London's Athlete Village

This morning Eric and I took our time to get going.  It was nice to relax and sleep in a bit.  Around 11:00am we got on the tube and headed towards the Athlete Village.  To be able to go into the Athlete Village, I have to get special clearance and Eric has to be with me the whole time.  I was anxious to see where he had spent his time while here in London.

We got off the tube at the big mall and since Eric hadn't been shopping there before, we decided to explore that together.  We had a good time shopping and browsing and eating a yummy pretzel together.  We also got tickets to see The Bourne Legacy for later that night at a movie theater there in the mall.

After the mall, we walked over to the Athlete Village.  He showed me all the shops, the communication center, the game room (full of Wiis, an air hockey table, big screen TVs, a giant Connect Four game, as well as a chess board where the board was on the ground and you had to pick up and walk your piece to move it on the board.)

Then Eric showed me his apartment and all the fun things in his building like the laundry service, the athlete floor (phones, computers, soda machines, snacks, TVs, games) and the all important ice machine, which for those who have been to London know they don't use ice here.

While we were there I went to the athlete floor and called Logan and Natalie.  It was sooo great to talk to them and hear all about the fun things they've been doing.  The day before they had gone to the Jelly Belly factory, which they loved.  They've been so good, for which I'm very thankful.  Thanks again to my wonderful sister for taking such great care of them!

Before we left the village and headed back to the mall for the movie, Eric took me to the dining hall.  Imagine the biggest food court in a mall and that might touch the surface.  There is any type of food, from many different countries and for Eric, there's a McDonalds, although he's told me he hasn't eaten there nearly as much as he did at the Paralympics in China.  

It was really nice to be able to spend the whole day with Eric.  We had a great time and really enjoyed the movie together.  I especially enjoyed having someone to ride the tube with me at night, since we didn't get to the hotel until almost 12:30am.  Eric gets to spend the next few days with me since we'll be leaving for tours early every morning.  Can't wait for the days ahead!

The Medal Matches

This morning I was up early.  Eric was shooting at 10:45am, so I wanted to make sure I got there in plenty of time.  I was pretty calm and excited for him.  Eric and I had commented several times how we had felt calm throughout our time here in London.  Of course, when he's shooting, I'm a mess, but we've felt like things are going to turn out as they should.  I was sitting up in the stands when Eric came in for his semi-final match.  It was him against a Russian and the other two people in the Semifinals were also Russians.  Eric knew going into the Paralympics that the Russians were going to be the ones to beat, and he was spot on.  It was his turn to beat a Russian.  Here is Eric entering the stadium for the Semifinal match.

It was apparent very early on Eric wasn't in his groove.  He was struggling hitting the yellow and he just seemed rattled.  He ended up loosing to Tuchinov 2-6.  Eric then moved into the Bronze medal bracket.  If he won that match, against another Russian he would win the Bronze.  If not he would finish 4th.

The bronze medal match started 30 minutes later and he faced Mikhail Oyun.  I was hoping that in that short amount of time, he would be able to compose himself and figure it out.  This is his entrance for the Bronze medal match.

Unfortunately Eric never did find his groove, until the very last arrow of the match when he shot a 10.  My heart just sank and I knew Eric was going to be very disappointed.

When Eric came out we just embraced.  He kept saying, "I was so close".  All I could think of to tell him was that the reason he was able to get so close is because he had come so far.  I tried to remind him that he finished better than in China, but the wound was too raw.  He needed to go put all his equipment away and I knew he would need some alone time.

The Russians took the podium: gold, silver and bronze.  The Russians were the ones to beat.

We had a lot of time to wait at that point because two of his teammates were competing later that afternoon in medal matches as well.  So we went out and got some lunch.  Despite his loss, so many people still came up to Eric and told them how much they were rooting for him; how they were proud of him; telling him it's not fair that he had to compete against people with two arms :)  It was a good reminder that no matter the outcome, people are proud of who you are and what you accomplish.  The cutest was when a little 4 year old boy ran over to our table to tell him good job.  Something someone else told him, that I thought was very true was "Good shooting, bad luck".  That pretty much summed it all up.

After lunch, I went into the stadium, while Eric went to the athlete zone and updated his facebook.  I wanted him to be the first to comment, so sorry for anyone who was waiting for me to find a friend to share their wifi with me.  This was Eric's response.

"Those dang Russians!  My semi final loss was to the #1 ranked archer in the world, the current world record holder, and now the Paralympic gold medalist.  My bronze medal match loss was to the #2 ranked archer and the former world record holder.  If you have to lose, that's the way to go out.  I couldn't find my groove today but tried my best.  My final shot with my recurve was a ten but it wasn't enough.  I can't thank all of enough for all your support and kind words.  It means the world to myself and Rachel.  I only wish I had some hardware to bring home.  I can't wait to see everyone when I get home.  Thanks again to all of you for giving me and my wife this opportunity."

