The stage is set
September 17 2000

The stage is set! I have been in Sydney for three days and have enjoyed every second of it. We had the Opening Ceremonies two days ago. I had the opportunity to meet lots of athletes from so many countries. It was quite an experience. I am proud to be a Canadian, representing Canada at the 26th Olympiad.

Since arriving in Sydney on the 14th, we have had a great time. We have trained on the mats twice and the schedule is moving according to plan. Yesterday (the 16th), we relocated to Mittagong, a city about 110 kilometers from Sydney. We have come here to concentrate and train for the next ten days before returning to the Olympic village for the weigh-ins and the competition (which for me, starts on the 29th, 30th and hopefully the 1st of October, if I make it that far).

The Olympic village is an exhilarating place. The experience so far has been second to none. I have met so many other athletes and observed a lot of different cultures. But while the village is a great place to hang, the atmosphere is also overwhelming. In addition, our rooms are directly across from the cafeteria, which is a constant buzz ( the cafeteria is open 24 hours and people tend to utilize it at all hours). This is one of the reasons we have elected to stay in Mittagong. It was important to get away from the noise and distractions. We have a decent setup in Mittagong. It is quiet and we have plenty to keep us busy. More importantly, it helps us focus on the task at hand.

A few hours ago, Simon Whitfield, a Canadian triathlete won the gold medal. What a thrilling finish. I hope a lot more Canadians will replicate his performance so we can all make Canada proud. Back to the task at hand, I am glad we are out here training in Mittagong. It will make it easier to get a good nights rest and it also takes the pressure of the Olympics away from my thoughts. I still have 12 days before I compete, and I am glad I have some time to heal before the REAL HEALING BEGINS. Since coming to Sydney, I have suffered from a bad cold. But I have no time for a cold at this point in my Olympic preparation. The heart is beating fast. It better beat fast now, because in a little while it will have no time to beat. To stand on a hill, one has to stand on the hill if you know what I am saying. There is a time when you look back at your preparation and say, I have no excuses. I am at such a stage. NO EXCUSES.

Till next week, keep sweating.

Daniel (Dynamite) Igali.