The First Days Of Training

Over the last few days we have begun official training on the Olympic course. The first day I was a little nervous. It was "test" day. Will the knee work, or will it fold up like a cheap lawn chair in Hawaii. Turns out, that it does work and without pushing it too hard yet it works better than I expected.

(Getting some range into the knee)

(Warming up in the West Van sub-site)

(Trying on my new knee brace)

There has been a lot of talk about the conditions and the lack of snow up on Cypress Mountain, so driving up to the mountain for the first time, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Turns out "they" were right. There is basically no snow. However, the course was pearly white sticking out in contrast to the brown surroundings. 

(Riding the chair, with barely any snow in sight)

(Catching the sleds to the chairlift)

The course is in great shape. Similar to last year and everything is as you would expect, exact with the specifications. A constant 28 degree pitch and 250 metres long. The snow however, is a little strange and kind of resembles sand. It's like, once upon a time it was slushy, and then with the sky opening up it has dried right up and left a layer of mini ice balls on top of a firm base. 

(The Cypress Freestyle Arena)

The first day of training I took it very cautiously and just did a few half sections of moguls and no jumps. My coaches were happy with that, and (like me) were surprised and relieved that my knee works and I can ski. On the second day of training, I stepped up with a little more intensity and skied some full sections with a bit more speed and hit both the top and bottom jumps, just with straight airs.

(Chopper bringing in more snow over the mogul course)

It was strange approaching the course for the first time. When looking at and inspecting the different elements of the course you get a clear picture in your head of what you want to do, and how you will go about certain things. I liked the course on first inspection and had a good idea about how I would approach it, but before I pushed out of the start gate I was like "oh yeah, thats right... I have this freaking knee to worry about". It's hard to get that out of your mind, and ski the course like you normally would, but with the sport being so dynamic, physical and technical, if you approach it with any apprehension or being overly conservative you risk further injury and really don't stand a chance.

(Mogul Course from the top)

I had the day off today, just focussing on more rehab and making sure I am not taking any steps in the wrong direction. I will train again tomorrow, and the next day with a focus on trying to bring some tricks in off the jumps, and increase the speed and the overall length of the sections I am skiing. My goal is to show up to the start gate on the 14th in the best health possible and if that means with minimal preparation over the next few days, then it is just something I am going to have to deal with.

(Ready to start training)

I am planning to walk in the opening ceremony on Friday night, as I won't be able to attend the flag raising ceremony and team reception tomorrow night due to a clash with our training schedule. So, I will have more photos up soon. You can also check my picasa page where I have an Olympics album.

(Britt and I in the Athlete Village)

Thanks for your interest and support.

Ramone

Arriving to Vancouver 2010

So, it is all real now. I am in Vancouver, checked into the athlete's village, picked up all my uniform and had my first press conference.

I successfully completed the AOC medical assessment last week and earned my spot back on the team. The testing was a little different and more difficult than I expected. Instead of meeting a certain score or criteria - each test was based on the relative strength in the other knee. I needed to achieve a minimum score of 80% in my bad knee with showing promise to achieve 92%.

The test involved a physio screening, doctors screening and the physical tests which were then compiled to give a score out of 100. I scored a 92%. Only just over 2 weeks from the date of the injury, scoring that high on the tests surprised the medical staff, and also myself. There was a hoping test, a lateral hop test, balance test, running agility course test and a 3RM leg press (all single leg). In the leg press I pushed 3 times my body on my bad knee - more than enough to satisfy the test. I was thrilled and relieved to have passed the exam and I finished off my stay at the AIS in the same fashion as it begun - rehab, rehab and more rehab.

(Me, Mel, Matt at the UDC)

My flight over to Vancouver yesterday was great. I was relieved to get on the plane and just "relax" for 14 hours. Using an upgrade certificate to get business class helped! When I arrived in Vancouver, the Olympic vibe was definitely all around. There were billboards, flags, merchandise and volunteers everywhere. I picked up my accreditation and headed into Richmond to the uniform distribution centre. I have never been a fan of wearing uniform, but the Olympics are different. The uniform has meaning and shows pride in your nation. It represents all the hard work in order to get to this point, and everyone who has contributed along the way. And, the uniform is awesome. There is so much variety in styles, colours and purpose. We were given 2 over-flowing suitcases packed full of Olympic uniform.

(Britt, Sophie, Me at the Broadcast centre)

After the uniform fitting, and a few interviews with the Australian media I was taken to the athletes village. The village is right on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Driving through the city, the buzz was incredible. People everywhere, and always a sea of Olympic rings, Vancouver 2010 art and blue jacket volunteers. There is tight security getting into the village, with all athletes and every bag being screened, just as you would expect to see in an airport.

The first thing you see when you walk past security and into the village, is the massive 7m x 7m Australian boxing kangaroo flag. It a hot topic at the moment, with the VANOC wanting to have it removed, while all the athletes and volunteers think its the best thing ever. The apartment blocks have just been built and after our short stay during the Olympics, will be sold off to private owners for top dollar. From all reports, this is the best athletes village anyone has seen. Inside the village there is everything you could ever need. The mess hall has its own free 24/7 Mcdonalds, and cuisine from all over the world.

(View of the city from our balcony)

(The controversial flag hanging from our balcony)

(The first thing you see walking into the village)

(Free Maccas in the dining hall open all day everyday)

Today Britt and I went to our first press conference of the games. There was a lot attention with Britt being our youngest Winter Olympian in a billion years and me, making an unexpected recovery from injury. Britt was very surprising and spoke well in front of all the cameras. I'm really happy that we are represented in these Olympics in female moguls, with it surely having an impact on participation and success in the future. Britteny is certainly shocked by it all, but there couldn't be a better role model for other girls than Britt.

(Sooo cliche'... except for the moe)

(Press conference clip)

This afternoon, we checked out of the athletes village and moved into the "sub-site" in West Vancouver. The AOC have rented a number of house here, with close proximity to Cypress Mountain and with great facilities. The houses are super nice, and we have two live in chefs who will cook what ever you ask for, gym and recovery equipment, physios and the whole works.

(Cool seating area in the athletes lounge)

This afternoon I got back onto the rehab, gym program with my knee pulling up very well after the long flight. Tomorrow I will begin to ramp up the intensity and get back into on snow training on Monday.

Lots going on here, and a lot to write about... Will check in again in a couple of days.

Ramone

P.S
Here are a few recent press clips.

Cooper to visit his old school

Remarkable Recovery – Owens and Cooper to compete

Ski star defies doctors

Moguls man's miracle recovery

Aussie moguls skier Ramone Cooper's Olympic dream hanging by a thread