That afternoon we got to see his teammate Jeff Fabry get the gold and Matt Stutzman get the silver in their divisions, so that was exciting.  On my way down the hill to the tube station, I stopped to take a picture of the Royal Artillery Barracks.  It was built between 1776 and 1802 and is just amazing.  I had pleasure of looking at it everyday I left the archery venue.

Matt Stutzman (Eric's roommate) is sponsored by one of the official sponsors of the Paralympic games, BP and we were very lucky to get invited to his celebratory dinner that night.  We didn't end up getting to the restaurant until almost 9:30pm and it was at the fanciest restaurant I have ever been to.  It was in downtown London, about 10 minutes away from my hotel.  It was called Clos Maggiore and was a French restaurant.  It was one of those fancy restaurants that only had one menu for the evening and you get served whatever they are serving.  What to know what was on the menu and what I ate???

Hand Picked Devon Crab & Marjoram Remoulade

Caramelized Honey Glazed Gressingham Duck Breast

English Raspberry Eton Mess

Coffee (water for me) & Petit Fours

I was brave and tried everything and actually enjoyed it!  I LOVED the Eton Mess and if I didn't think it would have been rude, I would have taken a picture of it! :)  I tried finding a picture online, but none would even do it justice.  It was just beautifully presented and tasted divine.  For those who know Eric, you're probably wondering how he survived the evening.  He pushed the food around on his plate to look like he ate the appetizer.  He ate the duck breast, but didn't eat the dessert because of the fruit. :(  Again, if it hadn't of been rude, I would have eaten his too!  We were in the company of several BP big wigs, family of a couple other athletes sponsored by BP, and Matt's family.  It was seriously such an honor to be there with them as Matt presented his silver medal to them and as both Eric and Matt received a toast for their accomplishment as Paralympic athletes.  We enjoyed each other's company until midnight, when they called us a car to accompany us back to the hotel.  What an amazing evening to what started out as a very difficult day.  Thank you BP and Matt Stutzman for letting us be there with you!

To finish out this post, I too must thank EVERYONE who has made it possible for Eric and I to be here.  There is no way we could have done it without you.  The only positive thing about Eric being done is that we are now able to spend time together and do our touring.  We are very much looking forward to the next few days together.

On to the Medal Matches!

I can only assume that since today was Sunday, my normal routes of taking the tube and then a train to the Artillery Barracks were not available.  So I got to take a new adventure today and it included this:

I got to ride a Red Double Decker bus in London! And of course I sat on top. :)  While waiting for my bus at the station, a gentleman approached me and asked if I was here for the Paralympics.  I explained that yes, I was and that my husband was here competing in archery.  He asked me what time he competed and when I said 11, he replied: "Oh bummer.  I was going to invite you to visit my church that's right here.  But the services are at 10 and 12 noon".  I thanked him for the invite and then he asked me what church I belonged to.  It wasn't too long before I felt like I was back on my mission sharing facts and truths about our church.  He was Pentecostal and we definitely did not believe in the same things, but it was interesting to share what I believed with him and in the end he said, "We'll just have to agree to disagree".  We shook hands and went our separate ways but it reminded me that you never know when you might have an opportunity to share what you believe.

I enjoyed my ride on the double decker bus as it took me to a whole new part of London I hadn't been to.  We traveled down around the wharfs off the River Thames and through neighborhoods I could tell were built centuries ago.  It was really neat.

I made it safe and sound to the archery field and as I was in the bathroom changing into my Team Eric shirt (don't want it to get too stinky...but I've got to wear it!) Eric texted and said they are ahead of schedule.  It made me so glad I always plan to arrive an hour ahead of time.  It wasn't too much later that Eric walked onto the archery field.

He started out exactly the same as yesterday, getting ahead 4-0 on Polat from Turkey.  Then they tied an end, making it 5-1.  Then Polat took an end from Eric, making it 5-3.  If Eric didn't win the next end, they would go back to a one arrow shoot off and I would have killed him!  Fortunately for Eric (and really just me!) he took the next end.  He had the last arrow to shoot and he needed a 6 or better to win.  What's best is that Eric just drilled it in and hit a 10!  I was so proud of him.  Here's a video of him shooting the last arrow for the victory.

There are a lot of really cool pictures of Eric that people have post on his FB Fan page, so I'll just add this one.

I've taken a picture every day as he's advanced.  I can't wait to see his name in the gold medal match bracket!

After his match, we got lunch together. (No fish and chips today!) Again, I am amazed at how many people just gravitate to Eric.  He spent most of his lunch trading pins, signing autographs, getting his picture taken with people and sharing his story.  And what I love most about it, is how gracious and generous Eric always is.  He'll always take a minute or two for someone and will almost always encourage the people, especially children/teens to pursue archery!  I sure got lucky when I married that man--I love you, Eric!

