I'm so excited to share with you guys that acclaimed musician Avery Watts has created a theme song just for me! I absolutely love it and it shows how talented Avery really is; I have pasted a link below to a TV station which put it on their site, and I hope you all enjoy it! I guess you could say this is the first theme song ever made for a professional swimmer, which I think is pretty awesome!

The full title is "'A Cut Above' - Megan Jendrick Remix"

http://www.king5.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=336455

I hope everyone is enjoying the cold weather this time of year brings! It's almost Christmas and everyone in my family is very excited for the Holidays. My husband and I are so big on Christmas that we put our tree up at the beginning of November! We even started wrapping presents in October. There is also a radio station that starts playing Christmas music in November and ever since then my car stereo hasn't visited a single other channel!

Overall, there aren't a whole lot of new things going on as I haven't been back in the pool yet. I'm still recovering from my little surgery and am working on trying to get my range of motion back. For awhile I couldn't move my wrist in any direction without a great deal of pain, but it's slowly coming back and I'm hoping within a couple of more weeks I'll be better than ever. 

In other news, I am now a columnist for FitnessRxMag.com - so check it out and feel free to ask questions. Yours may be the next one I answer on the website! It is a weekly column and I will pick one question each week about anything that is fitness or health related.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all!

Megan

My surgery was a perfect success. After about an hour of pre-op briefing I "took a nap" and before I knew it my wrist had a nice cast and I was on the road to pain free swimming! Now I've just been relaxing, enjoying a great Thanksgiving, and typing with one hand. My husband has been trying to do everything for me but I've been watching so much television lately I'm bored out of my mind, so I decided to tackle a blog no matter how long it took me.

As you can imagine, there hasn't been much going on thanks to the surgery. But tomorrow I do have an appearance in Tacoma, Washington, at a swim shop called Northwest Swim Shop. Nathan and I will both be there to sign copies of our book, Get Wet, Get Fit (also in the swimroom.com store!) and to meet swim fans who stop by. So if you're in the area, make sure you stop in and say hello! 

Swim Fast!

MJ

I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I have a half-excited feeling going into tomorrow morning, when I'll be having surgery on my wrist.

For roughly the last two years every single stroke I've taken of breaststroke has hurt. I haven't been able to do a multitude of exercises in the gym because I couldn't bend my wrist. All in all, a great deal of my performance has been affected. But, because of the ever-impending Beijing Olympics, I just had to tough it out and push forward and hope that I wasn't hindered enough to prevent myself from making the Olympic team. Fortunately, I was able to get through it and I was blessed to be a part of that historic '08 team. But now that there's a lull in the sport, it's time to take care of some long overdue physical injuries. As such, tomorrow morning I'll be "going under" to get my wrist finally taken care of.

For me this is actually something I've looked forward to. It's exciting; I can't even remember what it's like to swim without pain or even get out of the water normally. I always swim off to the side of the pool and use the ladder to get out of the water. Whereas almost everyone else in the middle lanes just pull themselves up onto the deck, I haven't been able to do that because I couldn't bend my wrist that way. With the idea that I'm actually going to be able to have full range of motion, I only see good things happening.

I think 2000, leading into the Sydney Olympics, was my best year of training ever. I was injury free, full of confidence and ready to take on the world. That turned out as well as I'd ever imagined it. After I retired in 2004, things were always made just a little bit tougher for one reason or the other. I came back to swimming in 2005 and jumped into the pool with three stress fractures in my legs. These took years to heal because I was never able to give them the time off they needed. Then in early 2006, my wrist problem surfaced. So not only was I facing serious issues in my legs, but now my left arm, too.

For all intents and purposes, I really only cleared my legs off as being healed last week. It was the first time I was able to do squats in the gym since 2004. Four years since I was able to do what my trainer considers one of the best dryland exercises a swimmer can possibly do. So with my legs, the drivers of my stroke, finally being 100% for the first time in as long as I can remember, I was very excited about the coming season. But my wrist, even loading weights onto that squat bar, was nagging at me as usual. I decided I had to go to a specialist and see what could be done, no matter how long it would mean I'm out of the water.

At the doctor's office today it was very quickly confirmed I needed surgery. But, then I was told they were booked out until near the end of January. That was possibly the worst thing I could have ever heard because it would put a serious damper on my run for the World Championships in 2009. But, thank God, they had a cancelation for the very next day: tomorrow. I signed up with haste and now not only will I be on track as scheduled for the World Championship Trials, but I will be better than I have ever been. Better than my 2006 performance at Pan Pacs, better than 2007 World Championships and far better than the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Knowing I will have a completely healed and injury free body has breathed a whole new life into me when it comes to training; I'm extending my career and I will be prepped and ready to swim faster than I have ever swum before.

