I thought that I was going to write my blogs through the Olympic Games and give you guys some updates, much like I did during the Olympic Trials.  With 11 swims over the 9 days of competition, in addition to the many press conferences and drug tests, writing became a bit of a challenge.  With the little time that I had to sit in front of my computer and write, I became so overwhelmed with things to say that I was unable to form a coherent blog. 

Now that the swimming part of the Games is over I have had a little time to reflect on what just happened (even though I am still a bit overwhelmed).  Over 9 days of racing and six total events I came out with six medals: 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronzes.  Although my body was getting progressively more and more tired, with each swim I got a little better.  At the beginning of the meet my swims were a little shaky which I attribute to lack of racing (since Trials) and lots of nerves. 

Disclaimer: for all of you who get bored with swimming details feel free to skip this next paragraph.

I take the time now to point out an important detail to allof you fellow swimmers out there… My first swims were neither on par with my goals nor with my abilities.  I could have mentally given up at that point and claimed that I “missed my taper.”  Instead I focused more on my technique and relaxing away from the pool, and had faith that the training over the past several years cannot possibly go away overnight.  With each swim my body was getting more and more comfortable racing again and my times improved.  So the lesson that I hope all of you take away from my experience is that taper is nothing magical.  You’re not going to miss the taper bus by a couple days.  Throughout my 20 years of competitive swimming, I have heard people say that they trained great but just missed their taper.  Don’t allow yourself to get swept into this line of thinking.  If you are about to go into a big competition and don’t feel great, don’t lose faith because you can turn things around with the right attitude. Many people with disagree with me on this taper thing, but this is what I have learned over the past several years and it's just my opinion.  Enough with the boring taper stuff, I just feel like that is an important thing for all swimmers to learn. 

I finished my last event a couple days ago and I cannot believe that the competitive part of the Olympics is over for me!  Although I am happy with my performances, I think I can still do better which is something to aim for in London…  I have been so singularly focused on last week’s meet that I don’t know what to do with myself now.  Fortunately I am very busy with some very fun events over the next few days. 

One of the things that I am most excited about is cooking with Martin Yan this afternoon on his show.  When I was little (long before the Food Network was even an idea) my mom watched Julia Child and Martin Yan constantly.  They were really the only cooking shows on television and she loved them both. Now I get to cook with him! The producer of the show asked what my favorite Chinese dish is so that we can make it.  Char Siew Bao (steamed pork bun, dim sum) is by far my favorite Chinese dish and I’m hoping that Martin can teach me that later today.  I cannot wait!

Anyways, I hope all of you out there enjoyed watching the swimming.  I must say that I really enjoyed the swimming schedule since the most difficult part of the day (finals) was done first thing in the morning. For those of you in the States, I hope you enjoyed watching the swims live.  Now I get to be a spectator at the Olympics!  The events that I want to see: Laura Wilkinson in platform diving, Sayna Richards in track & field and any BMX race.  

u did a great job! congrats, Natalie! i was excited to see u by the warm-up pool at the Cube last Friday~

have fun in Beijing!!

p.s.叉烧包(char siew bao) is also one of my favorite dishes;-)

Good Job and Congratulations Natalie!Proud of u!

Apart from Char Siew Bao,I think u should try some Ha Gao(shrimp dumpling)as well!!

ur matches in Beijing have finished, but ur match in next in just begining.

just do ur best to face all the matches.

we'l with u forever~

You did a good job in Beijing Olympic ,I'm glad to see your performance.

I am looking forward to see your better performance in London,Keeppp fighting!!

You are a pretty swimmer girl and a great swimmer:)

Congratulations,Natalie!I watched almost all the swimming comptitions!You've done a pretty good job!Or I want to say that you're one of the best swimmers in this Olympics.

I know you attained the Speedo Party in beijing in August 17th,the dress you wear is beautiful!

Dont worry we enjoyed watching every lil sec of swimming =)

I was amazed by USA in all sports

Gymnastics was alsot tight but USA won gold there too =)

And you did great as well ... And i bet you gonna be even more in London =)

I see you like cooking :D

That's truly amazing i love it too =)

Since i live only with my sis since i was 17 i learned to cook pretty early

sometimes i get lazy and just dont cook whole week.

I'm glad to see you enjoyed out there :D

Hi ,I am from China.Though the Olympic Games,I know you and many other people.I think you have done a good job!I hope you can get a high level in the swim.My English is poor,I hope you can understand.Now the race is over ,you can enjoy yourselve!

Congratulations,Natatie! i didn't go to the Water Cube ,but i watched your events on TV. u really did a great job! especially in the 100m backstroke final, it's so cool! by the way ,i'm from China, so i'm glad to see u swim in beijing.i believe u can do much better in the future!good luck! 

Oh my gosh Natalie!

You did amazing at the olympics! You must be so proud of yourself! I loved watching you swim I didnt miss one event! It was so fun watching it live! You are just so easy 2 watch! I cant wait 2 c ya in london!