After lunch, Eric went back to the athlete area where I'm not allowed to go and so while I was hanging out I was treated to a Scottish band playing all sorts of fun tunes.  I personally just like the kilts! 

After a bit we watched his teammate Matt Stutzman (the inspirational archer) compete against another USA teammate Dugie Denton in a nail biter of a match.  I didn't even think to take a picture of that match.  I was to busy having sympathy for Matt's poor wife.  I swear it's harder on us in the stands than it is for them to shoot the arrows!  Matt was victorious so he also advanced to the medal match brackets tomorrow in the Open Compound division.

After a long day of emotions, archery and crowds Eric and I split off to our separate ways.  Because of the different routes I had to take today, one of my interchanges happened to be at Stratford which is where the really big mall was I ate/catnapped in while I waited for Opening Ceremonies.  So I decided to get off there and do a little shopping.  That mall is HUGE!  It has 3 levels and the corridors go on forever.  I just kept thinking how my sister in law Kellie would have a hay day there!  I enjoyed another of the yummy pretzels, but this time I got a toffee one.  Didn't really know what it was going to be like, but it ended up being pretty good.  They drizzled this toffee flavored frosting-type mixture on it and it was yummy.  I think the next time I go there (and there probably will be a next time) I'll go back to just salt, but I'm glad I tried something different.

My feet were finally telling me it was time to head back and after 12 hours of fun, I finally collapsed on the bed and am getting this blog post done!

So excited for tomorrow.  Here's the schedule but basically Eric will shoot at 10:15am to determine if he'll shoot for the gold/silver or go to the bronze bracket.  Then the medal matches will be held at 11:00am.  For those in Arizona that's 2:15am and then 3am, and I found out today people are really up at those insane hours to watch! :)  We really appreciate your support!  His teammates Jeff and Matt also shoot tomorrow, so it will be an exciting, full day at the archery range.  I will try and get on after Eric wins again to let you know, but I never know if I'm going to find someone who'll share their wifi with me.  Today I walked up to some athletes/coaches from Great Britain (knowing they'd have local coverage at least) and asked if someone would share their phone with me.  Lucky for me (and you!) they are always so generous!  

Everyone wear their Team Eric shirts to bed tonight!  Eric and I will be wearing ours!  We are going for the gold!!!

He Won x2

What an incredible day!  I'm so thankful that I'm able to be here with Eric.  Thank you for all the many people who supported (and are still supporting!) us in this great adventure.  I'll work in reverse today, since the most exciting thing has happened most recently.

Eric won his first match to meet Joel Perrot from France.  Perrot was ranked 6th.  Eric jumped ahead with a commanding lead, 4-0.  Perrot shot great and came back to win the next two ends and it was tied 4 all.  The next end they tied, so the points were split 5-5.  At that point they go to a one arrow shoot off, closest to the middle wins.  Perrot shot first and his arrow landed in the 6 range.  I knew Eric would do better and he shot a 9!  It was so exciting and intense and nerve racking...and that was just what I was feeling.  I don't know how Eric handles it!  Here is a video of him during the one arrow shoot off.

The first match was actually quite uneventful (which was good for me) and Eric won 6-2 against an archer from Italy.

After the first match, Eric and I met up and we got some lunch.  Eric wanted fish and chips and for those of you who know me well, you know I don't do fish.  But I figured, "When in London..." and so I got fish and chips as well.  Don't believe me?  Here's the proof!

And believe it or not, I actually enjoyed it--with lots of tartar sauce! :)

Enjoying a lunch of fish and chips together!  Hi Logan & Natalie!

After the 2nd victory, Eric and I met up again for a bit and many people from London and other countries came up to him, asking him for his autograph, taking pictures with him, and one cute boy name Peter traded a Mandeville mascot with Eric for a US archery pin.  It was fun to see the response Eric gets from the people he comes in contact with.  We took this picture together where they have huge brackets to show the winners of each match.

After a bit, Eric had to head back to the athletes village to remove his good luck shirt so it won't get too stinky over the next couple of days and I headed back to the hotel.  On my way into Victoria Station, I stopped and bought myself a ticket for Wicked, which I'm going to see tonight!  I'm so excited...and the added bonus for today?  I found out my room has a hair dryer, which is a good thing since the first and only time I tried using mine with an adapter it started smoking! :)  Now I can get all pretty for Wicked!

Eric will shoot one match tomorrow at 11am (that's 3am for you Arizonans!).  It's against Oguzhan Polat from Turkey.  He is ranked #19 from the ranking round, but also took out the #3 ranked archer today.  I will post as soon as I can...hopefully I can find a nice friend again who will share their hot spot with me.  If not, here's a link the see the results.

Two more pictures I snapped before I sign out for the day and go to the musial.  The first I saw from my train ride to the Artillery Barracks.  The next I saw as I was walking down the hill from the Barracks to get on the train ride back.  I'm loving London!