In the past, my wrist kept me from doing proper dryland training since the day I came back to swimming, and that has held me back. And, my endurance has suffered because I haven't been able to swim for extended periods of time because my wrist would start throbbing. I can't see a single negative side effect; my 100 will be more powerful and my 200 will be swum with more strength and endurnace than I've ever had. I know surgery scares a lot of people, but I'm relieved that it's just a day away. It is long overdue!

One big downside is that I won't be able to attend the Chesapeake Pro-Am meet in Oklahoma City this December, which has become a staple of my contest calendar each year. It is one of the best, most well-organized meets I've ever been to and the people who run it are just fantastic. It brings out a great mix of amateur and professional athletes and the facility is awesome. I can't make it this year, but I highly suggest to anyone else who can, show up and compete. You won't regret it.

I'll write again when I have an update on how everything went. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Best wishes to everyone!

Swim Fast,

MJ

Tomorrow is my first day back in the pool for training since I've been home from Beijing. I've been in the water off and on for fun--doing clinics and also when on vacation--but haven't done anything even close to resembling a real set since August. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous, but I'm excited.

 I'm changing things up a little bit getting back into working out again. I'm doing a couple more things on my own terms than before and am going to focus more on recovery than I ever have before. I'm almost 25, which is still relatively young, but when you've been training as long as I have, the body slowly starts to fight back when it comes to healing up. One main thing for me is that I'll be training six days a week now instead of seven. Even mentally, heading to the pool each and every day, all year long, gets very exhausting. I'm going to work it out with my coach and rotate one day of the week--probably a weekend--devoted to just taking it easy and staying out of the water.

 Other than being excited about getting back to training, I've been keeping busy. I've been doing some clinics and book signings, took a vacation, and my husband and I have been working on our house. We're hoping to move and have been fixing up our current place. Right now we're building a new fence around the yard and hope to have that finished up this week.

On Sunday, we're doing another ACQUA clinic, this time for Master's swimmers. It's the first one we've promoted strictly for Master's and we're very much excited about it. Master's swimmers are some of the most passionate people in the sport and I'm very humbled they want to learn from me. It will be a great day!

Of course, after that, it's off to New York for the Golden Goggles. I'm doing a couple events over there, too, and am really looking forward to those. If you haven't heard about it there's a Master's clinic there that benefits the USA Swimming Foundation, so be sure to check it out and support the cause!

Swim Fast!
MJ

I just got back from Cuba the night before last and it was a great trip! We visited the military that is stationed over there and everyone we came in contact with were just absolutely a pleasure to meet. Every soldier we spoke with, even though they were away from their families and friends, were proud to be serving our country. And I think, especially at a time like this with the election coming up, it's important to acknowledge the sacrifices that others are making for us to maintain our way of life. All branches of our military deserve our admiration and respect because, no matter whether you agree with the war or hate it, they still have a job to do. To all of our military, past and present, thank you!

 The trip consisted of myself, Ian Crocker, Donny Robinson and David Durante. We were blessed with being able to do a lot of different things during our time in Guantanamo Bay.

A quick overview of what we did included several autograph signings, a chance at part of an obstacle course, snorkeling, riding around in a Viper boat and checking out a lot of their awesome guns. We went to the rope climb that they use and got to give it a shot. One of the guys told me not to go too high in case I couldn't get back down. Of course, that just made me want to go all the way to the top. So I climbed up, touched the top, and slowly brought myself back down. See, swimmers aren't all that awkward on dry land! The most impressive part of that though was watching David go up. He's a gymnast so a rope was like warm-up for him. He kicked his legs straight out in front of him and went up and down so easily that everyone was just kind of in shock. Very impressive!

We also went on a boat ride with the coast guard that was pretty awesome. Because the boat was so small, every wave we hit caused us to bounce around which was actually pretty fun. Because of that though I thought we were going a lot faster than we actually were. I had guessed at one point we were going at least 60mph and the guy just kind of laughed and said, "Nope, just 43." 

There are lots of other good stories I'll try and share later. As for the country of Cuba itself, it is a beautiful place that occupies an amazing part of the world. Even though we couldn't couldn't leave GTMO, we heard things about the country and I've long heard stories from people who have come to the United States from Cuba. The Cuban people have such a rich and valuable culture and from everyone I've ever spoken with about visiting the country, they're warm and welcoming to outsiders. I've heard such great things about them and their love of their country despite any hardships they endure. I'd like to think one day our politicians can get over their disagreements and that Americans and Cubans alike can experience the great things each of our countries have to offer the world. Like everything, we always hope for a progressive, brighter future for everyone.

