the breakfast table the next morning and Chase and Aidan, young divers and the next generation of Boardworks possible Olympians inspired by their friend a mentor - when it seemed like only yesterday it was Riley standing small beside his idols. The imprint Riley is making on their small minds is one of the best things about being an Olympian.

2. People connections - I doubt Riley understands the impact he has had on so many people. We all love the Olympics and travel is known to reduce during the 3 weeks every four years as people stay home glued to their TV's. Friends, family and colleagues will have a special connection to the Olympics this summer and will enjoy the experience even more as it becomes personal

3. Celebrity connections- half off the bill at Cactus Club for Riley and his team mates on celebration night. And Riley was the celeb, not Alex - too funny

A dream come true ...

Riley's Facebook message says ... "a dream come true- thank you everyone for your support". To me, its the most telling indicator of what has transpired this past weekend and over the past ten years and of interest is what it means to Riley. A childhood dream to become an Olympian has been realized and its both the dream and the recognition of thanks in one sentence that makes a mother very proud.

I've taken a day to collect my thoughts before posting. Its been a whirlwind of congratulatory emails, hugs and handshakes and I've been trying to process it all. I am the mother of an Olympian. How cool is that??? I am hugely proud of what Riley has accomplished.

I find myself thinking back to all the hard work, missed play dates and birthday parties when he had to practise, friends calling and saying before he could finish the sentence "I know, you can't come, you have to go to the pool". I think of the scared voice on the end of the phone calling from Vancouver International Airport saying he couldn't find his flight to Australia and what gate should he go to? I'm thinking of the bitter disappointment and hurt in his voice when he lost his first national championship on the 1 metre (he to this day hates the 1 metre!) in London Ontario at 13 - "mom why did the crowd cheer so loud when I lost?" not yet understanding the role of the underdog in human nature. Ironically 4 years earlier he was the darling of the crowd in that very same pool, a cute 9 year old at his first Canada Games.

This weekend the crowd was with him and it felt incredible. Sitting in the stands surrounded by friends and family with many more glued to the Internet and cheering from their special place was "like a village" of support. There are so many people that have been a part of this journey and I know that Riley understands the importance of each and everyone. Being an elite athlete requires a certain degree of selfishness to ensure peak performance. Sometimes as a mother its difficult to accept behaviour that is self directed so when I see the recognition and a simple thank you only hours after the biggest day of his life, I feel great as a mother, not just the mother of an Olympian.

Thanks to all of you for your support and kind words.

Trials Time!

Today was the first day of Olympic Trials. The men competed on the 3 metre and the women on the tower. It was such an exciting day full of great diving. Both events were won on the last dive and I'm so pleased that Riley's synchro partner Reuben won the 3 metre and a ticket to Beijing.

While I know Riley is well prepared and feeling good, I can't help but be nervous about Sunday. An Olympic berth is a huge incentive and there is a ton of pressure. I know everyone will dive well and just hope Riley will dive to his potential. I think he will! Here is a link to a story written in the local paper today. http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=23a7dfd0-1544-4b81-b96b-d2107c0ad63f. Wish us luck!

Final Training

While there are actually 2 weeks left until Riley competes on the June 22nd to capture a spot on Canada's Olympic team, reality is this week is his final opportunity to fine tune and prepare. Starting Sunday, athletes will arrive for training and the schedules and routines will change. The atmosphere will become strained and tense as the biggest prize is finally on the line.

I've been impressed with Riley's focus this week. His training is going well and he's following a good rest plan. He is also spending lots of time trying to not think about diving and his golf game is improving dramatically as a result. He's even booked himself in a golf tournament this Saturday!

As promised ...

Our 11 hour day fulfilling Riley's HBC sponsorship requirement. They loved him. He endured it. It was kind of fun to see his poster in the store and they called him "their Olympian". They sold out of all the hotdogs!!

Olympic Diving Trials Poster

Mom Stuff

Riley is now home for potentially 12 weeks depending on how things go at Olympic Trials in June here in Victoria. If he is successful, his next travel will be to Beijing at the end of July to prepare for his event to be held August 22nd. If not, he will have to head to Thunder Bay early July for the Junior Nationals in order to qualify for the World Junior Championships to be held in Germany mid September. Of course all fingers are crossed for a free ride to Germany (as part of the exemption offered to Olympic athletes) and a longer stay at home to rest and train.

I mention all this as its been quite some time he's had this long a stint and home and it has given me a chance to get back into Mom gear. For example, this week I met with his school to get all the assignments he is missing in order to compete Grade 11. I also attempted a study weekend with Riley to help him complete his Biology which he started last September. Wow! Its been a long time since Grade 11 Biology. After one session we agreed he would go back to his school teacher for help haha. I've been booking appointments like the dentist and today, we went to get his skills licences for his scooter! (thanks for your help Nigel!).

