Finally in Beijing

Nie hu (Hello)!! Well I finally made it to Beijing. I got here yesterday but was really busy getting things set up for the athletes. My flight went well, it was 13 hours from San Francisco, once we arrived I got a picture w/ a the Paralympic Police and their dogs. I had to convince them they wouldn't miss anything if they posed for one picture, they are very serious about their job, which is a relief but made getting a picture with them a bit difficult. I'm staying in the Paralympic/Olympic Athlete Village. It's like a town of it's own with a transportation system, multiple 9 story apartment buildings with all the athletes, coaches, and staff from every country staying in them, a post office, general store, traditional tea room, Mayors Office, photo shop, gift shop, resident common buildings with meeting rooms and games, and finally a dining hall with a McDonalds!!! I can get all the chicken nuggets I've ever desired for FREE. Actually I haven't eaten there, I have a rule that I will allow myself to eat one meal once a week, otherwise I'll gain 20 lbs. while I'm here. I went to Tian'Anmen (tenamin) Square today. It's the biggest plaza in the world, I walked nonstop for three hours and didn't get to see all of it. Very cool though, you can buy everything and the store owners like to "make you a bargain". It's usually way too much money so I give them my own bargain price.
Due to the International Paralympic Committee rules I am limited to what I can and cannot post here. I will email everyone pictures and messages, so if you would email me at mountaingirl_11@yahoo.com and in the subject line write "Beijing Updates" you will get all the emails otherwise I might miss you in my list of contacts. The Paralympics are going to be televised by Universal Sports and also via live web. I don't know the exact address or station yet but I'll let you know. I'll talk at ya later. Mary

Mary's Gold

I competed at the 2002 Paralympics in Salt Lake City, UT, USA. I won Gold in Giant Slalom and Silver in Super G. Knowing what if feels like to 'take home the gold' I am excited about watching other athletes compete for their chance to do the same.

Going to Beijing

I will be leaving for Beijing on August 29th. I will be working with the US Delegation as a Athlete Service Coordinator. My position has many responsibilities but basically I will be there to make sure the athletes can concentrate on their sport and not worry about all the other 'activities' going on throughout the Athlete Village and Beijing. The 'Games' are a different event than any other competition most athletes have experienced. You wouldn't normally be living among athletes of all sports, nor would you have lavish ceremonies that can take your attention away from your ultimate goal. I've never worked as an Athlete Service Coordinator so it will be a learning experience for me as well. I'll be posting my pictures and short stories on this blog. Feel free to check in and see what's going on with me in Beijing.

Mary