 Have to run for now!

Swim Fast!

MJ

It has been a busy couple of weeks for me to be sure and I'm finding myself often in the same place I am right now: The Airport! I'm on my way to Cuba right now for a visit with the military and that as you can imagine has a pretty complicated travel schedule. This is on top of having just returned last night from travel to LA, Arizona and Las Vegas. I had enough time to go home, pack a new bag, sleep a few hours and be back at the airport just over 10 hours later. Then, of course, we get to go to New York next month for the Golden Goggles and then New Jersey afterward for another event. It's a lot of travel, especially on top of everything else I've done since Beijing, but it's actually pretty fun. These are opportunities I'll remember all of my life and I'm really taking them in. Along the way of course I'm snapping a lot of pictures!

 I was planning on writing about the events of my latest trip, but my delayed flight is actually about to board. I'll write again soon!

 MJ

A lot has happened since I last wrote. I've been getting a ton of e-mails about the celebrity softball game I mentioned that I played in at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA, so I'll start there.

The rain held off so right from the start it was a good day! We had a little meet and greet thing at the beginning so all of the celebrities could meet, and then we went out to "warm up." I wasn't scheduled to actually play since there's no way I could hit the ball, but Nick Lachey (from the group 98 Degrees) talked me into playing outfield for an inning. Then from there he tried to get me to bat but I still wasn't up for it, so instead I ran for him. He got me on base and after the next two hitters, I came home for a run! The celebrities ended up beating the media team and we all had a great time. All in all, the weekend's events raised over $400,000! 

I'm still out of the water for now and enjoying the break. I leave Monday for a visit to the White House, then in the middle of the month will be in Las Vegas for a week, and then at the end of the month have another trip I get to take. 

More current, I have a swim clinic set up near home to do on the 11th and have done a couple others around Washington State over the last two weeks. I really love getting to meet people and talk to the kids; it's definitely one of the most rewarding things for me!

For now it's off to pack!

Swim Fast,

MJ

On Sunday I'm participating in a "Celebrity Softball Game" that's hosted by Nick Lachey and will also feature Criss Judd, Stacy Fuson, myself and several others against a team made up of media personalities from around Seattle. It should be a good time... we're scheduled to get a little rain, but that's not a big deal, and we'll be playing at Cheney Stadium which is a fun ballpark that is home to our local minor league team. I'm excited to participate because it benefits the MultiCare Health Foundation, the Neonatal Intensive Care and the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Along with playing, I also donated an Olympic warm-up suit that I wore in Beijing as well as an autographed copy of my husband and I's book "Get Wet, Get Fit" for an auction they're holding to raise money for the charities. It should be a great weekend!

http://www.tacomacelebrityweekend.org

On the note of training, I'm still out of the water right now, but have been hitting the gym regularly. My injuries are healing up from the time off I took and I'm feeling really great under the weights. One example that shows me my body needed the rest was that I haven't been able to do squats for the last four years. Now, with the exception of going below parallel, I'm able to do them again. And it's such a great exercise that now that I'm able to do them again, I just have to keep myself from going overboard on it! 

I’ve been finding out lately that taking “time off” is a pretty tiring thing to do. Most people ask me what I’m doing and when I mention I’m taking a short break from training, they say, “Oh that must be so relaxing!” Well, it’s a lot of fun, but I wouldn’t use the word relaxing at all!

Just last week I flew out of Seattle and went to the Oprah show. From the taping of Oprah in Chicago I went straight over to Las Vegas for the ASCA Convention which was held at the Riviera hotel and casino. I really like Vegas and not so much for the gambling, but for all of the bright lights and great shows and of course the food. No matter what you’re hungry for, you can find it within a few blocks and it’s always amazing. One of my husband and I’s favorite places to eat is in the Monte Carlo at a place called “Market City Café.” They have the most amazing pizza there; if you’re ever in town, you definitely have to try it. On the note of food, I was pretty upset to see that the Hilton hotel had got rid of the “Star Trek Experience” attraction there. I’m not a big fan of Star Trek, but they had a place there called “Quark’s” which had some really great food. And even though I didn’t watch the show, I did think the whole thing was neat… people dressed up as characters walking around, a ceiling that looked like space, huge ships hanging from the ceilings… definitely awesome. I hope it comes back somewhere because it just seemed to fit so well in Vegas.

One of the other highlights of the trip was going with Mel Stewart (1992 Olympic gold medalist) out to get a tattoo. He got it on his back, the Olympics rings with olive branches around it with “BARCELONA” under it. It was pretty fun to be there for that and Mel and his wife are two of the most awesome people you will ever meet. Fun times!

