Heather Bown's Blog for Aug. 13
by Heather Bown / August 13, 2008
Well we made it through hump day…and what a hump it was for us to go over. Our match against Venezuela was a momentum builder for us despite the one set loss. We changed to a different venue for today’s match and it showed in our passing and timing on our attack. We again were plagued by service errors. However, we stuck together as a team and pulled out another "W", which in the long run is all we care about.
We have our match against host country China on Friday evening Beijing time and are really looking forward to playing in it. Actually as we speak, my room is watching the Cuba-China match on our closed-circuit TV. It’s kinda cool all of the rooms have a live feed from every venue in the Olympic games so we can watch whatever we want with only the sound of the crowd…and as you can expect it’s all ooohhhss and awwwss right now at the start of the fourth set. China is up 2-1.
And guess what is sitting right behind me…our bikes!!!!! Yep they arrived today. I guess we were supposed to get them yesterday, but there was a little problem with getting all of them through security in their boxes, so each and every one had to be unpacked and checked before coming on complex. In case you were wondering, mine is silver, but there were two pink ones one blue one and the rest silver. So I went with the majority and took silver. I believe the two pink ones went to the two Kim’s on the team. So now all that is left to do is adjust the height of the handle bars and the seat, which should not be too hard since I saw Tayy riding hers today before we left for a USA Volleyball reception that was held in the honor of the athletes competing in the games. Both indoor and beach.
It was held at the USA House that is set up downtown for friends and family members to go to and relax and eat at while running around from venue to venue. It was super nice of them to do. We all got to spend some quality time with the people that have made the journey to watch us here in Beijing.
Ok it’s really entertaining right now about the dialogue going on in our room about this Cuba–China match. Any sports person could relate how easy is it to talk about teams and comment on things when you are not playing, but this match is awesome to watch. It’s really about the fight and completive desire to win. But the comedic comments coming from Sykora right now are killing us. Always count on her for an ab workout from laughter.
Well its bedtime again…I’m gonna finish watching this match and then hit the sack. we have a fun-filled day of video meetings in the AM and then practice at BNU in the afternoon to prepare for our China match. Wish us luck.
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Blog Description
Heather Bown is a middle blocker for the U.S. Women's National Team competing in her third Olympic Games during August 2008.
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Comments RSSOn August 13, 2008 Colin Gordon wrote
Good luck! I watched the match last night about Midnight here in the Springs, and enjoyed thoroughly the collective battle back from the second set. It seemed a good comeback win after the match against Cuba....you guys actually looked like you were having fun out there. Keep up the blogs Heather, I enjoy and appreciate getting a sense of being there beyond what NBC shows me. And again, good luck against the Hometown Heroes on Friday, you guys can do it!
On August 13, 2008 Tommi Tedford wrote
Congrats on your win and good luck Friday! The whole team looks great! Have fun on your bikes...send me a picture!
On August 14, 2008 Lori Boyajian-O'Neill wrote
Heather--So enjoying your commentary! I have read every one. I've been watching the matches and looking forward to China. Know that we are all with you in spirit, if not in person. Thinking of all of you, looking at the clock and thinking, "I bet they're training now" or "I bet they're eating," etc. Now I can think, "I bet they're riding their bikes!" Tomorrow I will be watching Team USA with constant calls among my family--mom, sister, sister-in-law--we are with you. Hello to all. Go USA!
On August 15, 2008 John Fri wrote
I happened to be seated amongst many members of your national volleyball team on a flight to Zurich in 2004, and glad to see so many of the same faces back for this years Olympics. Perhaps because of that brief encounter I've made a point to catch (or record if late night) team USA volleyball matches when on TV the last two Olympics. Enjoyed reading the accounts of life not shown on TV. Best wishes to the team for the next game.
On August 15, 2008 Peter Wung wrote
GO CRAZY Heather, GO CRAZY!!!! Great great win. An awesome match. And 0.733 hitting average? You big Hahuna!
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