There’s been a lot going on in the 470 world for us lately. Some good news, some bad news.
US Sailing organized an awesome 4 day team camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA about 45 minutes south of San Diego. Almost all of the 2009 team members were present along with the U18 and U23 team members. The camp was to introduce the new comers to the resources they have and to test all of our physical fitness and evaluate where we we like to be and how to get there. At the event we had: Our High Performance Director, 1 coach, 3 physical therapists, 2 strength conditioners, and nearly 60 athletes. Along with general fitness evaluations there were health check ups as well. With my ankle tendon still being a problem, we decided to fully address it and weigh out all the options. Now for the bad news…
After consults with our team physios, a visit to a specialist, and more meetings, we concluded that surgery is most likely in the coming months. This was a huge disappointment to hear and a tough decision to make but we all believe it is still the correct one in the end. Planning the timing will prove to be the difficult part, with the decision of sooner rather than later. We’ll just have to see how it feels at the end of World Cup #3 in Mallorca which starts on April 4th. Until then all other sailing except 470s has been canceled.
Now for the good news.
My velociraptor moth finally landed and looks beautiful. Its coming together slowly but surely just outside my room in the “hanger.” Unfortunately i have already left and the first flight will have to be postponed until im cleared by the physios for my ankle. Its good because the boat will be perfect when its launched, with no rush given it could be a long time until my ankle is ready to go. This evening driving through the streets of Vienna we drove by a shop with a fully rigged moth in it! I couldnt believe it! Until I return back home its back to the Olympic lifestyle and defending our world cup #1 ranking!
More from Palma de Mallorca in a few days. In the mean time ill be driving from Vienna to Barcelona with our new car and trailer. Over and out.