EDITOR’S NOTE:
Welcome to the Athlete Journal of Olympic weightlifter Holley Mangold. Holley is part of Team USA headed to London this summer. Follow her journey here as she trains for the 2012 Olympics! Holley’s journal will be posted every Friday.
You can catch up by reading her previous journal entries!
Holley’s Athlete Journal 14:
London has been amazing! Unlike any other experience! I arrived in London with two torn ligaments in my wrist, but was optimistic that it would heal enough to not effect me too much. The day I hurt it in practice was a huge blow – the first time any of my coaches/training partners have seen me cry out of pain.
The wrist injury was not really on my mind when I got to the Olympic village, though. It’s such a huge, awesome complex! There’s a shuttle that can take you around it, although you can also take a long walk from building to building. The dining tent is massive and delicious! The rooms are a little dorm-styled but great.
I was fortunate to have a great team around me to prepare for Sunday. My coaches, Mark and Drew were there, as well as one of my first coaches, Dan Bell. Outside of the weight room I had seventeen of my family members there supporting me (even though they had a British vacation without me!).
The day of the competition I was full of emotions – I was worried about my wrist holding up, totaling, and of course competing! Getting physically prepared is obvious, but getting mentally prepared is equally if not more important. I focused on letting go of everything else and just focusing on the lift. Although I didn’t have my best totals, I’m very happy that I was able to get lifts up despite my wrist giving out.
Competing and getting the experience of the Olympics was most important to me. It makes me more excited to see what I can do in 2016 (The games that I was originally slotted for!)
After the meet, it was nice to relax with my family and friends. It felt awesome to know that what was done is done and I could have a beer or two with some bar food. Of course, when I get back to the States, training starts up again! Can’t wait to see how much more I can add to my total.
Overall, this experience is wonderful. Being surrounded by athletes of all shapes and sizes is really cool. I’m proud of team USA’s success and am enjoying watching the Olympics as a spectator (with athlete credentials)! It’s also been cool to do a little sight seeing. I’m excited for Closing Ceremonies – even though our dresses are see through!
Go Team USA!
