Missing the Olympic test event -

My teammates are away this week in Beijing for the Olympic Test Event.


It's a great opportunity for them to see the venue, be on the Olympic equipment and to get a feel for the environment.


I was invited by the Canadian Olympic Committee to go and to check it out, but I declined.

I want to walk into the Olympic venue and feel amazing! I want to be able to have my first experience in the venue as ultra positive, not as a gimp who is taking pictures and video taping.


I didn't go to the venues before Sydney 2000 or Athens 2004. I think I did alright.


I believe that our state of mind, our preparation and our confidence determines whether or not we can adapt to a situation. I am planning on being in the best shape of my life when I see the venue for the first time. I plan on being ready to deliver my best performances! I plan on feeling like I own that gym!


When it comes to adapting to new environments and situations, there is only one way to do it quickly. Be prepared. I can not reiterate that enough. When you are prepared, whether it be for a competition, a presentation, even a test, you can walk in and just adapt. I have experienced times in the past where I didn't feel as prepared as I should have and I started to panic and make excuses. "I can't do it because the equipment isn't good", "the lights are too bright", etc. I don't like that athlete. I don't want to be him and I will do everything in my power to avoid feeling unprepared.

I am in control of my preparation. My job is to do everything that I can possibly do on a daily basis to make sure that I come one step closer to feeling ready.

If the Olympics were next week then I wouldn't be able to compete. That's a scary thought. But the good news is that they aren't. I still have a little more than 8 months. I need to be diligent and I need to take initiative to make sure that I am prepared.

When I walk into the Olympic venue in August 2008, I will be at my best. I will be ready and I will have an advantage over everyone else...

I will be the most prepared. I will be positive. I will have the most trust and confidence in myself. I will deliver my best performance.



Kyle