Wednesday, July 27, 2011

ONE YEAR OUT

I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but today we have exactly ONE YEAR until the start of the Olympic Games in London. Can you believe we are this close already? I can't. It doesn't seem like Beijing was that long ago. I guess the old adage is true: Time waits for no man! And speaking of time flying there is only one month until the start of this year's World Championships in South Korea. My last series of meets really made this month pass quickly. The last meet I went to was in Podova, Italy, and I LOVE going to Italy. Its such a pretty country and the bonus of that trip was I won my last competition before I came home. The double bonus was that I was able to spend an afternoon in Venice riding on the canal, taking pictures, and eating gelato!


On a whole different note!

I just wanted to share a bit of my personal life with you all...



Life, in my opinion, is a series of events and milestones that shape and define our lives. If we are lucky, we even get to share it with people we love. This weekend I was able to witness my oldest brother beginning a new life with his wife. It was so wonderful to see their expression of love for each other. It was also the first time in a long while that all of my brothers and I have been together for any reason. This was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time!






Love and Blessings,

Amber

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Cork, Ireland

Let me first say Ireland is beautiful, and the people are super friendly! I'm staying at a great place called Edenhall @ The Village. We have these cute little suite style rooms with private bathrooms (bonus)! The track was located really close to our accommodations, so it was very convenient. A big thank you to all of the staff who made my stay and this event so warm and welcoming! And a special shout out to my girl Tianna Madison for fixing my computer so I can not die from boredom...check out her blog too at: TiannaMadison.com.

The competition today on paper was not at all what I had planned in my head. The original plan was to open up with a solid mark, and then let loose and see just how far I could get my hammer to fly. What happened in reality was a foul on my first throw that was indeed solid at about 68-70m, but the official said I stepped on top of the ring. Ok, I see how this day is going to shape up so being cautious I wasn't as aggressive as I wanted to be. With a few more foot fouls that flew well and safety throws, I finished in second place. But its a good warm up for the meet in Reims, France on Tuesday.

Yesterday on Facebook I posted an inspiring link from womentalksports.com featuring my friend Olympian Shot Putter Michelle Carter. It talked about competing to win, instead of competing to just not lose. About the battle that we as athletes go through between striving toward our best and fighting off self doubt and second guessing ourselves. That article really spoke to me because in a season where I'm building on new and better technique, I've had some inconsistencies. I've had some really good days, and some really bad days, but the key is to stay focused and know that I'm getting better with each new experience. I know that in order to reach Olympic Gold, I have to remain strong and committed to my goal. Everyday and every competition is a new chance to do something I've never done before.

Peace and Blessings,
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