  After a few days in Vegas I came back home and we have been working hard on scheduling some swim clinics around the state. So far we have three that are scheduled with a couple more in the works, so we are putting a lot of effort into organizing and processing registrations and things like that. We really love the events and get great support from sponsors like SPEEDO and PowerBar and have always had really great feedback. We’re looking forward to also doing some out of state when time permits.

That’s all for now, I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine while it lasts!
 
Swim Fast!

MJ 

I've been back from China for a week now and things haven't slowed down a bit... and I'm enjoying every minute of it!

 I did get a little break the last couple of days as we went out camping on Hood Canal for the holiday weekend. No BlackBerry, no phone ringing, no Seattle traffic, just camp fire, s'mores and the water... and it's the first time in awhile I've been around a body of water that doesn't have chlorine in it! Needless to say I'm enjoying my break, but have to admit I'm feeling the itch to get back to some sort of training. We'll see what happens! I did actually do some swimming this weekend though. I have a really nice Ironman Wetsuit that was given to me from a charity swim I did a couple years back and haven't really had a chance to wear it again since. Where we go camping there's a nice bay off of the canal that our dogs like to swim in so just for fun I put on the suit and got in and swam with them a bit. 

I've got some good events coming up here in the next couple of days that I'm really excited for. Tomorrow, I leave for the Oprah show where I'll be with many other Olympic medalists on her show... how awesome is that! Who doesn't love Oprah? I remember getting the e-mail from Marissa that said I was invited to the show and I couldn't believe it. Not only that but it's another opportunity to see a lot of my friends from the Olympic team that I didn't think I'd get to see for awhile. It's going to be an awesome trip!

Straight from Chicago (where Oprah is taped) I'll be going to the ASCA Convention in Las Vegas. I went there last year and it was really fun to put on a clinic for the kids. Last year it was in California and I worked with Josh Davis and Tara Kirk, and we all had a good time. It's still really hot out in Vegas and since the temperatures have cooled down quite a bit at home, I think I'll like getting to wear shorts and tank tops for another couple of days.

 I hope everyone is enjoying the close of summer and enjoys the beginning of school!

Swim Fast!
MJ

I've had some down time here in Beijing since swimming has ended. I'm not heading home until the 25th and don't have anything specifically planned, so my husband Nathan and I have been taking the opportunity to explore what's around, catch up with other athletes and do some media stuff.

Today we did a few interviews and taping sessions with some of the media set up at the broadcast center. Early this morning we went over and did some things with our friends at KING5 in Seattle and then came back, ate, and headed back out for a few more tapings and a couple radio spots once back at the hotel again. Then this evening we had a dinner with an outlet that wants to promote our book "Get Wet, Get Fit" within one of their fitness chains. It's really great to talk to these people about my Olympic experiences and all of the wonderful things I've learned from this sport, and it's fantastic to hear such excitement people have watching us compete. Without the fans, the Olympics wouldn't be where they are today, so thank you everyone!

Tomorrow we are heading out to the Open Water venue to watch our friend Chloe Sutton compete in the women's 10km race. She has been my roommate in the Olympic Village and I've gotten to know her really well, so I'm very anxious to watch her race. The open water athletes (Chloe and Mark) stay with the swimmers and have been around between their training sessions watching us come and go from the meet, so I know they're ready to show the world what they've got and I know both of them are going to do amazing.

The day after the open water race, we're finally going to head up to The Great Wall. We've got a camera crew coming with us to film it for some of their broadcasts and they're trying to get a few other Olympians to come along, so it sounds like it will turn in to a pretty big, fun trip. Seeing the Wall was the number one thing I wanted to do once racing was over--as I was here last year with Michael, Katie and Ryan and didn't get to see it--so I am definitely looking forward to Thursday as well. 

Friday Nathan heads out, so I'll have a couple days left of downtime to pack, hang out with friends I get to see so rarely, and then head home. It has been a great time here in Beijing but I haven't slept in my own bed since the third week in June, so I'm ready to see Seattle again.

Swim Fast!

MJ

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to write as I haven't had the chance in a few days. I made the Olympic final in the 100 breaststroke where I took fifth. It wasn't quite what I wanted, but I was honored to be back and I gave it my all, so I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

The couple of days before the race I had been pretty sick to my stomach. It's something that has actually been going around and unfortunately, it hit me on the wrong days. On the day of the finals though I felt pretty good and had a huge sense of excitement about the race. The venue here is fantastic and the crowd can get really loud and pumped up which is awesome to see. Before my race my teammate--here and back home--Margaret Hoelzer, won a medal in the 100 back so I was extremely happy for her! Team USA as a whole has been doing amazing things and I'm so proud of how everyone is handling the pressure and performing at their best. This team is something special!

