Dare to Dream: Next Stop London by Sarah Clark

Dare to Dream: Next stop London 2012 by Sarah Clark

In my new kit, after the Team GB kit distribution yesterday and on my way to the Olympic Village, I have had some time to reflect on the last few weeks and some of the things that have been going on in my life. Of course, it's the Olympic Games - that's what's been happening, and that's what I've been focused on. Everything in my life recently has been focused on my upcoming fight day - Monday 30th July 2012, -57kg.

Since being officially selected as a member of Team GB, I have attended training camps in Czech and also our final preparation camp whish was in Dartford. Following the Dartford camp, I then had four days at home, one day kitting out and now I find myself about to enter the Olympic Village. It's a mixture of emotions really. I believe my past experience will allow me to take in the atmosphere of the Olympics over the next couple of days, and not allow myself to become distracted from the real reason to why I am here – Monday 30 July. I will have plenty of time to enjoy London after my competition to take it all in, support other GB athletes, and to see 'inside the Games'. Of course, I am excited but I also have lots of other feelings. I am nervous, happy, full of energy, sometimes tired, sometimes hungry. There's a bundle of emotions going on inside, all clashing and colliding. Most of all, I can't wait to fight, compete and to perform! This is why I do judo. This is what all the hard work and training is all about. That's not to say there hasn't been up's and downs on the way! Only last week, I had to go to the doctor as I was 'struggling to go to the loo'. Not good when you're training very hard, trying to lose weight and your tummy feels like a bowling ball! Well, my sports doctor seemed to help to get things moving again (ahem, sorry) with some delicious (not) 'special green shakes' (see photo below). This unforeseen 'stress' causes added stress to my life in general and I become a bit of a pain to those closest to me who were trying to help. I can only apologize to them. However, being a pain is very unlike me, it was short lived and I became 'happy' Sarah again (well, some may debate that)!

So, yesterday was kitting out day in Loughborough. It was great and very exciting. I've done kitting out before for an Olympics, but this was different. This was an 'experience'. This was something that was designed to make a lasting impression, and is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. We were allowed to take photos (in most areas) and everybody maximized this opportunity. Judo Twitter, Facebook and Blogs would have been very hot yesterday. I will update you very soon with my 'experience' and I will also include my entry to the Village. I can see the stadium now.............

Sarah Clark