Sept 10

Sept 10

Today was recovery day. Weigh in at 0700, breakfast and then head to the pool for a 10:00AM swim. Transportation here has been exceptionally good as has been communications. Today was an exception. We arrived at the bus stop to get the 9:45 AM and were politely told the buses were not running! After a few gesticulations the problem was solved and we were shuffled to a bus scheduled to the Bird’s Nest, which left us a few blocks from the Cube. Although a little behind schedule we made it work.

We were careful today to be in full recovery, last night was a hard swim and despite a good night’s sleep we need to be sure Donovan is not over stressed. His heart rate was at all times below 140, usually 110. He swam 2600 meters with two 50’s at 400 pace, just to feel race speed. He was right on.

We have been very cautious regarding fluid containers. Earlier this week Donovan left his bottle at the warm down pool. I returned to fetch it and to my horror a Russian coach was holding it with the lid off! I politely took it and tossed it into the garbage! I have never seen this at any swim meet! I noticed he coaches 2 blind swimmers in Donovan’s class.

We went this evening to watch finals for an hour. It was quite a night for Canada and our S13 girls. As you know the latest is the new LZR suit from Speedo. They have played a role in multiple world records since February. We have been able to be out fitted by Speedo and most are wearing the new suits.

Tonight in the “ready room” (a gathering area prior to the swimmers’ march on) as Kirby Cote and Val Grande’Maison were zipping up their suits both had nightmares. Both suits ripped. The support staff sprung into action locating replacement suits and a quick change was made within minutes of the races! The result was incredible with Val winning the gold Chelsea Gotell winning the silver, Kirby missing the bronze by .5 seconds. The three ladies are pictured here, far more composed with suits intact. Picture “borrowed” from Swim Canada web site and likely taken by Chad Webb or Mike Ridewood.
Left to right, Kirby,Val,Chelsea

We have our own equipment failures, (not as exciting as Janet and Justin at the Super Bowl). In a race simulation the zipper on Donovan’s suit blew. He completed the set in record time but we have since replaced his suit!
The whole team is now very conscious of the need for replacement equipment and support staff is at the ready.

As this is posted we will be 12 hours from heats. There should no problem getting to finals, all we need is a lane.