Debut on BBC Look North

A few weeks ago I met up with Katie Gornall from BBC Look North.  The final edit was shown on TV while I was away in Seville, so they sent me down a copy and said it was fine for me to post on here for my none North-Eastern/regional news viewers.  I particularly like the bit where I get rinsed by Paul the weatherman (right at the end); one day I might get to meet him and I can show him I'm a dab-hand at getting the weather wrong too :-)  The clip also features Hexam's very own Matt Wells (Olympic Bronze Medallist 2008); before anyone says it, yes I have told him how camp he sounds.

As alway you can follow me day to day on Twitter @nrod2012 plus you can receive blog posts to your inbox by signing up on the left hand side.  Comments and questions welcome.

Munich Day 1 - TT and Heat

Tom Solesbury looking crisp at bow (far right)



Today has been a busy racing day.  It started with a TT at 1:35pm and a heat at 18:36pm.

We, along with most GB crews, performed strongly in the TT.  This is for two reasons 1) we are a really strong team competing for medals in most events 2) other nations couldn't be bothered.  For some the TT offered a chance to skip a round and go straight to the semi or final; for others, like the men's eights, it didn't really mean a whole lot and was more of a formality.  We took this challenge on and performed well, others backed off and minced down the course.  You say tomato, I say tomato.  We posted the fastest time of any boat.

As evening approached, we prepared for the heat.  We drew Germany, Netherlands and China - all strong crews, particularly Germany who are the reign world champions from 2009 and 2010.  Our race was a mixed bag, showing some great strengths and things to learn from.  We came second to the Germans by two seconds with the Dutch and Chinese a few seconds behind that.  The first place gives the Germans a bye into the A-final; we will race the repercharge tomorrow at 16:06 local time (15:06 BST).  You should be able to view it at worldrowing.com/live-results.

Tom Solesbury was "puckering" today as he realised he had forgotten his racing all-in-one (main piece of clothing).  Thankfully for him I often carry a spare in my bag and so was able to lend him one of mine - might have been a bit tight, but they performed well and qualified for the A-final.

I've been updating my Twitter now and then; I threw a few people off with a tweet that posted while I was on the start line - you can follow me @nrod2012.  Keep an eye out for some mid-race tweets.

Matt Wells has had his ghost writer typing for him again at redexpress2012.com.  Today's post cover's nine ways to execute a time trial.  They left off "No. 10 - The Hogwarts Express" - it consists of the Weasley twins, a couple of brooms each and a stiff yellow snake to use as a boat; then just let the magic happen.

Munich Awaits

Today I, and the rest of the GB Rowing Team,  landed in Munich onboard flight LH 2471.  Everyone told me that the weather was going to be rubbish and so packed a full 20kg of wet-weather gear; instead I emerged from the plane into 24 degrees of clear skys and light breeze.  Munich airport is no stranger, and so made the usual route from arrivals to the coach park.  From there it was straight to our hotel (Victor's Residenz-Hotel Munchen) for lunch.  After lunch I saw the physio (Sally) for a bit of work on my hip and side.  The bus to the course arrived at 3:30pm, everyone in the team boarded to unload the boats from the trailer and go for a session.  Today we had a great session and made a real positive start here in Munich.  Here is an extract from Matt Wells on his blog @ http://www.redexpress2012.com/ -

"With all the talk being of the Ash Cloud the sequel descending on Europe again. We thought that we would be up against it, even just getting to Munich.
But we are here and all the kit has arrived in the same condition it left. That is thanks to the team of drivers and equipment managers who do an amazing job, going far beyond what is ever expected of them. Without this experienced and unflappable team working tirelessly behind the scenes British rowing would never be the successful sport it is.

When we the British Team arrive at a regatta venue the rest of the world know about it and that isn't just because of the noise certain members of the women's team make. We are all clad head to foot in matching Adidas showing how much of a team we are, it’s a real show of presence.

However once the unloading of two trailers is underway teamwork is quickly forgotten and it is every boat for themselves. When there are eighteen boats to be taken off the two trailers with the corresponding riggers/wings and blades there is a lot of action, when you then throw into the mix the fact there is only eight sets of slings you get the picture of the chaos.    I say chaos but when you look around each boat is working in total synergy, each person being responsible for one particular job this is even more remarkable when you consider there isn't even one person in charge, it’s like an army of ants!  There is then a rush to get onto the lake to get the best water."

Uncharacteristically amusing from Matt there, he must have a ghost writer...

I hope to bring you a few pictures and videos for tomorrow but don't hold your breath as the internet as a pretty low upload limit!

500 Days until the Olympic Opening Ceremony

Today is 500 days until the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic games.  Schools up and down the country will start to gear up for the games; one of those will be St Mary's Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, they will be taking special interest in the GB Rowing Team.

At the Beijing Olympics there were several North-East athletes competing at the games - two of them were rowers; Matt Wells (won bronze) and Jessica Eddie (placing 5th).  The boys and girls at St Mary's will have the opportunity to send their questions to the GB rowers and they will receive updates on how training and general preparations are going.

With 500 days to go, St Mary's are launching a special award scheme in school that links with the 5 Olympic principles of courage, determination, equality, respect and friendship.  Each child will be recognised when they have done something remarkable towards each theme then anyone who has demonstrated all 5 will be awarded with their very own Olympic medal.

To the boys and girls of St Mary's -

Think up your best questions for Matt, Jess and others to answer.  Maybe - what food is good to eat if you want to go really fast? or do you have any lucky pants for racing in?  And remember to watch out for the rowing when it's on TV!

Here is a BBC feature on Matt - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/world_olympic_dreams/9276967.stm

Matt and Jess are both on twitter -

http://twitter.com/redexpress2012  &  http://twitter.com/jesseddie