Aug. 18, 2008
Dear H20 Frog Fans,
I am excited because the Beijing Olympics were amazing for me. I improved my time, going from 1:03.74 to 1:03.72 in the 100-breast.
Everybody was friendly. The Olympic Village, the "Water Cube" and the National Stadium of Beijing (The Birds Nest) were wonderful. I arrived on Wednesday, Aug. 6, around of 3:20 p.m. China time. I was so sleepy because of the 13-hour time difference from Panama to China. For the next couple of days (Aug. 7-8), we practiced in the Water Cube. I felt faster in that swimming pool.
Friday (Aug. 8) night was the Opening Ceremonies. I couldn't watch the beginning of the ceremony, because all of the athletes were in the National Gymnasium, waiting to be announced to walk in. We were numbered by country; Panama was No. 43. When I was walking into the stadium, I was so excited. As we entered the Beijing National Stadium, the lights of the stadium were amazing. I was very happy, but I had to leave early because I had to swim the next day.
On Saturday (Aug. 9), I prepared mentally and psychologically to swim in the morning, but because of my heat, I had to swim in the evening. I started swimming and warming up around 6:30 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., I was on the blocks, very concentrated and waiting for the beep.
When I arrived first in my heat, I looked up to the screen and saw myself. I was so happy that I improved my time and that I did well.
I am very proud of my performance and that I was able to represent my country well.
Go Frogs!
Edgar Crespo
