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This will most likely be my last entry the 5k tomorrow, so here’s a quick update on the last few days. I even have a few pictures this time to get the full effect.

Wednesday night we had the athlete’s welcome/flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Plaza at the Athlete’s Village. To begin with, Sandra Oh (from Grey’s Anatomy) was the MC for the event. It wasn't too long of a program, maybe 35-40minutes, but once the program was over, everyone got up on stage with Sandra and the Olympic mascots to dance and have a good time. Between everyone trying to get their photo-op with Sandra, I ended up getting a picture giving her a piggy back. Random? Perhaps. But awesome? Yes.  

Rick Hansen was next. I don’t think THE man in motion needs much more of an introduction than that, but he was there to address the athletes and inspire us, which he has no problem doing. This was the second time I’ve seen Rick in person (he talked at our SSC awards banquet last year), but since I didn’t get the opportunity to take a picture with him last time I wasn’t going to miss out this time around. He’s an amazing person!

To wrap up that night, I met up with a fellow Regina boy – Ben Herbert (Kevin Martin’s lead). There aren’t too many athletes from Saskatchewan at these Games, let alone from Regina, so it was nice to chat with Ben and get to know him a little. I’m sure I’ll be seeing him around a lot more throughout the Games now. Either way, I had to get a pic with Ben and the rest of the team.

So that takes care of Wednesday.

Yesterda I made a trip back to Cap’s Bicycles here in Richmond. I went there last week in search of a rear fender for my bike (since you know, it rains a little in Vancouver....), and ended up meeting the owner of the bike shop, Bill Hobbis. Let me tell you, Bill is taking in the spirit of the Olympics. From the flag display in front of his bike shop to the Canada cycling jerseys he brought in specifically to show his support for the Canadian Team, I’m glad I stumbled upon his bike shop in my search for a fender. Oh, and yes, I did get one of the Canada jerseys because they look awesome! Thanks for the support, Bill!

As for myself, I’ve never been more ready to race. Physically - I’ve been feeling better and better on the ice over the past week and a half; mentally - I’ve got this comforting sense of ease about me. I’m a little nervous, but I’m definitely excited. There’s no looking back now – it’s time to race!!