::Olympics Blog::

I've been writing more with a pen onto paper than onto a screen with the finger keys lately. That's made it a little difficult to share my musings with you, my faithful vankayak.com readership. Thanks for coming back. Thanks for sticking with me and being so supportive and lovely all of the time. It's nice to know you're out there.

Since the last time we chatted I went home from Hungary for two weeks, and now I am back on the European continent. I am in France to be specific. As a team, we decided that it would be best to stay here in France until a few days before our competition starts, to avoid the traffic and security and restricted training times at the venue in Eton with the Rowing Regatta going on. The Opening Ceremony was quite a spectacle on television! Marching in would have been quite a thrill, especially since our Hero, Simon Whitfield was such a fantastic and inspiring Flag Bearer. But it was nice to watch on TV as well. From my bed.

Training has been going really well.  Been paddling happy and fast.  I've got to extend a massive Burloak Thank You to Brady Reardon, training partner extraordinaire. Without Brady next to me it would be really tough to push the pace up in the final weeks of prep, and as always, it's been a pleasure to be on the water with him.

We'll be leaving France tomorrow, landing in the UK sometime in the afternoon, going straight to the satellite village in Egham where the Rowers and Canoe-Kayak athletes live. A trip into London will have to wait until after I'm done my races. The heat and semi are on the 6th, and the final is on the 8th of August. I'm anxious to race. I want to move my boat.

I'm extremely stoked to be part of this Canadian Olympic Team. We are a Relentless batch of never-say-die-ers. We are Fierce breed of laser-eyed and medal-hungry mutant superheros. We are finely tuned mob of World-Class racing, jumping, throwing automatons. We are a ferocious and Unbreakable pack of crazed rabbid wolves. We are The Canadian Olympic Team.

See you in London.

Comments

[Cathy]

So excited for you and the entire Olympic team! We are watching here in Nova Scotia....you and all the canoers and kayakers are an inspiration to by two boys who paddle daily! We'll be cheering you on from the other side of the Atlantic! GOOOOOOO Paddle HARD!!!! Cheers to all the paddlers!! xoxo from Halifax

[Yvonne van Leeuwen]

Thanks for the update Adam. Sounds like you have the fire in you! Love your analogies and you are looking prepped! Can't wait to watch you race. Good Luck from Toronto!

[David Pippy]

I wish I could stick around London for the second week of the games so i could see your races, but unfortunately work calls. I'll make sure to cheer for you back home in St. John's. All the best Adam!

[Pat Casey]

In Adam we trust! Do what you do. Very happy you are team.

[Andrea]

So glad you were able to slip in a quick little note to your blog (and we faithful readers). I will use one of your words I love: I am "stoked" to cheer you on from afar. Best of luck from Winnipeg, do your best, leave it all out there, and have fun! We are proud to cheer you on!

[Rob Favretto]

Give that race course the beating of a lifetime. We all know you can do it. Race your race.
You give Canadians so much to be prideful of. Youre a Great ambassador but and even better Olympian, through your spirit and drive for excellence. You've embraced your celebrity an use it with such class. I was proud to be a teammate of yours and I have even more pride in being a fan. Good luck and hug your parents for me!!!! Go Vank Go.

[Krista]

You make me proud to be Canadian! Can't wait until your races this weekend. Good luck!

[Jason R]

Thanks for the update Adam. I thought the opening ceremonies were one of the best I've seen (what a production!) and team Canada looked excellent with smiling Simon leading the charge!

Go Adam!! Go Canada!!

[Ruth]

Always enjoy your updates Adam. So excited for team Canada and really looking forward to watching you race! You are such an inspiration to all Canadians!! GO ADAM GO!!

[Vanessa S]

So excited to see you race, Adam! I'm getting up at 4:00 AM just for you, so feel special. =)

All the Canadian athletes make me so proud to be Canadian, but you're the tops to me.

Go kick some butt!!!

[Tab]

You make me so proud to be Canadian and you've accomplished so much already. I'll be cheering for you from Montreal and can't wait to watch you race! be proud no matter what happens...you will always be the best!
Just be you ;-)

(p.s. when are you coming to race here? it's a really beautiful city in the summer ;-)

[Ann]

First heard about you through your Cottage Life article. I'm amazed at your combination of writing ability and kayaking power. Will be watching this week, cheering you on, and learning how to manoeuvre my kayak paddle like you when I kayak at Lake of Bays.

[danielle c]

Adam you're my hero! I just did bc championships and qualified for nationals for the 6km as a first year midget unfortunately I won't be there this year because of the world outtrigger sprints. You are my hero. No matter what the result. I respect what you do and what you have sacrificed for this sport.

[Jade]

Hi Adam,

Best of luck to you and the entire canoe-kayak team. Have fun in London and all the best for your races. :)

[Amanda S]

Hi Adam!! :)

Just wanna wish you the best of luck for your race today!! You'll always be my hero and my favourite Canadian athletes, no matter the outcome! I'll be cheering you on from Toronto!

Do your best and have lots of fun!!! :D

[Yulianna]

Hey, saw you in the Olympic heats this morning - amazing racing!
I took up kayaking recently, will be looking up to you when training : )
Good luck in the final!
Yulianna

[Gill]

Awesome races today. I will be cheering you on from the Muskokas on Wednesday! Best of luck!

[Susan Royal]

Hi Adam! I was impressed with your racing today. Happy I found this great blog! I'm very excited for Wednesday! Good luck! Go Canada go!

[Lauren Dodge]

Randomly found your blog when I googled the time of your race!

Good luck - you'll be amazing today! Canada is behind you and we are all cheering for you!!

[Brian Furner]

Congrats on the Silver Medal. You are truly an inspiring athlete and I am proud to have you represent Canada.

Thanks for everything!

[Joe & Teresa van Koeverden]

Congrats on your silver medal. From Aussie van Koeverdens (originally Kleve Germany)

[John]

Congratulations again Adam. I must tell you as an educator and a parent I am so appreciative and impressed by your attitude and philosophy. Your support of your team mates and your country are even more impressive than your athletic ability - which is Gold standard! Enjoy the rest of the time in London and we are all delighted that there is more paddling to come!

[Shannon]

Congratulations Adam! Your character, dedication, and genuine support of your fellow competitors is admirable. Thanks for representing Canada with such class!

[Kathryn]

Well spoken at the airport yesterday. I don't think that many of the armchair athletes here in Canada realize the huge discrepancy in sport infrastructure between Canada and the countries at the top of the medal board. Excellent job both at the games and here Adam!

[Kellie]

Congrats on your silver Adam! You were totally awesome and I loved watching every minute of your races! You have always been my favorite Olympian and always represent Canada in the best way! Thank you for being YOU!

Kellie
From Saskatchewan