Next up I have the medley relay which I'm really looking forward to. It has been a couple of years since I've swam on a medley relay at a major international meet, since in 2007 I qualified for World Championships in the 200. Relays are always special because they're so different; it isn't just you you're swimming for, it's the team and the country foremost, and they're one of my favorite things about the sport!

Swim Fast!

Megan

Hi Everyone,

I think a great deal has already been written about what athletes can and can't post from the Olympic Village, so I'm going to keep my blogs that I do get time to post to topics other than what's going on around here. I'm sure you'll all be seeing tons of coverage from media all over the world anyway, so you surely won't be missing anything.

I've been getting some letters asking what I bring to the Olympics for motivation, if I bring pictures or books or anything like that. In general, I don't have any "good luck charms." The one thing I took with me in 2000, and have with me now, is the golden shoe necklace my grandfather won at the Olympic Trials back in 1940. But, I will save that story for my next blog. For now, I'm actually going to describe something that meant a ton to me that I couldn't take with me.

I'm sure many people are familiar with the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team that became famous as the "Miracle on Ice." One member of that team who many will remember was Jack O'Callahan. He made a huge play in the match against the Soviet Union that was featured in the movie "Miracle," and he later went on to play professional hockey in the NHL. Needless to say he was awesome!

Well, years ago at the Olympic Training Center, he came out to do a presentation for the national team that was assembled. I thought he was an extremely intelligent person with a great story and someone who was very, very goal-oriented and almost impossibly driven to succeed. Those are the sorts of attributes I've done my best to carry with me because I know they're necessary for success. When I had first heard he was going to come talk to us I was really excited to listen to him tell his story. 

 After he spoke, all of us got autographed hockey pucks and he stuck around and talked with people. I wanted to go introduce myself to him but I just couldn't do it because I was so nervous! My husband, Nathan, used to joke with me all the time about that because I've been asked for my autograph countless times, but I couldn't bring myself to go ask someone else for theirs. I'd like to think I'm really not that shy, but two of my favorite athletes of all time--Jack O'Callahan and Muhammad Ali--I've had the chance at meeting and was too nervous to do it. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and after the 2007 World Championships where I won silver in the 200-meter breaststroke, there were naturally a lot of news articles. One of them in an Australian paper was very forward with saying that it was going to take a miracle for anyone to beat Leisel Jones in Beijing. When I first read that, I immediately thought of the 1980 Hockey team. Additionally, a lot of people were very negative about my chances of even making the 2008 Team because of the great depth our country has in the breaststroke events. Myself, Amanda, Rebecca, Tara--who did prove Leisel is beatable--Caitlin and Keri, were just six of many who all had a great shot at making the team. A lot of events have clear favorites, but the breaststrokers were just so tightly bunch together that it was completely up in the air. But for me, a lot of people said my time was up, I didn't "have it anymore," and several other things I didn't think were very nice. Of course at times like those, you have to brush it off and move forward and keep believing in yourself. I knew I could make this Team and I knew I was putting in the work that was necessary to do it. Well, Nathan thought of something that might motivate me to keep pushing through all of the hard training.

I came home from a meet on a weekend and he said he had something for me that he had been working on for awhile. He handed me this thick plastic package that was really soft. I opened it up and when I pulled it out, I grabbed this thing by its edges and let it fall open... it was an authentic O'Callahan 1980 US Olympic Hockey Away team Jersey that was signed, between the numbers (he wore 17):

Megan,

Believe in Miracles!

Jack O'Callahan
USA 1980

  I couldn't believe it! I asked Nathan how he got it and he said he got in touch with Jack and asked if he would be willing to sign a jersey for me and told him the story about reading the article about needing "a miracle." And Jack was nice enough to do it! I asked Nathan if he told Jack about my being too embarassed to talk to him myself and, of course, Nathan smiled and said, "Sure did!" I remember being embarassed even right there standing in the living room.

That jersey is now at home and displayed in a nice custom frame Nathan had made for it. It was one of the coolest, and most thoughtful, things that anyone has ever given to me. It just speaks volumes to the value of the support group I have around me; I couldn't do any of this without them and I love them all for caring about me and my success. I think that's a good message for everyone; never take those around you for granted and always let them know how much they mean to you. Especially in pro sports there are people who only want to be around when there's money to be made or a picture to get in the paper or on tv, but your true friends are the ones that are there to support you no matter how you place.

