Bound for Beijing
by LaShawn Merritt
Before leaving South Hampton Roads, I took some time to answer questions about the air quality in Beijing and the food, both of which people have been saying a lot about..
Athletes from around the world will be converging in Beijing next month for the 2008 Olympic Games. It’s been well publicized that athletes may be competing in thick soot and smog, dangerous ozone levels, and in an air quality ranked among the world’s worst. Athletics Australia was so concerned about it that the track team will remain in training camps in Japan and Hong Kong until their competitions. Are you concerned at all with the air quality and how it may affect your performance?
The way I look at it, I’ve waited four years for this and I’ve made it. When I go over there, the only thing I’ll be thinking about is getting through the preliminary rounds of the 400 meters. If the air quality is a factor then everybody will be breathing it and I’m going to let them stress about it. I’m not going to worry about it at all. I’m just going to line up and run. There’s no time for excuses. If the air is bad, then all of us will be breathing it in.
Another concern for some athletes is what will you eat? No one wants to risk food poisoning or getting sick at this level. What will you do to make sure you don’t get sick?
The United States Olympic Committee is going to be doing a lot of stuff for us. I know we’ll be staying in the Olympic Village but they are going to have stuff for us. I’ve also heard that (Olympic officials) will be serving food from many different cultures in the cafeteria. But when I travel, I usually take fruit cups, oatmeal, ensure drinks and tuna fish.
Love you all and thanks for your support!
R.I.P. TWAN
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