Summer Bailey here again from the Beijing Olympics.  It’s our 3rd week away from Orange County.  We’ve spent a week in Tokyo Japan and a little over 2 weeks here in China so far.  Here are just a few of my highlights as well as some random observations.

1.  Go USA Women’s Water Polo!  We were fortunate enough to attend the women’s final match.  I’ve always watched from home as Olympians looked sad getting silver and thought to myself… “how can they possibly be disappointed with a silver metal?”  But after watching the women’s nail biter match, I understand.  I spoke with 3 time Olympian Heather Petri, (which by the way was an honor), and she said that it does take a bit to shake off the loss, but when you do - you are thrilled to have the beautiful silver medal.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Olga,

I made it! It was about 30 years ago that I first saw you perform with your adorable smile and the crooked part in your hair for your ponytails. About 30 years ago I was a little girl doing cartwheels in the living room and being inspired by you and everything Olympic.

Two nights ago, here in Beijing in the National Indoor Stadium, I witnessed gymnastic nirvana as Shawn and Nastia and all the others spiraled and lept in the floor exercise finals. As I type, I’m sitting in the Bank of America center for US Athletes and their friends and family watching the big screen TV as Shawn Johnson wins Gold on the balance beam.

It’s one thing to see a movie star, rock star or politician, but when you are surrounded with young talented people at the height of their physical prowess who have devoted much of their lives to extreme athletic endeavors, you are truly, truly humbled. I met a big group of parents from the #1 ranked US Women’s water polo team and congratulated them.

As a parent, I can only imagine what they’ve given to their children, and what their children’s accomplishments were giving back to them. One of those wonderful parents, Janet Wenger was nice enough to invite us to the B of A Center. Her daughter Lauren will be headed to the semi’s with her team tomorrow. Mrs. Wenger and her other 2 tall and strong water polo playing children from Long Beach California were warm and wonderful and a perfect example of the amazing water polo community.

Thank You Mrs. Wenger and GO USA Water Polo!

Read the rest of this entry »

Ni Hao (hello in Chinese) Friends and Readers,

We’ve got a few free days in between seeing tourist attractions and attending the games.  We were all a bit tired and decided to watch the competitions on TV - Chinese TV that is.  Although the coverage is lovely, I really miss the sound of Bob Costas’ voice telling us “Ooh, this is amazing - she’s been raised on a goat farm without running water and now she’s competing on the world stage and winning!”  Well, you get what I mean.  Since I can’t understand the announcers, I’m watching pure sport for the sport of it, without all the hype and drama.  I’m a sucker for hype and drama, so I miss it.  Also, I must admit, while watching gymnastics it’s hard to judge without Tim Daggot telling us “she had a slight bobble on that double back twist… that’ll cost her.”  If you ask me - they all were amazing!

Just as I’m typing here in our little coffee house with WiFi, Michael Phelps brought home the gold in world record time!  Now that kind of drama doesn’t need an announcer!  Even the Australians here in the bar were cheering for him.

Tomorrow we head out on a walking adventure.  We have heard on international news that there has been a tragic stabbing of Americans.  This weighs heavy on our minds but will not disuade us from getting out and about.  There are security guards, police officers and city official on every corner in every direction.  We will stick with the crowd, stay safe and write more tomorrow.  Until then - GO WORLD!

Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Summer Bailey and my husband Dennis Bress, my children Nigel and Matilda and I live in Newport Beach but are currently “living” in Beijing China for 3 weeks to take in the Olympics.  It’s been a life long dream of mine to attend an Olympic games.  I’ll be blogging about our experience throughout the next few weeks.

We are a water polo family.  Both of my children play and we have become big fans.  We’ve had the privilege of meeting many of the US Olympic team and we are here to support them.  With that in mind, you can imagine our excitement when we realized that we were sharing a flight from Tokyo into Beijing with the entire water polo team from Spain.  Sitting in the airport terminal with such big strong and handsome athletes was great.  They were focused but excited and graciously signing autographs and posing for pictures.  I asked them which team they were gunning for and they said the top team will probably be Hungary.  Although I’m all about team USA… I wished them luck and truly meant it.  It was a great start to our trip! Read the rest of this entry »