As for the jersey, even though I couldn't take that with me, it's certainly something I think about while here. It's also something I thought about quite a few times when pushing through a set that I really thought I couldn't finish, but somehow found a way to do. I think we've all had those times where we just have to dig down, think of something special, and get the job done. Miracles can happen! Set goals for yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you can't reach them. Inspire yourself and those around you and enjoy every day of your life!

Swim Fast,

MJ

This is our last full day here in Singapore. We have all had a great time but it's almost the start of the Olympic Games and all of our training is about to get put to the test. Even with all of the strange happenings that have gone on over the last couple of weeks, I think the entire team is in great spirits and everyone is ready to have the swims of their lives!

Just to catch up a little, my workouts yesterday went really well. It's really hard for me to think of another two consecutive weeks in my career that I've been so excited about my training... I'm pumped! Also, Chloe Sutton and I found a movie theatre and saw the new Mummy movie. My review, in short, is go see it. I was pretty surprised at how good it was! One thing I thought was really funny is that in the movie, the main characters are looking for the Shangri La (which means Paradise), which ironically enough, is the name of the hotel we're staying at in Singapore. And if paradise could be a hotel, this would certainly be it. Like I've said in past blogs, this place is absolutely amazing!

As for today, it was a really relaxed day for me. I only had morning practice today because it's Sunday, so I've been watching what's essentially a marathon of the show the O.C.  I borrowed the DVDs from Caroline Burckle and I lucked out with her having them because I finished all of the Dexter and Californication discs I brought. I started watching a little bit of Rescue Me which a lot of people said was really good, but after the first few episodes I'm not entirely impressed. 

Lastly, I just packed up my stuff so I'll be ready to go for our early morning flight out to Beijing. It has been eight years since I've competed in an Olympic Games and after missing the team in Athens, I thought that I may never have the chance again. But, everything happens for a reason and I came back with the goal of making this team and, thank God, I'm getting that chance. 

I don't know how much I'll be able to post from China, if at all, so if I don't write until everything is over, I just want to say again how much I appreciate everyone's letters and support. 

Swim Fast!
MJ

Before I talk about today, I want to cover last night. There is a tradition on the national team that rookies have to do a skit of some sort in front of everyone. I've been on the national team for over ten years and honestly, I can't even remember what I did for mine. But, I can remember a lot of good ones over the years from other people and, this year, Cullen definitely put on one of the best I've ever seen. He came out dressed as Steve Urkel from the old show "Family Matters" and was the host of a dating game. I can't really explain it, but it was absolutley hilarious. Bravo Cullen!

This is the first round of skits I've seen at an Olympics. In 2000, during my first Olympic Games, there weren't any skits because even our captains were rookies. They aren't really any different on this international trip than others, but it is certainly fun to see that everyone is able to relax even at such a big meet and put on a good show. These things are definitely one of the highlights of team trips.

Practice was great this AM; we did some 35-meter sprint sets off of the blocks and I was on and faster than my best times from ever before. That tells me I'm on the right track, particularly because we haven't started to taper yet. Workouts have still been pretty tough so to go those times now is certainly a mental boost for me. Everyone here is swimming so fast in training that it just helps boost all of the athletes around them, and we're all continuing to develop in an atmosphere of excellence. You always know that every training session you have to be on top of your game because the rest of the team will be, and it's encouraging. We want to help each other and we all want to win, so it's great for all of us. 

I'm just about to get ready for afternoon practice--I just loosened up this morning--so I've got to get going. Take care everyone!

Swim Fast!
MJ

Today started off a little earlier than it needed to for me. I had forgotten last night to ask my coach what time morning practice was today, so I ended up waking in time for the first one in case that was it. Well, it wasn't, and I've been up since 4:45am when I didn't actually need to leave until 7:30am. Oh well! I was able to get on the internet and try and catch up on some e-mails and messages, plus I ate breakfast and did some stretching. On the note of e-mails and stuff, I want to thank everyone who has written, it really means a lot to me to have your support. I also apologize if I haven't written back yet or if it has taken me a long time. With so much stuff in my inbox it is hard to keep up but I do my best, and I really love reading all of the messages!

Practice went well this morning when I finally got there. We didn't do but a couple of thousand but it felt good. We also practiced relay starts which went extremely well, too. I think our relays are shaping up to be awesome! It's one thing to swim an individual event at the Olympics--it's such a powerful experience--but the relays are so different. You've got your teammates you want to win for, you want to win for yourself and most importantly, you want to win for your country. I found out in 2000 that the relays are also a lot more light-hearted. When I raced the 100-meters in Australia the ready room was so quiet you could almost hear yourself breathing. When I went into the ready room before finals of the relay, everyone was laughing and making jokes and having a great time. Very different scenarios! 

