She was off early in order to get her transition area ready for changing from the swim to the run. The Serpentine is the water part of Hyde Park. It is fairly extensive right there in the middle of London just behind Buckingham Palace. It is also the home of hundreds of pigeons, ducks, geese and swans. (Joanna said we did not want to know the condition of the water.) The run course was around one section of the Serpentine and she did 2 laps so though we couldn't tell which swim cap was hers, we did see her running in her Canada uniform. Go Mommy go! The kids were most vocal in their support of Mommy, but their interest lags quite quickly, so it was a great thing that one of the several playgrounds of Hyde Park was very close. Also, right there was a practise ring for the police horses and two delighted them with some jumping. The rest of us were delighted with Joanna placing the top Canadian woman in her age group!
Joanna's best friend Menaka flew in Wed. morning and joined us for dinner and then the Opening Ceremonies which took place in Trafalgar Square -- nicknamed Triathlon Square for the next 4 days. There was big stage with loud music, lots of people milling around, a light rain the whole time, a parade of flags and lots of cheering. The British team is, of course, the largest. The other big groups are from USA, Canada and Mexico. Not exactly a big Olympic production, but a fun time.
At this late date I am finding out that there is actually athletic ability in our family--not a realization I grew up with, in spite of Uncle Werner being the South German handball champion one year, or whatever. Congratulations Joanna!
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