While all the main action is happening in the main venues and around the London area, I learned the U.S. had a training center for several teams who need to train, practice and have sports treatments prior to their competitions. Emily Cox, from the Olympic Training in Chula Vista, is also the media relations coordinator for the center at the East University of London. She has been helpful and said Taekwondo was practicing and would be ready for me at 3:30.
I didn’t know anything about Taekwondo, but to meet some atheltes in a different venue seemed interesting, and turns out, it was even more than I expected.
I took the Overground Dockland Light Rail System (DLR) about a half hour, with one transfer, to the University. Emily met me and we walked through the fairly modern but small campus on the banks of the river. We entered a sports complex that had beautiful signs saying “Welcome Team USA,” and murals of various athletes over time competing and achieving great things. Emily introduced me to Bill Kellick, the media relations liason for the sport, and he walked me through what I was going to see… and hear! Three of the four members of Team USA Taekwondo were there practicing with their two coaches. What I’d come to learn, was that one of the coaches is the older brother to two of his siblings who are on the team! It’s the Lopez family — well-known in this area of athletics, but new to me.
For an hour I watched them work out, and work out hard. With their perfectly placed kicks, loud and consistent “yells” as they exerted energy kicking or “attacking” their practice partners, and the intensity yet confidence on their faces, I felt in the presence of serious competitors.
I plan to write more and produce a video on the team, including the siblings. Apparently much has been done on them. But considering my focus has not been Olympic sports prior to this trip, I am glad to be aware of their story and the influence they have on others — especially by teaching and sharing this artistic martial art that is practiced in neighborhoods and around the world.
So, as you’ll see in a future segment… that ride for a behind the scenes look, certainly was a train to intensity.
After the interviews, I headed back toward the DLR, and stopped to chat with four friendly Police Officers in traditional tall British hats. One of them, Phil (on the right) had been to San Diego several years ago, and enjoyed Coronado and the Zoo.
Then, on the train, three guys hopped on a few stops down. I looked at one’s badge, and it said You Tube. “How cool that you work for You Tube. I love You Tube and use it for my website!” Turns out, they are mostly with the Bleacher Report and this is a special project. When I shared I liked Bleacher Report and have used it when doing a search on someone for an interview, mainly baseball in San Diego, one of the guys asked my name, and said, “I think I follow you on Twitter!” Crazy. I could tell that our small-world conversation was entertaining those around us, as I noticed smiles and chuckles as we talked shop and exchanged info. You really just don’t know who you might meet… and if you’re looking for opportunities… and to connect, you just have to be willing to speak up and share your story…wherever you are (almost!)