Tonight we're going to the zoo which I'm really looking forward to. We're going on a "night safari" so we can see all of the nocturnal animals and things. The only time I've ever been to a zoo at night at home is during Christmas time when our local zoo runs "Zoo Lights," but there aren't many animals that are active past dark there. So this should be fun... I'll let you all know!

Swim Fast!
MJ

Like I mentioned in my last blog, I went out and saw a little bit of Singapore around where we are staying. I went with my coach, Sean Hutchison, and apparently right off the bat we were doing things right.

We tried a drink called the "Singapore Sling" which supposedly is THE drink to try when you're in Singapore. I wasn't exactly sure of all the ingredients, but it was pink and fruity and was pretty good. Of course, we didn't have the "real deal" because it's normally an alcoholic drink and we had the NON-alcoholic version, but it was still really good. 

This morning (it's about 9:30am for us right now), I just google'd the drink to find out what all was in it. And I can certainly say I'm always surprised at how much more you can learn from the internet than you ever wanted to. I did find the ingredients (since there was no alcohol ours were combinations of pineapple and lime juices and some other things), but also that it was created sometime before 1915 at the Raffles Hotel. And, supposedly, there's a museum that has the safe the original recipe used to be kept in. I don't plan on going to see that, but it's one of those strange, kind of fun facts. See? More than you all wanted to know too, I bet.

The pool here is nice, though the water is a bit cloudy. I've only had one training session so far but it went well and even after the long flights I felt pretty good and am eager to go back for this afternoon's session.

The weather here is as expected and like what we'll have in Beijing: HOT. The entire time we were out yesterday I was sweating. We get some nice days at home in Seattle, but usually not so constant like this so it's still new to me. I'm glad though that I'm getting the chance to get used to it! Even though we'll be swimming indoors in Beijing it will be good to be used to the heat for all the walking we'll be doing in the Olympic Village and other places. 

For now that's all I have to write about.
Swim Fast!

MJ

This is just a short post to let everyone know that Team USA has landed safe and sound in Singapore! And from the little we've seen so far of the area we are in, it is amazing. Our hotel is fantastic and they are really taking care of us so that we can train hard, rest, and prepare for doing our best in Beijing.

 The flight was very long, with a layover in Tokyo, but was good all the same. I watched some DVDs and tried to sleep a little. I'm not sure how many people are fans of the show "Dexter," but I've been watching the first season of that. I also brought along "Californication" because my husband suggested I watch it. I'm not even really sure what it's about except that the main character is a writer... like my husband.. which I think explains why he likes it!

Anyway, I'm off to explore a little bit of the city before practice. Tonight will be my first look at the pool here and I'm ready to get in and put some work in because after all that flying, I am very tired of sitting!

Swim Fast!
MJ

It has been a crazy couple of days here at camp. I don’t think I need to go over what has been happening as the media has pretty much been taking care of that. On that note though, a lot of media people have been coming up to me and my husband and friends and family, to ask about my opinion and how I feel about the whole thing. Many people feel I one of the people most affected by this. I don’t know if that’s the case, but I do have a ton of emotions about this whole ordeal. Foremost, anytime something like this comes up it is a black-eye for the sport. Track and field was shown to have a series of problems and swimming was given the opportunity to step forward in the public eye, and having any of our athletes cheating is bad for all of us—athletes, coaches, staff, fans, everyone. There isn’t too much I feel I should say at this point, but I can say I am hurt. I’m angry. Both as a swimmer and as a fan of the sport. I think a lot of people are feeling the exact same thing. We can hope for the best and hope it wasn’t intentional, but that doesn’t change that it happened and consequences are inevitable. In any case, we can all pray it was an isolated incident and that the public will still realize swimming is as clean and wholesome of a sport as there is in the world, and I truly believe that is the case. For now, that’s all I want to say on the subject.

 In happier news, practices have been going great. I’m still swimming fast in practice and feeling very good about my upcoming races. We leave tomorrow for Singapore where we’ll be staying for a bit and training before heading over to Beijing. I think it’s going to be a benefit for a couple of reasons: One, we are staying away from the big concern of air pollution, and two, we are many time zones closer. That will help a lot as I think anyone who has traveled around the world knows how difficult it can be to adjust. I’ve heard so many great things about China and how decorated the country already is and about how hard the people have worked to put on a great Olympic Games. I have no doubt that things will be perfect and, as I keep saying over and over, I am so excited!

