WHEELER OLYMPICS JOURNAL: Lifelong dream comes true with Olympic medal
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by Adam Wheeler
BEIJING, China - As many of you know, one of my lifelong dreams came true last night when I won an Olympic medal.
It was honestly better than I ever imagined it would be. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be here in Beijing, and better yet to be leaving with a medal.
I have so many people to thank, and really appreciate all the support from everyone. I have received hundreds of e-mails over my two-week stay here in China, and I am thankful for every single one. I really want to say a special thanks to all my family and friends here, and back at home. The support means more to me than anything else, and it is because of all of you that I am here today.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Today was a pretty relaxed day - the rest of my 19 fans from the USA arrived today.It is great to have such a huge fan base here, and back in the USA. I am receiving emails and myspace messages from everyone, and I appreciate them all.
Today I worked out twice, and just stayed here at the Village and relaxed. I had some free time, and read all the information I need to start my new career when I get home.
I start the academy with the Colorado Springs Police Department when I get home, and I am very exited about that. I have always known I would get into Law Enforcement, that's why I spent five years in the Coast Guard, and got a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
Anyway, Spenser Mango weighs in tomorrow, and is the only one competing on Tuesday for our team. I have a feeling he is going to do very well. His workout partner, Willie Madison, has been by his side getting him prepared to show the world who he is. Our whole team is ready to rock. Wish us all luck.
Saturday, Aug. 9
BEIJING, China - Today was a great day because my family arrived. We had our normal practice schedule with two practices. After the evening practice I took a taxi to the XIJIAO Hotel where my friends and family are staying.
I actually ate in the city tonight for the first time since I have been here, and the food was great. I would say the weirdest thing that I ate tonight was Donkey, but it was very good.
Now my final weight cutting phase begins, which is about 20 pounds, but I am used to it. I am off the mat tomorrow, but will definitely be working out at the fitness center. Now the fun ends for a few days while I buckle down and just recover and lose a little weight.
Friday, Aug. 8
BEIJING, China - WOW!!! The opening ceremonies were more than I ever imagined them to be. We all started out getting dressed in our Ralph Lauren Polo suits. In my opinion, we were the best dressed country in the world, but everyone looked great.
The only downfall is the heat as almost everyone sweat completely through there shirts, but it was worth it. All the the USA teams met at one location in preparation for walking out through the field. I actually got to meet all the NBA stars such as Kobe, Carmelo, and Jason Kidd. It was a really great experience.
I actually walked all the way to the stadium right next to those guys. You should have heard the crowd going crazy for Kobe Bryant. Anyway, the highlight of the night for me was getting to meet President George Bush. I actually spoke with him for one brief second, shook his hand, and we all took some pictures.
It was a great experience. When we actually made it into the stadium it was huge. There was something like 100,000 people in there. It was awesome. When Yao Ming walked in carrying the Chinese flag the place erupted. It was a time in my life that I will never forget, the funny thing was at the end Jackie Chan was right there in front of us dancing and singing on stage.
But that was not the end, when we were all done and into our buses heading back to the Olympic Village. I saw Alexander Karelin, the best wrestler ever. He was just casually walking down the street.
I really wish all my family and friends back home were able to be here with me, especially my wife Marley. She would have loved it.
Thursday, Aug. 7
BEIJING, China - Today was a great day. First of all, we had an early morning practice as usual, and I got a very good workout in with R.C. Johnson.
Then toward the end of practice Olympic champion Rulon Gardner came in to help the team, and also wrestled around with some of the other guys. It was cool for me, because I have known him for a long time and he is one of the guys that I have looked up to in wrestling.
After practice, we did what most people do when they come to China. We visited the Great Wall. This thing is awesome. It is way bigger than I imagined, and was actually like hiking the incline in Colorado Springs. But we could not have asked for a better way to get a workout.
The NBC crew and Rulon were also all on the trip over with us. It was a great time, and one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
BEIJING, China - We ended up going into town with our Team Leader, John Bardis, on Tuesday. On the way there we got into a couple conversations with John, and just talking to him made me realize that he just may be the smartest guy I know. He seems to have a lot of great knowledge about a lot of different things.
When we finally got into the shopping center, John right away took us to a tailor shop to get us custom-made suits. It was awesome, he is being very generous to our team, and I am very grateful for everything that he is doing for us.
