The day was nice, a sunny warm day, you could see some blue in the sky. I wanted to get to the track early to relax and prepare for my warm-up, and I had to get my foot (injured before the Olympic trials) taken care of. Mentally and physically I was ready to go and throw the javelin far and qualify for the finals.

The stadium was packed, even for the morning session. I threw at around 11 a.m. and I think every seat was taken. The crowd was electric anytime something big happened, a fast time in sprinting or a far throw. And when a Chinese athlete came up or was announced you couldn't even hear yourself think it was so loud and full of excitement. When I went to take my first throw of the competition, though, my foot just didnt want to let me push off it. The second throw my foot hurt even worse, and by the time my third throw came along it was tough to take.

I was very disappointed in my results and the fact that my foot picked the wrong day to act up. I managed to be able to practice the entire time I was over here without pain and I happened to throw very well in practice here as well. But that's the life of a javelin thrower. I was fortunate enough to handle all the injuries that I have had this year and make the Olympic team, so I know that once I am healthy things will fall into place.

Right now its time to take a mental and physical break for a while before regrouping and putting together a plan for next year. I have a few days left here in China that I am going to try to take in some of the other sporting events, if my foot lets me. Then I get to start graduate school!! I have to admit not looking forward to that one. Once I get into the swing of school and get some rest Ramona (coach Ramona Pagel) and I will sit down and come up with a plan of attack for the next season. I have lots of things that I need to improve on to get back into shape for World Championships in Berlin next year.

-- Kim