I'm reporting to you after a brief delay, while I processed the experience of competing in the final rounds.

The atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was outstanding as I walked in for the final round of competition on Saturday. Just getting to be part of the final 12 competitors is a big accomplishment for an athlete. I was in a good position to compete for a medal.  My preliminary round finished with a pretty decent throw of 64 meters plus, and by random draw I would throw first in the final round.

Earlier in the day I had made an appointment for hair and nails, and Sam in the PG salon at the village gave me a hair style that received many compliments as well as made me feel like I was ready for the medal stand.  She seemed to have a hard time drying my hair because it took about an hour and I feel asleep in the chair a few times. I told her that I was using the time to relax and recover some of the energy I had spent at the prelims, so she let me just sit in the chair with my headphones, listening to music.  I had about an hour after my appointment to get back to the room and change into my uniform. I decided to pack a larger duffel bag for the final so I could bring all of my shoes and my medal stand outfit, which is required to be in my bag just in case.

I got to the warmup track early and decided to rest up a bit and try to gather some energy for the comp.  I had a hard time getting to sleep after the previous night's event, and now it was apparent that I would have to conserve the energy I had left for a big throw. I stepped into the ring as the first competitor and threw over 63 meters, which I was confident would get me 5 more throws. I knew I had a big throw left but hoped I could get it in before my energy was gone altogether.  My second throw felt great, and as I watched it fly out of the cage it seemed like it was going to be an  awesome mark. The discus went out well,l but as I saw it start to fall it took a turn and started edging out of the sector. It landed about a foot out of the left sector over 65 meters.  I smiled knowing that I was ready to throw far and could replicate the distance and form for another throw.

The other women seemed to be putting out some good marks but I really had no idea how far they were throwing. Looking back, the final results for the competition were pretty extraordinary.  Even my best throw out of the sector would have put me in 5th place. I was disappointed that I could not get a better performance (placing 8th out of 40) but I gave my best effort that day.

Thanks to all of my wonderful supporters for giving me the confidence to compete with the best in the world.  Being in the Olympic final and being ranked top 10 in the world is still pretty cool.  I have a meet in Stockholm and Zurich in the next two weeks and have a few more meters to squeeze out before I go on my real vacation to Alaska!

And once again, thank you so much for your kind notes. I am receiving them and will respond as time permits. I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate them!"