Sunday, August 31, 2008

Athletissima Lausanne

Me and a whole lot of athletes took a chartered bus ride two hours from Zurich to Lausanne, Switzerland. It feels good to take alternative transportation to a meet and not to have to negotiate the airport. Dealing with over-baggage, getting to the airport hours before, waiting at the gate for hours etc, really get old.

The city of Lausanne has a lot of history in regards to track and field. They are host to the sport's largest Olympic Museum. In Beijing, I have the chance to meet Hicham El Guerrouj, the all world distance runner from Morocco. He helps out with the organization that heads the track and field part of the museum. He asked for, and of course, I gave him my singlet and shorts I wore in the final at the Games, and they are putting it in the Olympic Museum here in Lausanne.

It has been very good weather here in Switzerland, which is very uncharacteristic for this time of year. It was 80 degrees when I came back from training this morning! I really hope the weather holds up. Last year this competition was in the middle of July, and it was 9 degrees Celsius by the time we got finished running.

This is a special venue, there have been some very special performances here, I'm hoping to add my name to the list of memorable performances.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I found out about you during the Olympics and wanted to learn more about you. Your blog is great, I am really enjoying reading about all of your experiences. I am probably even going to sign up on this page later today.

Good luck in your next race.

Aunt Celest said...

Hey David,

I'm so proud of you and glad
to see that things are working out for you. Your such a humble
person, and an inspiration to young athletes. I'll never forget
the kindness you showed me when you fixed my camera at Penn Relays. Most young people would not of had patients with me as you did. I knew you were going to medal. Did'nt know what medal it was going be, but I knew one of them had your name on it. Enjoy your success, and see as much of the world as possible. Life is not an instant replay,
you only go around once so enjoy
it. Looking forward to seeing you again in April.

Aunt Celest

Aunt Celest said...

Hey David,

As I read your blogs I feel like
I'm traveling all over the world
with you. I've now added a couple
of new country on my list of places I would one day like to see. Thanks for taking the time
to share your world with me. I hate the computer, but you've made
get over my uncomfort zone. My kids can't believe that I'm on the computer.

Take Care,

Aunt Celest

Chanell said...

I just came across your blog. It's nice that you take the time to tell in detail about these countries and your experiences there. You give an idea of how it is for people that have never been there before.. Good Luck!

ejheat said...

Hi David,

Congrats on getting your singlet
and shorts put into the Olympic Museum. It is so cool that you are meeting these other great track and field legends from your profession. I am really glad you acclomplished your goals and it is only a matter of time before you win again and again and again!!!! I certainly enjoy these blogs so much and I feel like I am traveling the world with you and running your races with you right through this computer screen. Whether I am having a good or a bad day, It really helps me through the tough days I have with my neurological dystonia condition. You certainly are a bright,shining light in this world!!!!

Eric

David Oliver said...

Hey Eric, I'm glad I can lend a hand in helping you get thru those tough days. I am very familiar with your condition. Your post has really touched me a bit.

LaLa said...

Thanks for the regular posts. We enjoy seeing how you're doing.