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14 DAYS TO GO – ITU DIARY FROM ATHENS:
Two weeks today the women’s Olympic Triathlon will take place. If the weather
today in Vouliagmeni is any indication of what is in store for us, things could be
perfect for the event. The azure blue sea was so calm that it appeared almost glass-
like. There was no current, and the jelly-fish season is well past. The large yellow
banana buoy which marks the first turn of the 1 lap, 1500m swim was positioned on
the course exactly 380 metres from the start platform. The only thing missing was
the 3000+ spectators that will fill the stadium seats.
This afternoon four tons of concrete blocks were slowly towed across Vouliagmeni
Bay from the Marina and delicately positioned to secure the start
platform and media platform. The start platform design has been approved and will be in position on the
16th of August. The allocation of each spot at the start for the athletes will be .9m.
The water temperature continues to hover around 27oC, so there is zero possibility
of wetsuit being used on the day.
The athlete training centre at the Nautical Club of Vouliagmeni received the final
inspection today. It will be officially opened tomorrow, and athletes have already
booked swim times for tomorrow. Vaggelis Manos, the Training Centre Supervisor
says that for him the Olympic Games begin tomorrow. There is a wonderful
renovated cafeteria which is fully air conditioned and full of cold refreshment. Team
managers are reminded to contact Sport Information to book swim times as lanes
are quickly filling up.
A lot of work was done cleaning the beach today, both in the water and out. Huge
machines filtered any rocks for the area, and a workforce of hundreds slowly paced
up and down searching for anything missed by the monster trucks.
Most of the Venue Staff went to the rehearsal for the Opening Ceremonies last night,
which left everyone most excited and in awe of the beginning of the Games.
Although all are sworn to secrecy, suffice to say that there was an eerie silence
about the place for most of the evening as the sights and sounds captured the hearts
and souls ? “coming home” is definitely what these Olympic Games are all about.
More tomorrow…..
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