Our training here at training camp has been going extremely well. We athletes get treated so great and the atmosphere allows us to just focus on our goals, and that is to show the world the best Team USA has to offer. The meet is so emotional and every little bit counts, and I think the team building we are getting to do these weeks before the Games is absolutely vital. We learn that our attitudes and our individual performances influence the team as a whole and can really help our teammates push themselves to new heights. I know when I see a great swim it makes me want to contribute even more, and I am just beyond excited for Beijing. I remember at Trials watching my teammate Margaret Hoelzer qualify for the 100 backstroke before I raced the breaststroke, and I was pumped! It always helps to see someone you care about do well, and this entire team is becoming one big family. I know we are going to show the world what we've got to offer and it will be a spectaular sight for everyone!

Today was another great practice. We're still training extremely hard, doing doubles, dry land, watching what we eat, etc... yet I'm still putting up times in practice that are faster than I've ever gone. It shows me I'm on track and I've been blessed with the opportunity to go faster than I've ever gone on the biggest stage in the world. It's hard to describe the feeling; it's one of great anticipation but also one of calm. I know we've all been doing everything we possibly can to be the best we can be and it's that positive mindset that really helps us continue to excel. 

 Quote of the day: "Act as though you are, and you will be."

Going into 2000 I went to bed every night thinking about having the gold medal placed around my neck and having my performance be the reason the American flag was raised and our national anthem played. I remember when it all came true in Sydney, Australia as if it were yesterday. Looking up at the flag I thought to myself, "I wish our national anthem was so much longer..." I was confident then and I'm even more confident now. Anything can happen and in Beijing, I'm looking to take advantage of the opportunity I just missed out on in 2004. We leave soon for our next training camp and as we get closer to Beijing--both figuratively and literally--the excitement builds with every passing day.

I hope everyone is as excited to watch us as we are excited to perform! 

Swim Fast!

MJ

I swam the 50-meter freestyle today just because I wanted to finish up Trials with a best time in a new event, and I felt I had enough left to do that. That event is certainly not my best by any means, but I entered it because it's one I really enjoy. This morning in prelims, I went out there and swam a best time! I was pretty excited and even though I won't be swimming it in Beijing, it's a good sign to show I'm ready to race.

We leave soon for a training camp and I still can't believe I qualified for my second Olympic team. It was eight hard years but now all of that work has paid off. I'll be swimming the exact same schedule as I did in 2000, which is the 100 breaststroke and the 400 medley relay. I came away with two golds in Sydney, and I hope to do the same in Beijing!

It has been eight years since I've competed in the Olympic Games, and there have been a lot of obstacles along the way. But last night, in the finals of the 100-meter breaststroke, I got another shot and I gave it everything I had. With all of my effort, faith, and God's grace, I touched second and am going to compete in Beijing!

 Making the team was amazing. The race was so close that when we were heading to the finish, after I touched the wall, I thought I had missed it again. I turned around, looked at the scoreboard and after a second, I saw the number "2." It was absolutely unbelievable, a real dream come true. Every day for the last four years I had thought about the 2004 Trials where I had missed the team by eleven one-hundredths... now, I made up for that in 2008!

My family is here in Omaha cheering me on, my husbands, friends, fans... it's hard to take in. After the race my phone just exploded with calls and texts of people sending their love. It felt amazing! Marissa (from this site) even told me on the phone that she was crying! I went out to dinner afterward with my husband and my parents and my heart was still just beating like crazy. It took a long time to calm down from that.

Now, I get to focus on the 200 breaststroke that starts tomorrow. I swim my best when I'm relaxed and now that I've already made the team, I don't have anything to worry about. If I qualify in the 200, it's just an absolutely amazing blessing. And I am ready!

The thing about a good taper is that you slowly get more and more energized and excited for the big meet that is coming up. For me, I've been ready for Trials since the day I came back to swimming in 2005, but now that the reality has set in that it's really here--just days away now instead of months--I can't contain the excitement. I have more energy than I have had in a long time due to the lower work load and it has been tough to sit still! 

 Practices are going extremely well at the moment and the entire team is putting up great times. Some friends pointed out that the times I'm going in practice for on some swims, the 50-meter breast for example, are faster than my old American records. That speaks more to how fast the events have gotten I think, but it's encouraging for me to show that I'm continuing to get better. Sometimes I feel like "the old lady" on the team as I'm almost ten years older than some of the other girls in the group, but it's still fun, so I'm still doing it.

We leave next week for Omaha and I'm almost fully packed already. I don't like to do things at the last minute because I don't think there's any need for any surprises or any stress, so I make sure I'm prepared early. I'm ready to go!