Doesn't waking up the day after a game feel so much better than when you've lost? I remember countless Monday mornings feeling so miserable because of a poor result. Winning makes life so much sweeter, today we had that winning feeling. Long may it continue!
Early morning training session booked in so we could recover and refresh across the day, it was only when we got on the coach to leave that we realised how busy Kazan suddenly got. It was hard to work out why, but then it became clear. The 6th of July is a significant day in these university games.
We got outside security and we could see we're people lining the streets, carrying flags and waving at our bus. It was the final leg of the torch relay and unfortunately we missed it, but to see all those smiling faces along the streets and to turn up just for this occasion was humbling. They didn't have to stand there for hours waiting, they don't know us but still they felt a part of it by acknowledging us and coming out to see us. That we are grateful for and again shows what a big occasion we're actually a part of.
Training would have been pretty uneventful if it wasn't for a tropical thunderstorm interrupting halfway through, soaking us and causing us to take cover inside. In a way the rain was a present from the football gods for winning yesterday, it gave us a break from this heat so thanks for that up there!
The athletes village has neared full capacity now with so many nations being represented here. Tonight is the night to celebrate this and officially open the games, the Opening Ceremony in Rubins stadium is tonight. However due to our game being tomorrow and the potential lateness we could be home by we won't be attending. It's a shame as it would be an unforgettable experience but our focus is 3 points tomorrow v Japan. Good decision? We think so.
So having not gone to the opening ceremony we have had to find other ways to watch it or stay occupied all night so we don't dwell on the fact were not there. We spent a bit of time earlier heading to the Badminton centre to see a bit of the action. GB had already played but we were treated to potentially a few of the best nations at the sport who showed how quick paced Badminton really is. Also later in the evening we had more time to entertain ourselves... Enter Giant Jenga (or Jenna for Courtney). We was going to play Pictionary too but thought we'd save that for another night incase we needed a plan b.
Winding down now after today it's clear we all need to rest up and be ready for tomorrow, Japan will no doubt be a good side and the stakes in this game are high. But beyond all that we have a squad who when it matters all want the best and our togetherness is beginning to show. We know we're good enough to win so need to keep that belief going. We want to wake up tomorrow and be firing on all cylinders to get them 3 points and place ourselves in a cracking position come the last group game.
Naomi Cole, Team GBR #3.
No comments:
Post a Comment