Allyson Felix of the US runs to silver in the 200m at the 2004 Olympics (© Getty Images)
Double World 200m champion Allyson Felix checks in from the U.S. team training camp in Dalian, China, where she's finalising her preparations for her second Olymic Games.
"Hi Everybody,
"It's hard to believe that the Olympics are just around the corner. I arrived in Beijing on 4 Aug. and now I am at the U.S. training camp in Dalian.
"I will go to the Olympic village on the 10th. I've learned so much from my first Olympics in 2004 that I can use all those experiences for my benefit now. I'm anxious to start competing but also excited about executing my final practices. I'm definitely more relaxed this Olympics. I know what to expect and I'm very confident in my training. I handle the expectations by focusing on myself and my inner circle. I never take my concentration off my goals and what I need to do to accomplish them.
"My mom, dad, brother and aunt will all be coming to Beijing to support me. I'm very excited to have them here because it is like bringing a little piece of home with me.
"I haven't raced since running the 200m in London Grand Prix on 25 July and the 400m in Stockholm on 22 July.
"I ran very poorly in Stockholm and London because I was just exhausted. I had made trips back and forth to Europe and my legs were simply dead. My coach Bobby Kersee and I debated running the 200m in London because I was feeling fatigued so when I came off the curve and realized I couldn't shift to another gear I just cruised in as to prevent injury.
"I made the decision to skip the 100m the next day and go home to get some much needed rest and sharpness back. Now, I'm feeling great and where I need to be. I'm just working on specific areas in my race now. I'm emphasizing my start and working on my curve running along with keeping up my endurance.
"I've run five 200m this season, including the four rounds at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. It is less than I have ran before but I also didn't run many in 2004 before the games. I have been working hard in practice to make sure that I am ready even though I've raced sparingly.
"I've been spending my spare time trying to rest. I have also been doing some reading and playing my Nintendo ds which is one of my new favorite games.
"Thanks for all your support. Wish me the best!
Allyson