I’m taking you back three years to when I was working with athletes in Beijing during Chinese New Year.
Beijing is “alive” with the sounds of fireworks everywhere. I don’t think I’m going to get much sleep tonight – it’s really loud. The girls at the National Training Center told me that the Chinese government only allows fireworks during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Being the last day, it seems everyone is out in the streets setting off fireworks.
I played badminton with the National staff and it was really fun. They were really excited to see me play and in their enthusiasm insisted that I warm-up with one of their young male players. He’s on the 2nd tier of the National team – only 18 years old. I tried to tell them it was YEARS since I played and I shouldn’t be hitting with that young guy. However, I surprised myself that my form and strokes were still there and that I was able to keep up with him – just my timing and power of my strokes were lacking. My right shoulder doesn’t have full range of motion any more, which makes it difficult for overhead lobs and smashes.
A short time later the National women’s team (1st tier) arrived to train at the center. What a treat to watch them again, as it reminded me of all the drills that I had to do during my training. I was particularly impressed with the youngest member of the team, age 18, who I think is going to win many future championships. Her strokes were crisp and her movement patterns were almost perfect.
On this trip I’ve seen mostly swimmers, badminton and table tennis players. Last trip I worked with gymnasts, track & field athletes and divers. I also have been giving lectures and hands-on practice to the National staff. They have been receptive, although it’s tough for most of them to grasp all the concepts as they are not physios by training. I’ve tried to keep it basic so that they don’t get too confused.
Everyone here has been very gracious. Beijing today is definitely different from the Beijing that I knew in 1989. It’s much more service oriented and people actually smile now, not then. I guess that’s what capitalism can do to a country.
Looking forward to getting home.
Clare
I played badminton with the National staff and it was really fun. They were really excited to see me play and in their enthusiasm insisted that I warm-up with one of their young male players. He’s on the 2nd tier of the National team – only 18 years old. I tried to tell them it was YEARS since I played and I shouldn’t be hitting with that young guy. However, I surprised myself that my form and strokes were still there and that I was able to keep up with him – just my timing and power of my strokes were lacking. My right shoulder doesn’t have full range of motion any more, which makes it difficult for overhead lobs and smashes.
A short time later the National women’s team (1st tier) arrived to train at the center. What a treat to watch them again, as it reminded me of all the drills that I had to do during my training. I was particularly impressed with the youngest member of the team, age 18, who I think is going to win many future championships. Her strokes were crisp and her movement patterns were almost perfect.
On this trip I’ve seen mostly swimmers, badminton and table tennis players. Last trip I worked with gymnasts, track & field athletes and divers. I also have been giving lectures and hands-on practice to the National staff. They have been receptive, although it’s tough for most of them to grasp all the concepts as they are not physios by training. I’ve tried to keep it basic so that they don’t get too confused.
Everyone here has been very gracious. Beijing today is definitely different from the Beijing that I knew in 1989. It’s much more service oriented and people actually smile now, not then. I guess that’s what capitalism can do to a country.
Looking forward to getting home.
Clare
