Here is my minute by minute live blog of the British Athletics Indoor Grand Prix, which took place at Birmingham NIA on the 16th February 2013. This featured great performances from Shara Proctor in the long jump, Helen Clitheroe in the women’s 3000m and returning Olympic hero Mo Farah in the men’s 3000m.
The end.
That’s it, 18 days I’ll never forget. Yesterday (the women’s handball final) was by far the highlight. Heidi Loke, International Handball Player of the Year, came over to me specifically for an interview, and that has to be the icing on the cake. What a legend she is, and well done to Gold Medallists Norway, and Silver Medallists Montenegro, who were fantastic in the tournament.
Kate Middleton at the Copper Box yesterday. She was sitting a row in front of me! I have never been so starstruck in my life, I’m so glad she came here.
The Queen’s boat at Olympic park.
This is the copper box, where handball is played and where I work. The past week and a bit have been so busy yet probably one of the most exciting and fun times I’ve ever had. It’s like I’ve been living in a different world, and the team I work with are like a little family I’ve got to know.
We’re getting to the crucial stages of the handball competition now and I’m starting to come across some very angry, sad and elated athletes! It’s been a challenge dealing with them today on Day 7, but I’m sure its something i’ll get used to, just as I’ve got used to the art of flash quote reporting.
Well today I completed my fourth shift of being a Games Maker in press operations and it has been amazing here. The general mood whenever I step foot into Olympic Park is happy, and this has knocked on to the mood around London in general.
Handball is an exciting sport and I’m just getting to grips with how it works, however I know enough to get me by and the team I work with have been fantastic in getting us prepared for the job. My favourite game so far was probably Russia v Angola women which was yesterday (Saturday).
I’m going to try and take more (and better) pictures, especially as the Games gets busier.
Oh and I almost forgot about the opening ceremony…wow! I went to the dress rehearsal last Wednesday and it was incredible. No doubt, I’m very proud to be British right now and so grateful and lucky to be involved in something so special.
Test Event and uniform!
The Games are getting closer, and it just seems five minutes ago that I was at my interview at Warwick University, and now I’ve got my uniform, done my first test event and now the main event is just around the corner.
The test event was scary, but good scary. I was only there for one morning and worked at two of the Hockey games - Argentina women vs China women and GB women v Korea women. Both matches were really good; Argentina were awesome - I can see them getting Gold at the Games. It was scary when it came to doing my actual job of reporting but at least now I have an idea of what to expect. The Press Operations team I was working with were so helpful and made us feel comfortable. A big thanks to them.
Today I was at Olympic Park for Test Event Training. It was a really informative day to get us ready for working at the Hockey Test Event next week. On the way out, I took some photos of the amazing Olympic Park. I was in such awe and it’s not even finished yet.
Wembley stadium. This was on my way to Wembley Arena last month for Games Maker Orientation Training which served as a great introduction. That was when it really began to sink in.
On Tuesday (13th March) I’m back in London for my role-specific training. I’ll be there at 7am due to silly peak time train prices and i’ll be armed with my new Diana F+ lomo camera, so I’m sure to have an adventure before training even starts. Can’t wait!
It’s official!
I’m going to be a Press Operations Games Maker at London 2012! I’m so excited! I’ve found out I’m going to be a flash quote reporter in the handball arena.
I feel so honoured that I’m going to be a part of one of the greatest events in this country, an event that people will talk about for generations to come.
Now, to find a friend who will put me up in London for two weeks next summer…