After the skills test (which he passed with flying colours!!!!), we went to UVic and he was tested for asthma. Any Olympic athlete who has exhibited any symptoms is undergoing significant testing due to the possible poor air quality in Beijing. If there are existing issues, they can ask for an exemption in advance that will allow them to take medication if required. If this testing and exemption request is not done in advance and an attack takes place, they can not be medicated.

Riley has always had some breathing challenges and asthma does run in the family. Thank goodness diving is not an aerobic sport! His tester identified some anomalies in his breathing but fortunately, he did not identify as an asthmatic. We will continue to explore what his issues are but we are secure in the knowledge that he will be fine (as fine as you can be in that air) in Beijing. And of course the pool is indoors which is good.

I've also helped with forms, phones, Aeroplan missing points and providing unsolicited advice on a myriad of other things. Its good to be a needed mom again. Even for a short time!

Saturday we are off to Surrey Zellers to take part in the HBC Service Day. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

Yesterday was a good day. I had a delightful birthday filled with lots of good wishes, gifts and a fantastic dinner. Turning 48 wasn't bad at all! Topping it off was Riley's result in Fort Lauderdale. He had two great events finishing 9th overall and achieving a personal best of 436 points which gave him another point towards his Olympic goal. He will go into Trials in June with 2 points. Best part of the event was the realization he beat the 2004 Olympic Champion Hi Jia from China! Not bad for a 16 year old kid! Here is what he said about it ...

"This is the most pleased I've been with my diving in a long time," said McCormick, 16, a two-time world championship team member.

"This was one of the toughest meets I've been to since the world championships. Just to get into the semis was difficult and I had to do a very good performance. I didn't miss anything. I'm really excited about it."

Its not all hard work ...

Riley is in Fort Lauderdale now. His room is 7 steps from the beach. He counted. Now if he just behaves and lathers with sun screen all will be good. Competition is Friday! Maybe a good score for his Mom's birthday?

Another Step Closer

A successful Canada Cup for Riley! After a tough week leading up to the event and lots of worry about his injury, Riley put in a good performance and made the semi finals. What was especially satisfying was he was the top Canadian and also earned over 400 points which gave him a point towards his Olympic Trials. The semi finals did not go so well as he missed his first dive (yes the one he got 10's on last week!) and he never did recover form.

Riley and Reuben also competed in the synchro event. Their compulsory dives were great but Riley again had trouble with the inward and they ended up fourth. Nothing riding on the line with that event but still another chance to put in some good dives. Still a good result and the all important contest against his fellow Canadian divers. Off to Fort Lauderdale in search of another point before he comes home for final preparation.

Canada Cup Grand Prix

This week is the true start of the Olympic climb. Riley competes in Montreal on Friday (and Sunday if he makes top 6!) against some of the best 10 metre divers in the world. Whats really important is not his placing but his score as this is one of two chances he has to earn points towards making the Olympic team.

He is tired and has been experiencing some pain in his wrist and tricep - hoping that treatments and good training will be enough to carry him through. Information and results can be found at http://canadacup.diving.ca/?lang=EN

Gold!!!!

Well the week was worth it! Riley came through and won the gold medal in Aachen. His first perfect 10 in international competition came on his first dive in the finals. He missed his next but came through fighting and finished the competition with a range of 8's and 9's and won by 37 points! I can only imagine how loud the Canadian contingent (not to mention all Riley's international friends - the Italians especially) cheered!

It was a very long week waiting to compete and I know he's been tired and sore. I think that lovely piece of gold jewelry he had placed around his neck is comfort and confirmation that he is one of the best divers in the world in his age group. Now on to the big boys - Montreal next week followed by Ft Lauderdale. It will be grueling for sure but that's what an Olympic year is all about. I know he's up for it and this week gave him exactly what he needed. Way to go Riley!

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=ee491a8c-22bb-4221-bb15-09876349fc11&k=38775

It can happen to anyone

A few days ago, Alexandre Despatie, in a regular training practise, landed wrong and broke a bone in his foot. Alex as you likely know is Canada's top diver, a World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist. They don't come much better than him. He does all the right things; eats right, trains right, gives up most fun things a young man his age is doing and gives his mother hugs and kisses and yet fate dealt him a blow this week and his goal to win the gold medal at the Olympics this summer is in jeopardy.

It sure makes you realize that anything can happen and perhaps it will be clear in time that this unfortunate incident happened for a reason. In the mean time, I will watch both Alex and Riley with interest. I am confident that Alex will rise to the occasion and find a way to turn this accident into a victory. Alex is one of the hardest and most dedicated athletes I know and with his experience, he will dig deep into his character and work it out. I'm reminded of Silken Laumann and what she overcame. Her accident and how she handled it may have actually shaped her future and many around her. Riley and Alex are joined at the hip and there will be a wonderful lesson in all of this if Riley learns from this experience as well. Speedy recovery Alex!