Sunday, August 23, 2009

Hanging Like A Cloud

The final day of competition was fantastic. The USA finished the competition with 3 gold medals in 400 relay men's and women's and a long jump world leading jump for 2009.We started the day in one hotel and moved to the Marriott, a free night!!! The Marriott was right on the women’s marathon route. We got a 2fer with the Glavin men getting in a run and when we finished we got to watch the end of the women's marathon seeing China cross the line first. The Marriott has great internet speed so we loaded tons of Ann's pictures. The pictures capture the amazing effort of the athlete in all kinds of disciplines and the enjoyment of our World Track Championship experience. The boys learned the ropes quickly on "how to be an autograph hound". While many in the USA will not know the athletes that signed Pearse's shirt, he will treasure the fun of a guy leaning over to sign his back or his shoulder or his little chest. How could anyone refuse our Pearse with his bright smile, his red hair and his infectious personality. Seamus and Eamon travelled as his "wing men" pointing out bogies like in a fire fight "athlete 12 O’clock" "High jumper at 6" and my favorite Jamaican 400x400 relay team in the Kentucky Fried Chicken on the Platz. BTW the busiest KFC I have ever seen. The last day in the Stadium will be yet another memory for the ages. It was nonstop "finals" action. You couldn't even go to the Water Closet or you'd miss an amazing race or a cool Javelin duel. The little radio controlled remote taxi for the Javelin was a team Glavin favorite as it whizzed the javelins back to the athlete after his toss. With the Berlin Bear mascot affixed to the little car it looked like he was shiskabob "on a stick". What would PETA say about that "Bear on a stick"? I can see the protests now! We leave Berlin with wonderful memories. It was a first rate competition executed with German efficiency. The backdrop of the historic Stadium setting with its Olympic Rings and the cauldron for the Olympic Flame still present was an awesome reminder of the athletic spirit that is universal in the world. I will cherish the days in Berlin as the boys happiness hangs in the air like cloud on a beautiful summer day! Tomorrow we are off to Italy!

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