The Olympic Park

This morning, the US Sailing Team held a press conference in the Main Press Center in Barra, which is adjacent to the Olympic Park and a little ways from the athlete’s village.

After the press conference, I took the media shuttle about 2 minutes down the road to the actual Olympic park to have a look around and stop in the shop for some souvenirs.

In order to get from the media area into the public area of the park, you have to go through the side of the swimming complex. When you exit, you’re on an elevated pathway where the above Olympic rings are, and further beyond are a few other venues (Gymnastics, Tennis, and I’m not sure what else). Below the walkway is the food court — including a McDonalds *eye roll.* Also in the lower area is the “megastore” which is actually as massive as it sounds. Apparently there were 3,000 different items for sale. That is not a typo.

On my way back through the swimming venue from my walk, I heard a TON of yelling, so of course I had to go check it out!

There were DOZENS of swimmers in the pool! I couldn’t tell who was who, I have no idea if any Americans or recognizable names were in there, but it was impressive none the less. Turns out, they were warming up for the heats of the 400-meter medley, which came next!

The announcer was difficult to hear as I was up on the edge (I didn’t have a ticket with a seat assignment), but it was really fun to watch regardless.

It’s pretty amazing to walk into a competition venue, knowing what’s at stake and the amount of work, time, sweat and effort it has taken the athletes, the coaches and their families to get to this point. It’s very cliche, but you can feel that energy in the air — it truly is electrifying!

I doubt I’ll be making my way back to the Olympic Park again, as it’s quite a trek from the Marina da Gloria area where I’ll be spending pretty much all of my time starting on Monday. If I’m lucky enough to make it back that way, I hope I can check out a few more competition venues!