Olympian Blog | Reality sets in | News

By Jonathan D. Hall
U.S. Olympic Rifle Team
London 2012

The past few days have been VERY busy, we arrived in London and entered into our processing where we were given TONS of sponsors equipment and gifts (I was given so many shirts I had to ship a box home to the States), as well as our awards uniforms and opening and closing ceremony uniforms.

Today the reality of the Olympics is starting to set in, I am starting to feel the excitement of what this is, it is no longer feeling like a dream, I keep telling myself I really am here, and the time is now!

I went to practice yesterday at our venue (The Royal Artillery Barracks) and saw the range fully decked out in the Olympic banners and official stands. (These were not there during the test event in April.) I believe that is when the reality of what I am having the privilege of being a part of started to set in.

I am so excited about what is going on I am temporarily scatter brained. Being a representative of the USA is one of the most amazing things I have been able to do. I am hoping after opening ceremonies that I can get my mind back on track for the days to come, luckily I do not shoot until the 30th so I have a few days to gather myself before my match.

P.S. To add to the excitement and butterflies of the Games, I had a celeb moment today. I was leaving the USOC offices where I was to calling home and I stepped into the elevator with none other than "the Michael Phelps." I was so shocked I couldn't even ask him to take a picture. I know he is just human; maybe I'll bug him in the cafeteria...