So, it is all real now. I am in Vancouver, checked into the athlete's village, picked up all my uniform and had my first press conference.
I successfully completed the AOC medical assessment last week and earned my spot back on the team. The testing was a little different and more difficult than I expected. Instead of meeting a certain score or criteria - each test was based on the relative strength in the other knee. I needed to achieve a minimum score of 80% in my bad knee with showing promise to achieve 92%.
The test involved a physio screening, doctors screening and the physical tests which were then compiled to give a score out of 100. I scored a 92%. Only just over 2 weeks from the date of the injury, scoring that high on the tests surprised the medical staff, and also myself. There was a hoping test, a lateral hop test, balance test, running agility course test and a 3RM leg press (all single leg). In the leg press I pushed 3 times my body on my bad knee - more than enough to satisfy the test. I was thrilled and relieved to have passed the exam and I finished off my stay at the AIS in the same fashion as it begun - rehab, rehab and more rehab.
My flight over to Vancouver yesterday was great. I was relieved to get on the plane and just "relax" for 14 hours. Using an upgrade certificate to get business class helped! When I arrived in Vancouver, the Olympic vibe was definitely all around. There were billboards, flags, merchandise and volunteers everywhere. I picked up my accreditation and headed into Richmond to the uniform distribution centre. I have never been a fan of wearing uniform, but the Olympics are different. The uniform has meaning and shows pride in your nation. It represents all the hard work in order to get to this point, and everyone who has contributed along the way. And, the uniform is awesome. There is so much variety in styles, colours and purpose. We were given 2 over-flowing suitcases packed full of Olympic uniform.
After the uniform fitting, and a few interviews with the Australian media I was taken to the athletes village. The village is right on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Driving through the city, the buzz was incredible. People everywhere, and always a sea of Olympic rings, Vancouver 2010 art and blue jacket volunteers. There is tight security getting into the village, with all athletes and every bag being screened, just as you would expect to see in an airport.
The first thing you see when you walk past security and into the village, is the massive 7m x 7m Australian boxing kangaroo flag. It a hot topic at the moment, with the VANOC wanting to have it removed, while all the athletes and volunteers think its the best thing ever. The apartment blocks have just been built and after our short stay during the Olympics, will be sold off to private owners for top dollar. From all reports, this is the best athletes village anyone has seen. Inside the village there is everything you could ever need. The mess hall has its own free 24/7 Mcdonalds, and cuisine from all over the world.
Today Britt and I went to our first press conference of the games. There was a lot attention with Britt being our youngest Winter Olympian in a billion years and me, making an unexpected recovery from injury. Britt was very surprising and spoke well in front of all the cameras. I'm really happy that we are represented in these Olympics in female moguls, with it surely having an impact on participation and success in the future. Britteny is certainly shocked by it all, but there couldn't be a better role model for other girls than Britt.
This afternoon, we checked out of the athletes village and moved into the "sub-site" in West Vancouver. The AOC have rented a number of house here, with close proximity to Cypress Mountain and with great facilities. The houses are super nice, and we have two live in chefs who will cook what ever you ask for, gym and recovery equipment, physios and the whole works.
This afternoon I got back onto the rehab, gym program with my knee pulling up very well after the long flight. Tomorrow I will begin to ramp up the intensity and get back into on snow training on Monday.
Lots going on here, and a lot to write about... Will check in again in a couple of days.
Ramone
P.S
Here are a few recent press clips.
Cooper to visit his old school
I successfully completed the AOC medical assessment last week and earned my spot back on the team. The testing was a little different and more difficult than I expected. Instead of meeting a certain score or criteria - each test was based on the relative strength in the other knee. I needed to achieve a minimum score of 80% in my bad knee with showing promise to achieve 92%.
The test involved a physio screening, doctors screening and the physical tests which were then compiled to give a score out of 100. I scored a 92%. Only just over 2 weeks from the date of the injury, scoring that high on the tests surprised the medical staff, and also myself. There was a hoping test, a lateral hop test, balance test, running agility course test and a 3RM leg press (all single leg). In the leg press I pushed 3 times my body on my bad knee - more than enough to satisfy the test. I was thrilled and relieved to have passed the exam and I finished off my stay at the AIS in the same fashion as it begun - rehab, rehab and more rehab.
(Me, Mel, Matt at the UDC)
(Britt, Sophie, Me at the Broadcast centre)
The first thing you see when you walk past security and into the village, is the massive 7m x 7m Australian boxing kangaroo flag. It a hot topic at the moment, with the VANOC wanting to have it removed, while all the athletes and volunteers think its the best thing ever. The apartment blocks have just been built and after our short stay during the Olympics, will be sold off to private owners for top dollar. From all reports, this is the best athletes village anyone has seen. Inside the village there is everything you could ever need. The mess hall has its own free 24/7 Mcdonalds, and cuisine from all over the world.
(View of the city from our balcony)
(The controversial flag hanging from our balcony)
(The first thing you see walking into the village)
(Free Maccas in the dining hall open all day everyday)
Today Britt and I went to our first press conference of the games. There was a lot attention with Britt being our youngest Winter Olympian in a billion years and me, making an unexpected recovery from injury. Britt was very surprising and spoke well in front of all the cameras. I'm really happy that we are represented in these Olympics in female moguls, with it surely having an impact on participation and success in the future. Britteny is certainly shocked by it all, but there couldn't be a better role model for other girls than Britt.
(Sooo cliche'... except for the moe)
This afternoon, we checked out of the athletes village and moved into the "sub-site" in West Vancouver. The AOC have rented a number of house here, with close proximity to Cypress Mountain and with great facilities. The houses are super nice, and we have two live in chefs who will cook what ever you ask for, gym and recovery equipment, physios and the whole works.
(Cool seating area in the athletes lounge)
This afternoon I got back onto the rehab, gym program with my knee pulling up very well after the long flight. Tomorrow I will begin to ramp up the intensity and get back into on snow training on Monday.
Lots going on here, and a lot to write about... Will check in again in a couple of days.
Ramone
P.S
Here are a few recent press clips.
Cooper to visit his old school
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2 comments:
We are all so pleased for you and your family... enjoy the ride, go get em... we will be flying the flag for you.
James, Lynette and Layne Armitage
Hi Ramone
Have been telling everybody in Australia to watch out for you in the moguls on Tuesday.
An unbelievable recovery ... wow!
It must have been an increible last couple of weeks.
Have watched you on television.
Have heard you on radio.
Each time you have sounded (and loked) awesome.
Good luck with the return to training.
And kill them in the competition.
Ian, Kerry, Kirryn and Gareth West
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