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I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By Citizen Correspondent Billy Nelson , Beijing
Date Posted: 08/07/08
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Billy Nelson needed to finish in the top three and beat the Olympic “A” standard of 8:24 in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase final at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials to make the team for Beijing. He did just that, fighting his way to a personal record of 8:21.47 seconds. “This was my dream,” Nelson said. “I’m going to the Olympics.” Billy is now on Chinese soil, giving us a bird's eye view from the track and from behind the scenes. Follow his personal journey, in his own words, in Orato.com's Beijing Olympics series.

Day 1: July 31, 2008

We arrived in Beijing, and after a long time going through customs and getting our luggage, we got to the Olympic Village. The first thing I needed to do was a run to shake out the 13 hours of plane.

It was a little sluggish and the humidity was very high, but the run went OK, and it was nice to be in China. After the run, a small group of us went to check out the dining area for dinner. It is set up like a cafeteria in the dorms, but the food is great and there is a lot to choose from.

After dinner, I did a little unpacking, but also packed a bag to leave for Dalian in the morning for the training center, where I will spend the next week of my life adjusting to the time, catching up on my rest, as well as, of course, training.

Day 2: August 1, 2008

The first day in Dalian was great, though again very sluggish, humid and hot, but it was nice to be able to stay in one place for a week. All the traveling I have done is really starting to catch up with me; they say it takes four to five days to fully adjust.

I ran for an easy 50 minutes around a golf course, which was a little monotonous, but the complaining is at a minimum, considering we are at the Summer Games, and this is what I dreamed of.

Dinner in Dalian is very good; Chef Adam, who is from Denver, really is cooking great food and providing us with a lot of variety, so we're not tied to one thing.


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Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By jamie Gray, August 12, 2008 at 17:49

Hey Billy. Aunt Jamie here! I know you're really busy, but I finally found a way to send my love and I hope you see this. I also hope you know how proud we are all of you! What an adventure you've been on! You so deserve all that you have achieved. I've heard the excitement and pride in your dad's voice!! I'll be glued to the TV looking for the short guy with a huge heart. Go get 'em! Hope to see you and your family when you get back this way. Love you much!!
Aunt Jamie

Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By daytonfamily, August 11, 2008 at 08:23

Hey Billy,

Good Luck to you from the Daytons in Taft. We are so proud of you and can't wait until you show the world what you can do. You have grown so much since we were in school with you and you ran out in the fields as a freshman. Now everyone in the world has a chance to see what a great athlete you have truly become. Its good to hear that you are becoming familiar with the territory. Just think how it would be if they had tumbleweeds back there! Best of Luck to you Billy! Win it for you and your country!!!

Adam and Rachel Dayton
Taft, CA

Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By Heather Wallace, August 7, 2008 at 15:49

When I went to China I couldn't stomach the food because I found it way too bizarre. Usually I didn't know what I was eating, and when I did know, I wished I didn't! I think if I were competing in the Olympics, I'd need a chef from Denver too! but I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it so far. It must be so exciting!

Heather Wallace
Senior Editor
Orato.com

Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By luyen, August 9, 2008 at 23:40

;-) That's funny heather considering you live in Vancouver! You'll probably find the same foods in chinese restaurants here, but don't worry whatever you chow down at the local dim sum hangar, it usually tastes the same, which is good !

For me, if it's still moving, i avoid it...and certain animal parts, I just don't find any nutritional value in (like duck beaks and stuff like that), otherwise if it's in front of me, i try not to waste it ;-)

Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By Heather Wallace, August 10, 2008 at 09:30

That's the thing - Chinese food in Canada was nothing like what we found there; I'm sure the restaurants here have been westernized. I guess it depends where you go, and whether it's a restaurant where "westerners" eat. :)

Re: I'm Living My Dream At The Beijing Olympics

By Mike Small, August 7, 2008 at 15:48

I watched this race on TV, It was awesome. Good luck Billy, I'm rooting for you!

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