BECOME A GAMES MAKER FOR LONDON 2012

Here is the opportunity of a lifetime about to be given to you, why don't you become a London 2012 Games Maker and be one of the faces of London 2012. you will have the unique chance to show what our country is all about, excellence, passion and positivity. In Vancouver my experience of the Volunteers was great, they help me and my team out so much making our time in the Olympics so much easier and less stressful, they were there to help us all day long with a smile on their faces.

There is a wide range of roles for Games Makers so something to suit everyone. Many of these may be behind the scenes or may require you to work at anti-social times. Some Games Makers may have to work off-site in a warehouse distributing uniforms; others will be outside exposed to the elements for hours on end, but all as important as each other.
Sign up today everyone!!

I went to 5 different countries in the space of 4 weeks in August so I'm glad its September now and wont be so much travelling planned, but recently I did take a trip to Gateshead to help out at the UK School Games, which was a Youth Sport Trust event.

It was a major multi-sport event for all elite UK athletes of school age. There were competitions in over 10 different sports as well as opening and closing ceremonies, so it gave the impression and feel of a full scale sporting event, brilliant practice for the children. As Ambassador, my role was to support and offer advice, if required for the young athletes. It’s great to have these big organised events for young athletes so they can get used to the competitive environment to realise their potential in sport and to give them a chance to shine.

SINGAPORE YOUTH OLYMPICS

A few weeks ago I went to Singapore to be part of Team GB at the first Youth Olympic Games.We had a talented team of 39 athletes from all Olympic sports aged 14-18, participating alongside 3,600 competitors from all 205 National Olympic Committees, so a huge competition.

I was out there as an athlete supporter/mentor to inspire and help out with our young team. It was really noticeable from engaging with the athletes how much the games represent a fantastic opportunity for them to compete with other young athletes at the highest level on a global stage. It was my first time in Singapore and I soon discovered how hot, humid and sticky it is there!

Was nice for me to be in shorts and t-shirts in this competitive environment, not the usual layers I’m normally in!

FAMILY VISITORS

I had some extended family visit my parents house a few days ago and they hadn't seen the chunk of metal.. .so some very excited faces took many pictures and were happy to be able to hold a Olympic Gold medal....I promised them I would write about them on my blog....!

ARTEMIS CHALLENGE

On the 3rd August I found myself on a sailing boat, sailing around the Isle of Wight for the Artemis Challenge at Cowes week. I was on board a 60ft top of the range boat (I was told the Ferrari of sailing boats). I was asked if I would be part of the team along with Zara Philips, to help win the race for charity, I did tell the team well in advance (as a warning) that I had never sailed a boat before and that I didn’t have a clue what to do, but they assured me it didn’t matter!

We were given the job of grinder, which means going as fast and as hard as you can almost pedalling your arms around a wheel to get the sails up and down. Zara and I did this together when shouted at by the skipper, but wow that’s hard work.

The whole team on the boat are constantly working together, pulling ropes, changing buttons, looking at the tides, the tactics of other boats, all to get ahead with the best wind. To think that one person does all these jobs at once when they sail around the world is crazy, I have a huge respect for all sailors after my one day out at sea.

It took me hours to stop feeling seasick and to find my land legs again. Thanks to all of the team at Artemis for inviting me and giving the most wonderful experience, my first ever sailing day out, and the first of many I hope (only once I have discovered seasickness tablets!).

HOLIDAY TIME FINALLY

Just over a week ago I got back from Jamaica, where my boyfriend and I finally got to go on holiday, our first break since the Olympics 5 months ago!

The Mail newspaper asked if I would like to do a travel article for them, with Virgin holidays and Sandals Hotels – I said a big fat “yes please” ! Subsequently I took them up on their invite to travel to Jamaica to stay at Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa; I mean who wouldn’t say yes to that!!

As soon as we left the plane the heat quickly wafted across our faces and we were welcomed by the friendliest people I have ever come across. I had never visited the country before, but we were both impressed by the hotel, food, and beautiful countryside this amazing place has to offer. One day we went on a tour and visited the YS Falls which are Jamaica’s famous waterfalls, with 7 tiered levels where you can jump off rope swings and even jump off one of the tiers. I have to admit I did have a go, just some extra fear factor training for the skeleton!But what a holiday and what fun!

A FEW BUSY WEEKENDS

I have had a few crazy weekends this past month....

Started off with Royal Ascot, handing out a Trophy and judging the best turned out horse. I was treated so well up in the Royal Enclosure and met many stars from tv and sport. I loved everything moment about the races, walking around the horses, seeing them get ready for the race in the paddock, being able to smell the leather and shine spray on them!

Then I had Wimbledon the following weekend which was equally amazing, it was my first ever tennis match and I was spoilt by watching Serena Williams, Nadal and Murray all on the same day on centre court! Watching the best of the best in tennis right in front of me, seeing and hearing the power at which they hit the ball. Wow.

Yesterday I was at Silverstone for the F1 race, I was lucky to have paddock passes and could walk around and be among the drivers and cars...walking down the Grid was the strangest experience, seeing drivers of another kind to me, how they prepare and watching the team get the cars ready. Schumacher was so calm, and even asked how I was minuets before he was ready to get in his car to drive at a crazy speed! Half wish I could of jumped in the car instead of him!