This morning we had our mat practice, and I wrestled R.C. Johnson in a match. He is so tough, and is helping me out tremendously. He has been there for every one of my needs on this trip, and before in our preparation for the Olympics. It is great to have someone here like him, because we have been good friends and training partners since college.
R.C. and the rest of the training partners got to come hang out at the Olympic Village, then we have evening practice back at Beijing Normal University. I hope we get our rematch with the old folks in soccer.
I just met some really cool athletes. We had our 24 Hour Fitness press conference, and there was Jason Williams, Kelly Walsh and many others present.
It is great to have such a great company behind me and supporting me. Also present tonight was the head coach for the men's basketball team. The other athletes that are sponsored by 24 Hour Fitness all seem very cool. I got the chance to hang out with Judo's Brian Olson and Adler Volmar, and Carissa Gump from weightlifting. It was a good time.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
BEIJING, China - The press conference went very well yesterday. Our team tried to make it fun and interesting rather than just answering the questions in a formal manner.
It was awesome to be up there and speak in front of so many reporters and such. At first, I thought I would be nervous, but I felt very good about the way I responded to my questions. They mostly talked about how I feel about having a team with such a wide age group and very different backgrounds. I think it just adds character to the team.
After the press conference, Brad Vering and I went over to the fitness center to get a workout in. It is a very nice facility, but is starting to get a little crowded.
Today, we have only one scheduled practice, and may go into town beforehand for a little shopping and sightseeing.
Monday, Aug. 4
BEIJING, China - Last night during our cross-training practice we played soccer.
The teams were split up - the old guys vs. the young guys - and I was on the young guys team unfortunately. We lost 2-0, and the only one to score a goal was our strength coach Mike. But it was a great workout and a lot of fun.
Today will be a very busy day. We have wrestling practice at 10 a.m., then straight to a press conference, and after that we have our evening practice.
We are traveling about 15 minutes by bus from the Olympic Village to Beijing Normal University, where we are training. This is also where our workout partners and a couple of the coaches are staying.
Last year, I was a training partner for Justin Ruiz, trying to help him get ready for the World Championships. This year, I decided to bring R.C. Johnson. We have been good friends for a while. We both wrestled together at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in college. He actually is one of the reasons I went there, because I knew he was a good wrestler. He helped me get introduced to the coach. He is doing great so far helping me get ready. I owe him huge.
Sunday, Aug. 3
BEIJING, China - Today was great so far. I woke up early and found the fitness center. It was very nice and huge. The staff in there were very helpful.
After I worked out, I met up with the rest of the team for lunch. We decided to go walking around outside. The Olympic Village is huge and it was a very hot and humid walk. I thought Byers was going to melt.
We are finally familiar with everything around the Olympic Village, and are going to rest for a couple hours before our first scheduled practice.
From here on out, we will have two scheduled workouts a day to make our final preparations before the competition. We can't wait. The whole team is getting excited to compete.
Saturday, Aug. 2
BEIJING, China - Today was a very weird day, because we left on a flight Friday afternoon and landed on Saturday over in China.
They are 15 hours ahead of California. The flight over was the best flight that I have ever been on. You could feel a sense of pride throughout the whole plane. We had athletes from a lot of different sports on our flight, and it was great to get to meet some of them.
The flight actually seemed to go by pretty fast for me, even though it was a 13-hour flight. When we landed it was very organized and we got through all the security procedures very quickly. When we walked out of the customs area there were hundreds of reporters there taking pictures, etc.
We finally got to the bus and headed toward the Olympic Village. The whole way there were thousands of Olympic flags and signs. It was awesome. The city was very beautiful, and the Olympic Village is unbelievable. I am finally here and I am loving every minute of it.
Thursday, July 31
SAN JOSE, Calif. - We just got through doing our Olympic Team processing in San Jose, which made for a very long day. But trust me it was worth it.
We received a lot of very nice clothes, gear, etc., plus our Team Leader John Bardis was nice enough to get us all video cameras.
We had a class today where our instructor was (past U.S. soccer standout) Brandi Chastain, which I thought was cool just to get to meet her.
We are all tired now, and just getting ready to leave for Beijing in the morning.
