When I came to my first training session all those many months ago they warned that this would be a manic and tiring period. I thought as a fit 20 year old used to long nights and early evenings I would be fine. As it turns out I was wrong and they were right, it is beyond tiring and something always needs doing. Despite a slight fatigue in getting going in the mornings this is honestly one of the best jobs I have ever done and I am so lucky to be a part of Glasgow 2014. I have been keeping my healthy after illness apparently has made occurrence, however it is nowhere near the extent the media have reported it to be and very few have been affected (definitely no athletes). It certainly hasn’t slowed the pace of the village down so here is a little update.
My day off wasn’t without excitement, I headed up to Hampden Park and enjoyed the Diamond League Athletics that was on show. With perfect evening weather I enjoyed watching the likes of Yohan Blake who pulled his hamstring and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Of course the biggest cheers where reserved for the Scottish athletes as they look forward to their country hosting the games in just a short while. David Wier’s win was met with cheers and screams of delight. The whole atmosphere of the event reminded me slightly of the Olympics and provided me with the excitement of the atmosphere to come, especially when I have athletics tickets.
My role has so far allowed me to see lots of the village which is now looking fantastic as each team decorate their area with their national flags and colours. However, my time of working all around the village was coming to an end as after another day in the services centre I was informed that I would be moving to work with Team England for the duration of my time left. The chance to work for my home nation and one with such big sporting stars is the chance of a lifetime. So it was off to the Lion’s Den.
England by far have the most impressive set up of all the nations and though I can’t reveal much, one thing is certain is that it’s going to take lot to beat. And with Australia only a block away we are waiting to see their response as I’m sure they will have something to say about it. The England HQ Team is a fantastic group of hardworking individuals whom are there before I arrive and stay long after, with a clear structure and everyone having a role including the volunteers who are part of this team, I found everything very intimidating on my first day as with everyone going out their business I just sat there looking a little lost and out of the loop. I wish I had cherished these few moments of sitting doing nothing as it wasn’t long until the Lion swallowed me whole and I was working non-stop. Rushed off my feet with endless jobs, basic admin, online shopping for items, dressing rooms, sorting out kit, transporting luggage, welcoming teams, managers and officials. I was privileged enough to be allowed to be involved in golden hour which is a special introduction that England provide to their athletes where they are welcomed and given a special badge, I sat in on the gymnastics golden hour and the inspirational speeches and videos of good luck honestly gave me goosebumps and no doubt pumped the athletes up ready for the competition ahead.
With athletes finally moving into the village there is finally some hustle and bustle about the village. England have welcomed several teams including table tennis, shooting, lawn bowls and hockey. For me this means only one thing – athletes spotting! I’m on the lookout for the likes of Mo Farah, Tom Daley, the Australian netball team and India men’s hockey team. I haven’t spotted any big names yet but there are still plenty of athletes from many countries around. It’s great to see them and all the different cultures and nations mixing, it’s a fantastic experience. I have already had a South African weightlifter chat me up and try and take me for a drink (unfortunately he was a little on the short side so I politely declined) and had a Barbados team official try and start a choir at the station singing a bajan song. All things to look back on.
With the games less than a week away the buzz is forming and I can’t wait to see athletes coming back to the village celebrating their wins, hopefully there won’t be to many loses in the England camp. With several tickets myself I am super excited to get out and experience the atmosphere and see some events for myself. But for now the Lion’s Den has released me for some rest before it gobbles me up again tomorrow.