Osaka...HERE I COME AGAIN!!

My next big meet was going to a place that was all so familiar to me, a place that I called home for three weeks. I wasn't excited about the 12 hour flight, but I was excited to go back to the place where I had won gold. The Osaka GP was an event that I attended last year and there I had won the women's 400 in 51.22. As the defending champion, it was now up to me to come back and place with another win.

Prior to making the trip I had checked the weather, I wanted to pack and be prepared for anything. The weather called for rain and chilly conditions, but I didn't let that get me down. I left for Japan on Wednesday and arrived on Thursday, and of course since I am not a high roller or big baller you could say..I rode in coach class. But man I wish I could have flown business, it looked so cozy up there on the second deck of the jumbo plane. All I could do was get a quick glimpse of those who travel in style and comfort...hahah. I got comfortable in my seat and made sure that on the flight home I would request an exit row.

Heading into the meet before I left Ohio I got a sinus infection, so imagine how comfortable flying was....I was stuffed up and my ears felt like they were full. I was happy once we arrived in Japan....I couldn't wait to get off the plane and once again say OHIO (good morning)
My Japanese was very limited but it was nice to arrive at the hotel and have some who spoke English. The Japanese people are always friendly and when they say hello they often bow. As an American I never know if I should bow also, but I enjoy the experience of being somewhere different.

Our hotel was very nice that we stayed in, but I stayed away from trying any different foods. Due to already have sinus problems and not risking getting sick..I didn't try any sushi or traditional Japanese dishes. Man you never want to get sick when traveling...not a good thing. I wasn't sure of the competition in the meet, many athletes had not made it to the meet for various reasons or were heading to another big meet in DOHA. My plan was to go out and have fun in the race, execute and come home with a win.

On the day of the race it rain all day , and was so gloomy and chilly. I always have wondered why in a meet when it is pouring raining why they make you stand in the rain as other athletes are still undressing. The rain didn't bother me too much...good thing my hair was able to wave up and be pulled back into a ponytail. (HAHA) No but really the meet was enjoyable and there was a nice crowd there to support even with the rainy weather. Osaka, thanks for having me!!!!! I ended up winning the race in 51.5, wasn't excited about the time, but again accepted the win.

My goal is to gear up for the next meet, and hope for better weather. By the way the countdown to the Olympic Trials is now less than 50 days away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you all and thanks again for staying updated!!!!