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August 7, 2008
Ready to put it all on the line
Posted: 1954 GMT

I think that throughout history, every athlete at every Olympic Games will have wanted to crawl under a rock and hide until it’s all over at some point in their preparation.

Pete Reed, suited and ready.
Pete Reed, suited and ready.

It is difficult not to when you know how big and important one race is. Whether it is 9.7 seconds or 2.5 hours long, you know that other people who are the best in their country, at the peak of their form, are trying to take what you want most in the world; the one thing that you have been working so hard for, for more than 4 years.

These feelings are natural and so important in the last few days before I start racing. They are the sign that my body is getting ready for something special. It isn’t nerves, it’s excitement and passion. We’re ready.

I am not scared of how much it is going to hurt, or how much I have to do in training to get a Gold medal, I just want to make sure that I am as good as I can possibly be and turn every bit of that into boat speed during my 3 races.

I just had an interview with the BBC and the most difficult question to answer was ‘How are you?’. I said I’m in Olympic mode, which is a bit of a cop-out, but it is too difficult to describe the mix of excitement and apprehension. We’re all enjoying ourselves and in fine form so that has got to count for something.

This will be my last blog, because the International Olympic Committee rules state that no athlete can post during the period of the Games (unless it is on your own site or one of the official supporting companies). So, I hope you enjoy the race; I hope we enjoy the race. I hope it has all been worth it.

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Filed under: Athlete's blog • Olympics


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Gary Barnes   August 10th, 2008 551 GMT

Interesting insight, it's awesome being able to hear directly from the athletes! Good luck in the games!
Donna   August 11th, 2008 359 GMT

I apprecicate all the hard work all of you put in for preparation for the Olympics but I just have one question concerning the swimmers. How is it that the swimmers time can be compared to any times prior to this year as being or breaking world records when the swimmers of this year have help witnin thier swimming suits? The world records prior to this year have all been set by ones hard work, will power, stragedy and strength. Should the new world records of this year be compared to what have been set before the making and wearing of the new swim wear. Is that fair to those that have set the records before Olympics 29. Are the new swim suits the new way of cheating? Why not let everyone use steroids instead of the new swim suits?
Akvile   August 18th, 2008 2102 GMT

Peter, it WAS worth it!!! How amazingly the whole team won the gold medal!! If only you could have seen all the people in the Trafalgar Square, how passionately they were screaming while watching you and the team getting closer and closer... to the victory! And you made it! You all made it! Even though I am not British, but I studied here for long enough to say that I was so excited and proud of you, the team and Britain. Well done!!
By the way – what's next?
Markus   August 24th, 2008 114 GMT

CHINA IS THE FIRST IN MEDAL ACOUNT!!

IN ALL TIMES, WHO HAD MORE GOLD MEDAL IN OLYMPIC GAMES WHERE THE FIRST, THIS YEAR JUST BECAUSE THE US HAS LESS GOLD MEDALS, MOST OF AMERICANS JOURNALS SAY USA IS THE FIRST !!! ARE YOU KIDDING??!! ARE YOU REAL JOURNALISTS??!! DONT YOU HAVE SHAME OF THIS??!!!

skorpioxr@hotmail.com
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Receive updates from across the world on the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. "Olympics and the World" is a blog offering you the thoughts and observations from athletes, journalists around unique personalities preparing for the Olympics in China. Whether it's from the training field, the newsroom or the homes of everyday people, "Olympics and the World" provides you a global pulse as the Beijing Olympics approach.

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Peter Reed Peter Reed is a British rower who will be part of the men's coxless four boat in Beijing. At 26-years old, he has only been rowing for six years after being spotted in a gym while using a rowing machine. He has had a rapid rise in the sport, having already tasted gold in World Cup events.
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Gilbert Tuhabonye Gilbert Tuhabonye is a marathon runner who escaped the ethnic violence of Burundi to find a new life in the U.S. As well as coaching athletics he has been trying to fulfill his dream of competing at the Olympics. He is also the author of "The Running Man and "This Voice in my Heart."
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