Friday 2 March 2012

On the Eve of the Olympic Trials

On the eve of the Olympic Trials this weekend, Michael Jamieson updates us on what's been happening since he got back from Australia... 

Since the last blog from our camp on the Gold Coast, we have been resting and preparing for next week’s competition. After three weeks of reduced volume and intensity, it feels great to get up the stairs at home without gasping for air or grimacing from the burning sensation in my legs!

Every tapering phase is different from the last and although I mentioned in the last blog about the importance of staying calm and putting faith in the training that has been done, it’s easier said than done. The body adapts and repairs through taper at different rates and the feeling in the water can change on a daily basis. Logic would suggest that you can swim faster and more consistently when you rest, but unfortunately it’s not as simple as that, it takes time, and at the moment, I’m waiting for my ‘taper blues’ to subside.

I was inspired last week by Sir Chris Hoy’s performances at the Cycling World Cup event in London. It seemed that Sir Chris was sending a message to his competitors ahead of the Olympic Games this summer, he seemed determined to make his mark on the velodrome in front of a very noisy home crowd. What a great spectacle of sport and fantastic to see Great Britain performing so well. I briefly let myself drift past the Trials next week and thought about walking out at the Games and hearing the roar of the crowd before my race. At the moment, that’s still a long way off but I’m desperate to be a part of that atmosphere.

It’s been a long road to get to this stage and the nerves are definitely playing a role already but from now I need to remind myself to enjoy the event next week and focus on my own performance. I have swum at so many competitions over the years and this is just another one.

The psychologist I’ve been working with this year asked me recently, “when are you going to stop training to prepare and just say you’re ready now”. That was a bit of a light bulb moment for me and I’ll be repeating it in my head over and over again in the next week.

My first event is on Saturday 3rd March – the 100m Breaststroke. The event will be shown live on BBC via the Red Button so tune in!

Thank you for all the well wishes and I hope the next blog is reflecting on a successful week.

Thanks Michael for a most insightful post.  Now let's see if all our good wishes can push you through the water even faster! I'm looking forward to reporting some very good news in Dispatches next week.

10 comments:

  1. Michael, the very best of luck with your trial.

    There will be many of us watching and cheering from Smiths News, willing you on to achieve your goals.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'll be tuning in and cheering you on Michael : ) Go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michael, good luck for the event tomorrow, I will be cheering you on at home!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Instore Account Team2 March 2012 at 03:53

    Very best wishes Michael - We're all rooting for you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Michael ... wishing you much luck for tomorrow's event. Many individuals within the business have been closely following your enviable successes over the last few years, and we've shared in you Mum's pride at your ahievements. No doubt a number of us will be tuning in via the red button tomorrow & we'll be collectively cheering you on !!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Michael, have an amazing few days, and enjoy! We'll all be screaming at the telly! (even if it's after the event)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good Luck Michael - We are all behind you cheering you on, no pressure!!
    #justanotherswimmeet :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on your success to date you should be so proud, good luck and I hope you make the Olympics, I followed your progress via your extremely proud Mum! Becca (Instore)x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good luck Michael! I'll be cheering you on at 6.25 tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Go, go, go GO Michael! Make Lane 4 count tonight :)

    ReplyDelete