Diary from Beijing: Meeting Bush Sr.
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APRIL STEINER BENNETT, FOR THE TRIBUNE
April Steiner Bennett, a Mesa Mountain View graduate who is making her Olympic debut, will be writing a diary for the Tribune during her time in Beijing. Steiner Bennett also attended Paradise Valley Community College before transferring to Arkansas, where she was a three-time NCAA Indoor women’s pole vault champion. She won a silver medal at the 2007 Pan Am Games and was also a winner of a 2004 episode of the TV show Fear Factor, where she ate worm green beans, maggoty mashed potatoes and roach stuffing.
AUGUST 7, 2008 - Meeting Bush Sr.
Can you believe it... I am sitting in Beijing, China and feeling like I am on top of the world! The Olympic Village has a sort of magical feel to it, passing other Olympians from other countries and wondering what their sport is that made their dream come true. As well as getting to know our own team (595 members!) and all of their disciplines... It’s fascinating. The Chinese hospitality has been fabulous. I believe that I am 15 hours ahead of Arizona time so it’s crazy to phone home, and talk to mom and dad who are a half a day behind me!
Funny thing happened today… George Bush Sr. made a trip to BNU, the university which the Americans have taken over as a training site for all of our teams, and apparently he took on one of the table tennis athletes (ping pong!). He stepped in and watched the judo crew in one of their hardest practices this week, then he made his way out and of course... who wouldn't stick around to shake the hand of a President of the United States! So I waited near his car, mingling with secret service, patiently waiting to give him a gift from the U.S. Track and Field team, just some team gear and a couple track hats. So when he came out, he didn’t hesitate to come over to our little group and shake hands. Adam Nelson, who is a shot-putter (two-time Olympic silver medalist!) chit chatted for a bit, then it was my turn. He is sooo sweet, and has the charisma that a sweet grandpa has. He shook my hand and I introduced myself as a pole vaulter, then he told me a silly pole vault joke and we all laughed. Then he pulled me in -- mind you that he never let go of my had through the entire joke -- and spun me around so I was backwards, and gave me a great big hug! Ha. It was priceless. Then as he got into his car, he rolled down his window... he had put on one of the USA Track and Field hats that was in the bag and yelled “APRIL"! and gave me a big smile and wave... He was so wonderful and just loving his trip!
That was the highlight of my day
So much more I could spill but I will save some for later... What an amazing experience, and really, it’s all about the journey right? I am anxiously awaiting that Olympic moment… walking into the stadium in the opening ceremonies and feeling that Olympic energy I have been waiting for since I was 12 years old!
April Steiner blogs from Beijing
- rainbowgirl28
- I'm in Charge
- Posts: 30435
- Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 1:59 pm
- Expertise: Former College Vaulter, I coach and officiate as life allows
- Lifetime Best: 11'6"
- Gender: Female
- World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
- Favorite Vaulter: Casey Carrigan
- Location: A Temperate Island
- Contact:
April Steiner blogs from Beijing
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/122632
- rainbowgirl28
- I'm in Charge
- Posts: 30435
- Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 1:59 pm
- Expertise: Former College Vaulter, I coach and officiate as life allows
- Lifetime Best: 11'6"
- Gender: Female
- World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
- Favorite Vaulter: Casey Carrigan
- Location: A Temperate Island
- Contact:
Re: April Steiner blogs from Beijing
April's Myspace blog has an awesome picture of her with George Bush Sr
http://www.myspace.com/aprilvault16
http://www.myspace.com/aprilvault16
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