11 Feb 2010
Hi everyone

Well, the Games are getting nearer. I’m now based in the athletes’ village in Whistler, helping to look after all the teams who are coming up here. It’s a great and inspiring place – everywhere you go, you see people who are trying to fulfil their dreams.

The dining room is a focal point. When I first got here a few days ago, meal times were reasonably quiet affairs. Now the place is packed with hundreds of athletes, coaches and officials from all over the world. You can’t miss the Ukraine and Sweden teams, who both have bright blue and yellow kit, and stand out in any crowd.

But what’s really good to see is the camaraderie between the athletes. I was having lunch with AJ Rosen, our luge athlete, and our conversation was regularly interrupted by lugers from around the world coming up to say hello, give him a hug and wish him well.

As you might know, AJ had a big crash four months ago and has had to work very hard to get himself fit for these Games. He’s one of sport’s real good guys – enthusiastic, dedicated and unfailingly polite – and it was brilliant to see this succession of his competitors come over to wish him well.
He’s one of our first athletes to start competing, and of course he’ll be one of the first to finish, but I know AJ’s then keen to get out and see his team-mates in competition. That’s one of the aspects that makes these Games special – team-mates backing you behind the scenes and then, if they can, coming along to cheer you in person.

For those of us who aren’t quite so athletic – those of us whose accreditation says “official” rather than “athlete”, it’s the familiar story of the swan – wildly kicking away under the water, but a picture of untroubled elegance on the surface.

The headquarters teams in Whistler and Vancouver, and over the preparation camp in Calgary, are all putting in some serious hours to make sure everything runs according to plan, and to ensure that our athletes can make the most of this fantastic opportunity. They’re the Best of British, and we really are proud of them.

I’ll get back to you again soon