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Please note: The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of Microsoft and/or the British Olympic Association.
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| Diary - Dee Bates |
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I have been at Microsoft for 2 ½ years and am a partner account manager for Microsoft's Partners within the education space.
Outside of work I enjoy playing squash and would love to be a good player! In a previous life I played water polo, and can't wait to see this played properly whilst out at the Olympics!!
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| Tuesday 24 August |
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Today was quite quiet. We had the lowest number of visitors to the internet room. It meant we got to see some of the competitions on the TV and do some vacuuming!!
The highlight was definitely the 1 minute 37 seconds of Amir Khans fight. WOW!! He really was impressive.
Another of our regulars is Vaughan Cooper, he is the mystery man!! Vaughan is an Osteopath who had a bit of time on his hands today. Both Vicks and I took advantage. I had my back cracked and then a fabulous massage……after which I conked out on the sofa! Very relaxing.
Tomorrow we are going to the cycling and are hoping to get into Athens itself!
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| Monday 23 August |
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There are some characters staying/working at the lodge. Dr Greg White certainly comes under this category. Now you might be wondering why you recognise Greg's name...no, hes not an athlete - he talks a good game...he is the man who has been interviewed and quoted around Paula's marathon race. He is an expert in his field but more importantly he runs the bar here at the lodge! So almost the most important person on site!!
Today was quite 'hectic' in the internet room, even more so when the printer cartridge ran out - not a big deal you might say, but in Greece nothing moves quickly...Except Britain's Abi Oyepitan in the Women's 200m!
We had tickets for the athletics today. We managed to be sitting next to some of the coaches and family of one of the competitors, Shirley Webb. They kindly talked us through spectating etiquette, after we were almost lynched for standing during one race! For those of you who don’t know (where have you been?!?!?) Kelly Holmes won the 800m gold - the reaction from the GB supporters was fantastic, outdone only by the Greek triple jumper winning silver! Dean Macy's high jump in the Decathlon was excellent - Vicky took a shine to Dean and is hoping to see him before we leave. :-)
During our stay we have had our 'regulars', Gavin Pavey is one of those. He coaches his wife Jo and is a lovely guy. Jo ran in the 5000m and had a fantastic race coming 5th. I am sure Gavin was out there running it with her if his face during the race was anything to go by.
Another 'regular' is Steve Rippon, Steve is the pole vault coach and does something quite important in Loughborough sports institute - sorry Steve….I know I looked like I was listening.. :-). He has made life fun and kept us busy……although after referring to me as his stand-in PA he might not be getting as much help in future!!
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| Sunday 22 August |
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This morning we were up early to watch womens waterpolo. As I used to play I got the role of commentator. Our error was to assume the pool was indoors and not bring any hat or suncreen - not bad for 2 fair skinned blonde birds!! The Canadian ladies beat Kazakstan convincingly. Vick has taken lots of arty photos of the main arena :-) and we both hit the official Olympic shop for some much needed retail therapy.
Later in the afternoon we had a VIP visitor, Richard Caborn. As with Steve and Mike before, we asked him if he would like to write a good luck message to Team GB. He seemed intrigued with using a tablet PC and Onenote, although I do think he needs to work on his handwriting!
Friends of Caitlin McClatchey from Northampton swimming club have been around since I got here. They are lovely guys who have provided us with much entertainment!
The overriding feeling today is one of sadness. Everyone watched Paulas race on the big screen and more than one of us had tears in our eyes for her. She really did not deserve what happened. The comment Brendan Foster made was very poignant - where was the ambulance to take her away? The officials to give her water? Nowhere. instead she is surrounded by TV cameras intruding on her despair.
The marathon was not all bad, both Liz Yelling and Tracey Morris were in the top 30 - an excellent result.
Tomorrow we are off to the athletics!!!
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| Saturday 21 August |
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Today started with the coxless four rowing race. What a race!!
The atmosphere here was fantastic, people yelling at the large screen TV and hugging when it finished. Not sure it was good for some of the older peoples hearts! With all the medals coming in through the day spirits were high in the lodge. Vicky arrived in the middle of this, gutted she had missed the rowing, she was mid flight.
We were given tickets to see Gary Smith in the Trampoline by his coach, Martin . We had a full running commentary on the ins and outs of the competition.….I feel very privileged to have sat next to him. Martin wears his heart on his sleeve, he was wearing his sunglasses throughout both Garys routines to hide his emotions. The support for Gary was amazing. He is obviously a popular character within the trampoline world.
The Rowing fraternity dropped in for a pool party later in the day. All good fun, with a fully clothed Vicky being thrown in the pool…….twice! We were also lucky enough to meet and have photos with Chris Hoy. A top guy who understandably couldn’t stop smiling.
An excellent days sport with some cracking results for Team GB!
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| Friday 20 August |
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Up early this morning for a trip into the Olympic Village!!! One of the issues people have been discussing at home before I came out was security. I was impressed. The police are on check points on all the roads leading up to the village. There are random vehicle searches and airport style security checks before entering - and that’s just for the International area of the village - this is where family members can meet with athletes. There is a party atmosphere in this area, not very relaxing if you want to chill out.
The village itself (after another lot of security screening) is HUGE!!! Definitely not a village!
Team GB HQ is something else. A hive of activity. We met 2 lovely ladies, Louise and Nicki who have the enviable task of rubbing down competitors!!! (My dream job may I add!) One lucky lad, who will remain nameless, gets the 'all hands on deck' treatment when he comes in!! One of the pictures/comments on the wall in the physiotherapists room was 'something for the weekend sir?' Good to see safety is key for TEAM GB!
We had a busy day in the internet café - including sorting out a home networking issue, obviously I got a man who knows what he is talking about on the phone (THANK YOU Sasha). So we decided to leave our oasis for some food. Now, I know I was tired BUT I STILL can not believe it took me 20 minutes….yes 20 minutes...…to spot Linford Christie and Darren Campbell sat on the table next to us. God I must be getting old!!!
Apologies now to the lads reading - ladies, Linford has the biggest biceps in the world…and lovely eyes!!! Darren Campbell is shorter than I imagined and quite shy….but lovely long eyelashes!! Mike was most put out as conversation stopped until both had left the building….girls do you blame me?!?!
Vicky arrives tomorrow. I am not sure how to break the news that she missed being up close and personal with Linford and Darren, so she could go to her friends wedding…..!
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| Thursday 19 August |
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My first day out in Greece.
Gail and Nathan won the badminton silver medal today. Watching their semi final at home was nail biting but seeing the final here in Greece was just another level. The atmosphere here is something special - until Britain are competing in a final!! We did see Gail and Nathan after their win, very smiley and exhausted. I am sure Mike will fill you in on his faux pas of the evening……one of several since I have arrived!
I have never been a writer, especially of diaries. There are a lot of things I cannot say, for obvious reasons. What I can tell you is that we are not in the Olympic village itself, only athletes and certain coaches are allowed in there permanently. Although I have heard we maybe get the opportunity to go tomorrow - VERY excited!! We are in an 'oasis' of calm where people come to chill out through the Olympics. Some of the people we see have familiar faces, others are just very fit looking!!
So I am out here to 'host' the Microsoft internet café and x-box area. Technically I am not really gifted, as most who know me will acknowledge. But hey, how much support is really needed for X-boxes anyway?!?! And the internet area was set up by 2 people I trust totally, Paul and John (see week 1 diaries!) Luckily both have helped out when my technical knowledge reached it limit today! So thank you lads….and I promise not to ring you this weekend!!
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