September 4th, 2008
QINGDAO 2008: FOUR DAYS BEFORE RACING BEGINS
Hello from Quindao China! I have arrived safely and have checked into the athletes village. I am restricted to what I can blog based on Olympic guidelines. Updates will be limited to personal experiences and brief racing results. If you would like to be included in more thourough updates, send Wendy Bell (wendybell87@yahoo.com) your email contact and she will be sure to add you to my distrubution list. I will do my best to forward information once the racing begins on September 8th. Until then, I am focused on final boat preperpations. I have completed measurement and received my new US Flagged Spinaker. Over the next few days I will be practicing on the designated race course and attending the Qingdao Opening Ceremonies.
I am looking forward to fulfilling my life long dream, and want to thank you all one more time for your support.
My best,
Nick
Nick, thanks for dinner! It was a pleasure to meet you. I know you and Maureen can bring us the gold next week! Let’s hope Qingdao can bring you some wind! Meiguo jaiyou!
Comment by Ryan — September 4, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
Our heart and our prayers are with you and Maureen in every swell and wave you sail through! Godspeed!
Susan, Skip, Kristin and Megan
Comment by Susan Kenney — September 5, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Nick,
We all here in the states want to wish your group the best of luck in the coming games. As a polio survivor, I personally appreciate all your efforts and hard work you do for those with disabilities. It is a true calling and we all, back in the good old US of A appreciate the athletes and there sponsors participation in these events. Again, good luck and let us know how you guys do -
Comment by Mike Smith — September 5, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Nick we are so happy to see your (and our) dream coming true for you and your family. I know Mom is watching over you and she is so proud! OK, Kind-Gentle-Person do what you do best and go get’em! Love to Mary Kate! Deborah and I wish we could have made it to your party. Sorry we missed it!
Peace and Love
Comment by Capt Troy Heidemann — September 5, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Nick,
My own strength is a bit low this week due to my MS, but my personal challenges simply don’t compare. I promise that I’m saving every single bit of it I can spare and sending it to China this week for you!
I’m running two regattas in a row on Lake Minnetonka over the next 7 days, including the J-24 NAs, but I’ll be checking in daily to see how life is going for you and Maureen!
Comment by Blake Middleton — September 6, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRMP/ENG/Schedule/SA_2008-09-08.shtml
I found the first day results on the above website Sept 8th,2008
in China.
Wow! What a great start. Keep up the pressure and stay out of the seaweed. Go team USA!!!
Wish I was there,
Mike
Comment by mike stoffregen — September 8, 2008 @ 11:33 am
I am guy from Qingdao city,I heared your story by Jackie Kay(Australia),I am so moved,I bless you,you are best one!
Comment by wade — September 9, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Hi Nick, I sent Mary Kate an email before she left.. and now following your stories-fantastic sailing!….you are amazing!!! and what an honor!! and all those challenges…Continued prayers and can’t wait to read more tomorrow!!
Love, Angeli’sPS. “Hi ” to Mary Kate
Comment by Joanie and John Angeli — September 10, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Just heard your story from Blake at the J24 Nationals; keep kicking ass.
Comment by SM — September 12, 2008 @ 5:27 pm