The CanAmMex Experience

I just got back from watching another segment of our development program in action, the JRM Development Camp and their CanAmMex athletes and the JRW Camp and their CanAmMex athletes. Without exception, they all came a long way during their month of high level training and the racing results speak for themselves. Seeing these developmental athletes race against the college athlete in the Intermediate events during Club Nationals then have the opportunity to race their peers from Canada and Mexico, their climb up the long ladder of elite level, international racing has truly begun.

The CanAmMex experience that 13 boys and 13 girls had the chance to take part in was a great opportunity to not only see how you stack up with neighboring nations' high level junior athletes but is the first chance to hear 'USA!, USA!, USA! shouted from the shore and then have your medal photos taken in front of your country's flag! It was special moment for everyone and the smiles told the real story. The training week leading up to the racing was a lot of fun (all carefully choregraphed by Coach Andrea Buch) that included a kick-off welcoming reception on the deck overlooking the starting area, a Friday night dance party at a local Knoxville establishment, and finished up with a post-racing awards ceremony and real Southern Style BBQ! And, I almost forgot, there was lot of racing going on every day as part of Club Nationals that allowed the teams to work out final line-ups in prep for the CanAmMex racing....and yes.......you knew it was coming....it was very HOT!

All-in-all it was great week, the racing was fantastic with the most exciting race award being given to the JRM 4X with a nail-biting finish and the USA 4x coached by Pat Quinn grabbing the gold! We are already looking forward to the CanAmMex 2011 that is being planned by our neighbor to the north!

On Monday I head off to the Racice in the Czech Republic to get things ready for the 64 athletes and coaches that will be arriving the end of next week for their final week of training prior to the start of Worlds. I will add to the blog daily with 'racing insider stuff'' and I will be collaborating with Doc Walkley (the Team USA Doctor) to give you a daily insight , through photos, and possibly some video, into the venue, the surrounding area, Prague and, of course, our athletes in action!

Stay cool.......