Our team arrived on Sunday, the 8th of August and immediately went to practice at the pool at the Olympic Village.� The venue consisted of a 50-meter pool with equipment and everything we may have needed.� The following morning, we went to the actual site of the competition pool.� I cannot describe how awesome it is.� First of all, it seats many, I don't know how many, but the seating reaches up to the sky.� The Flags of the countries wave at the highest point of the seating and looking up, and seeing them waving in the wind gives an inspirational feeling only the athlete can know feel.� The Olympic rings are seen in every direction one can look.� When we got in the pool and began warming up, every breath I took, I could see the rings somewhere.

Well, I am glad to say I feel really safe and welcome here in Athens.�� As we arrived with the safety and guard of the Greek police and Olympic staff, they always welcome us and check our ID's.� We can't go anywhere without the accreditation.� It's not a hassle at all--I'd rather feel safe.� As I stepped onto the pool, with the sun setting in the west, a wave of fear and anxiety hit me.� I can't describe the feeling, but seeing the fastest athletes in the world come together brings me strength from within.� I talked with a friend from Canada, and we both feel really comfortable in the pool.� Sometimes the surrounding seats, cameras, and around the pool varies with each venue.� I am really glad to say that I feel really comfortable this time around.� It was really interesting to swim with Ian Thorpe today, in the same lane.� We were doing repeat 100's pace, and every stroke I imagined competing with him in my first event this Sunday: the 200 freestyle.

Well, besides the warmdown pool and the competition pool, there are another two pools...I was beginning to think I'm in more than one swimming complex.�� Anyway, I found out today how hard it is to concentrate with all the cameras flashing and recording in my face.� I really have to stay focused on what I'm doing and nothing else.

One last thing that has struck me in the past few days is being surrounded by all the athletes.� I mean, we are all in one place, sleeping, eating, and sometimes getting ready for our events.� In previous World class meets, the swimming has been in one part of town, and the other sports in various other parts.� This time, eating with Maurice Greene, Ian Thorpe, and other famous athletes gives me pride that I can too one day move on to the next step in the Olympic dream:� beginning to think about medaling.

Well, five days await me until my first plunge into the Olympic experience.� As the time is wearing down day by day, I keep on visualizing every part of my race and imagining only success or a medal around my neck, nothing else.� Today we will go and visit some of the other sports complexes that athletes will compete in.� I remember watching it all on TV, and now I'm actually going to be behind the scenes and seeing how it really happens.� I'll tell you more about it when we get the opportunity to see more of the venues.

This is all so far--the Olympic journey continues...

Sincerely,

Mike Alexandrov