It will be a long flight, but I don't think you will hear anyone complain about going on this trip. For me, it is such an honor to represent the USA and I can't wait to get to China.
It was honestly better than I ever imagined it would be. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be here in Beijing, and better yet to be leaving with a medal.
I have so many people to thank, and really appreciate all the support from everyone. I have received hundreds of e-mails over my two-week stay here in China, and I am thankful for every single one. I really want to say a special thanks to all my family and friends here, and back at home. The support means more to me than anything else, and it is because of all of you that I am here today.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Today was a pretty relaxed day - the rest of my 19 fans from the USA arrived today.It is great to have such a huge fan base here, and back in the USA. I am receiving emails and myspace messages from everyone, and I appreciate them all.
Today I worked out twice, and just stayed here at the Village and relaxed. I had some free time, and read all the information I need to start my new career when I get home.
I start the academy with the Colorado Springs Police Department when I get home, and I am very exited about that. I have always known I would get into Law Enforcement, that's why I spent five years in the Coast Guard, and got a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
Anyway, Spenser Mango weighs in tomorrow, and is the only one competing on Tuesday for our team. I have a feeling he is going to do very well. His workout partner, Willie Madison, has been by his side getting him prepared to show the world who he is. Our whole team is ready to rock. Wish us all luck.
Saturday, Aug. 9
BEIJING, China - Today was a great day because my family arrived. We had our normal practice schedule with two practices. After the evening practice I took a taxi to the XIJIAO Hotel where my friends and family are staying.
I actually ate in the city tonight for the first time since I have been here, and the food was great. I would say the weirdest thing that I ate tonight was Donkey, but it was very good.
Now my final weight cutting phase begins, which is about 20 pounds, but I am used to it. I am off the mat tomorrow, but will definitely be working out at the fitness center. Now the fun ends for a few days while I buckle down and just recover and lose a little weight.
Friday, Aug. 8
BEIJING, China - WOW!!! The opening ceremonies were more than I ever imagined them to be. We all started out getting dressed in our Ralph Lauren Polo suits. In my opinion, we were the best dressed country in the world, but everyone looked great.
The only downfall is the heat as almost everyone sweat completely through there shirts, but it was worth it. All the the USA teams met at one location in preparation for walking out through the field. I actually got to meet all the NBA stars such as Kobe, Carmelo, and Jason Kidd. It was a really great experience.
I actually walked all the way to the stadium right next to those guys. You should have heard the crowd going crazy for Kobe Bryant. Anyway, the highlight of the night for me was getting to meet President George Bush. I actually spoke with him for one brief second, shook his hand, and we all took some pictures.
It was a great experience. When we actually made it into the stadium it was huge. There was something like 100,000 people in there. It was awesome. When Yao Ming walked in carrying the Chinese flag the place erupted. It was a time in my life that I will never forget, the funny thing was at the end Jackie Chan was right there in front of us dancing and singing on stage.
But that was not the end, when we were all done and into our buses heading back to the Olympic Village. I saw Alexander Karelin, the best wrestler ever. He was just casually walking down the street.
I really wish all my family and friends back home were able to be here with me, especially my wife Marley. She would have loved it.
Thursday, Aug. 7
BEIJING, China - Today was a great day. First of all, we had an early morning practice as usual, and I got a very good workout in with R.C. Johnson.
Then toward the end of practice Olympic champion Rulon Gardner came in to help the team, and also wrestled around with some of the other guys. It was cool for me, because I have known him for a long time and he is one of the guys that I have looked up to in wrestling.
After practice, we did what most people do when they come to China. We visited the Great Wall. This thing is awesome. It is way bigger than I imagined, and was actually like hiking the incline in Colorado Springs. But we could not have asked for a better way to get a workout.
The NBC crew and Rulon were also all on the trip over with us. It was a great time, and one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
BEIJING, China - We ended up going into town with our Team Leader, John Bardis, on Tuesday. On the way there we got into a couple conversations with John, and just talking to him made me realize that he just may be the smartest guy I know. He seems to have a lot of great knowledge about a lot of different things.
When we finally got into the shopping center, John right away took us to a tailor shop to get us custom-made suits. It was awesome, he is being very generous to our team, and I am very grateful for everything that he is doing for us.
