Friday, August 22, 2008

Amazed!!!

Well everybody, it really happened...I competed in the Olympic Games...WOW!!! It was such an amazing experience. Walking into the stadium for competition was unforgettable. At 10 in the morning it was a packed house! There had to have been 50, 000 people in attendance, and you could tell they were pumped for a good show. The energy in the air was great! The crowd was super into it and would cheer after every throw, during every race, after every jump and I was loving it! My competition started off good with a solid mark of 67.87m. I felt confident that I was going to build from there. My second throw felt great. I thought it was a good throw leaving my hands until I saw where it was headed. It went about 70+ meters and that would have gotten me through to the finals. Unfortunately, it was about 2 meters outside the left sector so it didn't count. My third throw I knew I just had to go for it and give it all I had. Sadly, it also fouled so I didn't advance to the final. I was honestly shocked because I never thought that I wouldn't make it to the finals so I can compete for a medal. After thinking about it and talking it over with Dr. V, I decided that I did all I could do and don't regret anything. I was aggressive and gave it my all. I'm so thankful that I've been able to have this opportunity. I felt like I made the most of my experience and can't wait for next season. I'm more excited than ever because I just got my first taste of what I've been craving for so long and now I'm just more hooked. That's all for now, but check back soon for pictures from my trip in Beijing. Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the continued love and support. Your generosity was was a tremendous blessing to me, my coach, and family.

Love and Blessings,
Amber

Monday, August 18, 2008

Team Campbell reporting from Beijing

Hi all.
What a way to start my first day in China.. Without a doubt Beijing is the most foreign place that I have ever been but the people have been very nice and supported the US Athletes as they did their own. It has been and will continue to be an amazing experience and I thank Amber for allowing us to tag along on her journey. As Brian (aka Big B) mentioned 21 out of 50 in the world is an amazing accomplishment but also having the best throw ever by an American in the Olympics made Team Campbell proud (Although just seeing her in the USA uniform was enough for me). Her second throw fouled but according to Coach Dave, It was huge and would have secured a spot in the Finals (It only take one). So chalk this one up as a very exiting learning experience and we will build on this in preparation for the 2012 games in London.

So the plans for the week are just to relax, enjoy the rest of the games and see the sites. Anyway until next time over and out from Beijing.

dc

Going Platinum

Amber's goal of representing the USA in the Olympics in her chosen sport of the Hammer has been achieved. She represented well placing 21st in a field of 50 strong competitors. There is a lot to say about the amount of skill that she has and the effort and determination that has gotten Amber to Beijing. So I want to say thank you to all of you for your support on behalf of Amber. I am sure that she will send out an update to say thanks personally after she is done sampling the Chinese equal to Buffalo Wings.
Thanks From Team Campbell.

You can send Amber emails at ambercampbellthrows@comcast.net

Peace
Brian

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Bib number 3145

That is the number Amber will be wearing.  She is throwing in Group B.  Loree and Jessica are throwing in Group A.  
Team Campbell is on the ground and at the Bird's Nest.

The Athlete list is up for Track and Field

There are 30 Countries with entrants in the Women's Hammer Throw.  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2008/results/ATW054.html#ATW0549
Cut and paste the above line into your browser if you are interested in getting more information.  The event starts in a few hours.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Team Campbell on the way

Ladies and Gentlemen be on the look out, Team Campbell is on it's way to Beijing.  Mike, Evette and Donnie are all in the air and on their way to China.  We pray for safe and smooth flights.  
The Women's Hammer Throw Qualifying Rounds are to start at 10:40 AM on 8/18 in Beijing.  USA EST will be 10:40 PM 8/17 (Sunday).  NBC is supposed to be showing online or on TV.  Check WWW.ambercampbellthrows.blogspot.com on Sunday for an update.  As more information is made available the site will be updated.
Peace.
Brian

Monday, August 11, 2008

1 Week To Go!

Seven days from now, I'll be competing in my first Olympic Games! Wow, its been a ton of hard work, but its all about to pay off. I'm leaving tomorrow morning to head back into the athlete's village in Beijing for a couple more training sessions before the qualifying round on the 18Th. This year's games will be one of the most exciting ever! Not just because I'll be participating (well maybe a little) but because every year America's talent gets better and better. I'm predicting there will be a lot of upsets and surprises. You'll just have to make sure you stay glued to the Games so you won't miss a thing! Thanks again for all the support that everybody has been sending to me and my family. We greatly appreciate all the love and prayers. Keep them coming as we are heading into the home stretch. Go USA!

Peace and Blessings,
Amber

Friday, August 8, 2008

Life in training camp

So I'm here in Dalian, China at our training camp outside of Beijing. I finally have a day off from training and just wanted to fill everybody in on how things are going. My practices since arriving have been great. I'm continuing to work on the things that my coach Dr. V and I have been focusing on since the trials, and I'm gaining distance everyday. The lifting facility that we have to use is pretty rustic and leaves a lot to be desired, but it gets the job done. The hotel where we're staying is a nice beach front getaway that's quiet and lets us focus and be away from all of the commotion of Beijing. Right now the daily schedule is breakfast, throwing practice, lunch, down-time, afternoon training, and dinner. Perfect!! I hope everyone tunes in tonight to opening ceremonies in the "Bird's Nest" which is where I will be competing also. I'll be checking in again soon to keep you all filled in on my last couple weeks leading up to the competition.

Love and Blessings,
Amber

Sunday, August 3, 2008

TOUCH DOWN!!!!

I MADE IT!!!!! I arrived safely in Beijing yesterday afternoon. The plane ride over was surprisingly easy. I was fortunate enough to have the middle row of 4 seats shared with only my friend Loree. So we got to spread out and relax. The Olympic village is really nice. The dinning hall has lots of variety from many different countries and there's even a McDonald's inside! For my first meal I decided not to be adventurous and went for just some grilled chicken, broccoli, and a salad. Well, now I'm off to pack for the training camp at Dalian. We leave sometime today. I guess I should find out when that is, LOL!

Peace and Blessings,
Amber

Friday, August 1, 2008

Today is D-Day

You know Departure Day for Amber. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you to all of the supporters that have given time, money, and just moral support to Amber and the rest of Team Campbell. Without God and your help the dream would just be a dream. Not a dream coming true. So thanks to all of you. We appreciate it all the help from Amber's fans in Myrtle Beach, Austin, Boston, Indianapolis, Stockton, San Diego, Cincinnati, Bloomfield, Sacramento, Tucumcari, and where ever you maybe.
Do not forget Women's Hammer Throw is on the 18th and 20th of August. Beijing is 12 Hours ahead of the East Coast here in the US.

GO TEAM USA!!!!
GO TEAM CAMPBELL!!!!!!
GO AMBER!!!!!

Twitter AmberCampbellThrows

Throws Information

Throwing formats
In Olympic throwing events -- men's and women's shot put, discus, hammer and javelin -- the competition begins with a qualifying round in which the entire field is divided into two or more groups. In this round, competitors take turns attempting to reach a pre-set distance that automatically advances them to the final. If fewer than 12 athletes meet the distance required from direct qualification, the 12 competitors with the best throws, plus any athletes tying for 12th, advance to the final. In the final round, competitors take turns until each has attempted three throws. At this point, the top eight-ranked competitors (plus ties) receive three more throws. The best throw of the six is counted and the athlete with the longest throw is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the second-best throw is consulted.

Amber In her MJOLNIR Armor

Amber In her MJOLNIR Armor
Amber takes Gold at the Indoor Nationals

Olympic Trials 2008

Celebrating with the Campbell's

Indoor Championship 2009