Tonight I won my first World University Games gold medal in the 200 IM. And it’s a sweet medal too. Really big and heavy. It was a best time and a new Games record. I wanted to go under 2:12 but I was close (2:12.1). So that kicks off my meet well. I will be racing in the finals of the 800 free relay tomorrow night (for us, 14 hour time difference to west coast). Then the following day is the 400 IM, then a day off, and 200 fly last night.

Chad Latourette won our other individual gold in the 800 free and killed his best time. So far we are 2 for 2 golds in our mens and womens 400 free relay. Our team spirit is high and everyone has great attitudes.

Sorry it’s so short and boring, I just wanted to touch base before I head to bed, it’s way past my bed time!!

~KSS~

So I mentioned earlier that being here makes you appreciate little things from home. Well my list keeps getting longer. I am thankful that we live in a country that doesn’t have the constant smell of (for the lack of a better word) throw up. It’s so stinky here. I appreciate that I can use the water from the sink to brush my teeth and not have to use bottled water (it’s pretty annoying). That we have sheets on our bed (there’s only a blanket on our beds). That I don’t have to share my room with lizards and ants. And that I don’t get eaten alive by mosquitos. And lastly, so far, what I am most grateful for is that we don’t have to use “squatters” for our toilets. These are literally on the floor. Ya, no thanks.

I am thankful to live in the best country in the world that makes me feel spoiled whenever I travel abroad. Ok, that is all for now

~KSS~

Made it to Bangkok!! Well, its different… Being here really makes you appreciate some little things I take for granted at home; like air conditioning. Luckily we have air in our rooms (except I woke up to ours dripping water all over my stuff last night), but not in the halls, common rooms, or athlete lounges. There is like no breeze here. It’s just hot and humid. I keep waiting for some wind to blow and it just doesn’t. There’s been a constant mist of rain in the evenings and the sun doesn’t shine. It’s for sure not California!

Transportation is very tricky. No one speaks english too well to help us get around and there are so many different trollies and buses going in every direction that it makes it difficult to get to the pool. And when we do locate a bus to the pool, it’s just a free fall with no organized order to get on board. The elbows come out! There are roughly 1200 people in the village to get an idea with what we’re working with (and who knows how many languages). It’s trips like these that make me wonder why people say Americans are the rude ones. We are like the only ones who make and stand in lines. And don’t just walk in front of people and cut in line. I don’t know, maybe I’m missing something.

The food isn’t too bad. Luckily I’m a big fan of white sticky rice. I usually grab that with some meat and veggies. They have some great fruit and yummy chocolate milk.

The team is bonding really well and everyone is getting excited to swim. The pool is awesome. It’s outside, but covered. The water is a little on the warm side but hopefully they will cool it down to “race temperature”. But some say it’s just too hot out to cool it.

Each night, outside the dining hall, they have cultural dances and ceremonies taking place. Lots of music, dancing, bright colors, and exotic props. It’s pretty neat to check out. And within the village they set up a little Thai Market. I haven’t checked it out yet, but some of my teammates purchased some goods already for great prices.

I was elected captain and was part of the vote that picked our flag bearer at opening ceremonies. It’s a member of the men’s volleyball team who is deaf. He has to play with hearing aides which he can still only hear 70% and when he starts sweating he has to take them out and sometimes plays without them. Which would be very difficult in a sport that requires communication. The volleyball team is so tall and makes even Matt Grevers look small. It was crazy because I met a guy that went to a high school right down the street from mine. Ohh the OC bubble! It’s cool getting to meet other athletes from the US. We are staying in the dorms with the Men’s volleyball team, gymanastics, men’s and women’s basketball and taekwondo. And some of the Swiss team but not sure what sport.

So ya, the meet starts in 2 days and I start in 3. I will be racing a lot with the 200 IM first, then hopefully 800 free relay, 400 IM then the last day 200 fly (I got added in it because the girl in it dropped out). Almost time to get this party started!!

Oh, and how could I forget… Instead of monkeys here, they have huge frogs. I surprisingly think they are so cute. But not enough to try to catch one.

~KSS~

Club Wolverine’s ‘A’ quartet of Michael Phelps, Scott Spann, Davis Tarwater, and Peter Vanderkaay took home the championship title and record with a time of 3:38.32. Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics foursome of Jake Tapp, Bart Steninger, Ryk Neethling, and Roland Schoeman garnered 2nd in 3:41.69. Club Wolverine’s ‘B’ team of Chris DeJong, Grant Burtch, Chris Brady, Derick Roe closed out the top 3 with 3:43.03.

King Aquatic Club team of Ariana Kukors, Megan Jendrick, Heather Brand, and Kim Jasmer clocked a time of 4:07.82 followed by Longhorn’s Hayley McGregory, Elizabeth Tinnon, Tanica Jamison, and Hee-Jin Chang blasted for second (4:08.11). Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics foursome of Anna Turner, Annie Chandler, Whitney Myers, and Lacey Nymeyer picked up the bronze. Trojan Swim Club quartet of Kristen Lahey, Rebecca Soni, Rachael Waller, and Jessica Hardy finished 4th with 4:09.41. Elizabeth Pelton, Katie Hoff, Felicia Lee, and Kailey Morris made it to the wall 5th in 4:12.48.

Coral Spring Swim Club’s 40 year old swimming phenomenon Dara Torres took home the victory and claimed a new American record. The American record was previously set by Dara in 2000. Lara Jackson and Lacey Nymeyer both of Tucson Ford Aquatics took home silver and bronze respectively with times of 25.27 and 25.28. Swim Star Jessica Hardy took 8th with a time of 25.62.

Club Wolverine’s Emily Brunemann took home the victory with a time of 16:23.77. Ashley Evans hit the wall next in 16:31.74. Kristen Groome closed out the top 3 swimming to the wall next in 16:33.36.