This morning we had our mat practice, and I wrestled R.C. Johnson in a match. He is so tough, and is helping me out tremendously. He has been there for every one of my needs on this trip, and before in our preparation for the Olympics. It is great to have someone here like him, because we have been good friends and training partners since college.
R.C. and the rest of the training partners got to come hang out at the Olympic Village, then we have evening practice back at Beijing Normal University. I hope we get our rematch with the old folks in soccer.
I just met some really cool athletes. We had our 24 Hour Fitness press conference, and there was Jason Williams, Kelly Walsh and many others present.
It is great to have such a great company behind me and supporting me. Also present tonight was the head coach for the men's basketball team. The other athletes that are sponsored by 24 Hour Fitness all seem very cool. I got the chance to hang out with Judo's Brian Olson and Adler Volmar, and Carissa Gump from weightlifting. It was a good time.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
BEIJING, China - The press conference went very well yesterday. Our team tried to make it fun and interesting rather than just answering the questions in a formal manner.
It was awesome to be up there and speak in front of so many reporters and such. At first, I thought I would be nervous, but I felt very good about the way I responded to my questions. They mostly talked about how I feel about having a team with such a wide age group and very different backgrounds. I think it just adds character to the team.
After the press conference, Brad Vering and I went over to the fitness center to get a workout in. It is a very nice facility, but is starting to get a little crowded.
Today, we have only one scheduled practice, and may go into town beforehand for a little shopping and sightseeing.
Monday, Aug. 4
BEIJING, China - Last night during our cross-training practice we played soccer.
The teams were split up - the old guys vs. the young guys - and I was on the young guys team unfortunately. We lost 2-0, and the only one to score a goal was our strength coach Mike. But it was a great workout and a lot of fun.
Today will be a very busy day. We have wrestling practice at 10 a.m., then straight to a press conference, and after that we have our evening practice.
We are traveling about 15 minutes by bus from the Olympic Village to Beijing Normal University, where we are training. This is also where our workout partners and a couple of the coaches are staying.
Last year, I was a training partner for Justin Ruiz, trying to help him get ready for the World Championships. This year, I decided to bring R.C. Johnson. We have been good friends for a while. We both wrestled together at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in college. He actually is one of the reasons I went there, because I knew he was a good wrestler. He helped me get introduced to the coach. He is doing great so far helping me get ready. I owe him huge.
Sunday, Aug. 3
BEIJING, China - Today was great so far. I woke up early and found the fitness center. It was very nice and huge. The staff in there were very helpful.
After I worked out, I met up with the rest of the team for lunch. We decided to go walking around outside. The Olympic Village is huge and it was a very hot and humid walk. I thought Byers was going to melt.
We are finally familiar with everything around the Olympic Village, and are going to rest for a couple hours before our first scheduled practice.
From here on out, we will have two scheduled workouts a day to make our final preparations before the competition. We can't wait. The whole team is getting excited to compete.
Saturday, Aug. 2
BEIJING, China - Today was a very weird day, because we left on a flight Friday afternoon and landed on Saturday over in China.
They are 15 hours ahead of California. The flight over was the best flight that I have ever been on. You could feel a sense of pride throughout the whole plane. We had athletes from a lot of different sports on our flight, and it was great to get to meet some of them.
The flight actually seemed to go by pretty fast for me, even though it was a 13-hour flight. When we landed it was very organized and we got through all the security procedures very quickly. When we walked out of the customs area there were hundreds of reporters there taking pictures, etc.
We finally got to the bus and headed toward the Olympic Village. The whole way there were thousands of Olympic flags and signs. It was awesome. The city was very beautiful, and the Olympic Village is unbelievable. I am finally here and I am loving every minute of it.
Thursday, July 31
SAN JOSE, Calif. - We just got through doing our Olympic Team processing in San Jose, which made for a very long day. But trust me it was worth it.
We received a lot of very nice clothes, gear, etc., plus our Team Leader John Bardis was nice enough to get us all video cameras.
We had a class today where our instructor was (past U.S. soccer standout) Brandi Chastain, which I thought was cool just to get to meet her.
We are all tired now, and just getting ready to leave for Beijing in the morning.
It will be a long flight, but I don't think you will hear anyone complain about going on this trip. For me, it is such an honor to represent the USA and I can't wait to get to China.
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