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Sunday, July 22, 2007

Duel in the Pool Photos and Archery



I know it took me forever but I have finally gotten my Brendan photos from the Duel in the Pool up here in the Gallery. If you want to see my other Duel photos go here.

If you haven't been following the the blog, I just want to announce that Lena's fiance, Ariel Bilbao, will be competing for their country of Argentina in the Pam American Games in Rio. The Archery competition begins on July 24th. The schedule and result can be found here. I know that we don't follow archery here on BHO, but this is a dream come true for Lena and Ariel, So GO ARIEL!

USA Men and Women swept the Medley relays in Rio today. Longhorn Ricky Berens swam the fly leg of that games record setting team. Great work Ricky! Congratulations!

Also USA Swimming National Championships, which run from July 31 to August 4th, still have tickets available.

posted by lala at 7/22/2007 02:30:00 PM

14 Comments:

  • Lala, what a great job you did with the Duel in the Pool pictures. Man you left out nothing. I love the shot of the boomers. Never saw or heard of them before. They must have put on some kind of show for all the fans there. The one guy looks like he could hop just like a kangaroo.

    Thank you for sharing all you photos, like I said...I doubt you missed one single person in the entire meet!

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 7/24/2007 9:59 AM  

  • Haha! Thanks MrsH! I loved those boomers too. That is what Australians call big male kangaroos. (This pair was anatomically correct.) This company of performers were out front of the pool every day at Wolrd Champions and Duel. They were offering everyone to have their photos taken with them and I never did, but I found out the last day that they gave you a copy of the photo for free! Usually they were dressed as lifeguards, but I recognized these guys as having been there dressed as muscle men. Very funny guys. They were on these gaint curved stilt like things that sort of work like springs.

    Today I found Brendan's friend/Longhorn Dale Rogers' final from the 100 free at Pan Ams on youtube. If I didn't know better I would have thought he was Brendan.

    I am trying to decide if we wanna do an abreviated Predictions Contest for Nationals. Does anyone want to play? It should be interesting as there are alot of usual suspects not competing and this is the time for some different people to be called National Champion.

    By Blogger lala, at 7/24/2007 12:37 PM  

  • You definitely should do a contest. The backstrokes are going to be interesting. Hoelzer and Coughlin won't be there on the women's side, and Peirsol and Bal won't be there on the men's side.

    Those third place selections are going to be tough, because they are up in the air.

    Lale, great job on the gallery. Just had a chance to take a quick glance through it.

    By Blogger Jason, at 7/24/2007 3:34 PM  

  • Hi all,

    I just spoke with Lena and Ariel is having a great time at the Pan Ams. It is hard to get the results but even if you don't it is good to know he is very satisfied and has had a great experience at the games.

    Lena thanks all BHO'ers for their support, prayers and interest.

    Nationals is very soon... I put up my strobes on Friday..

    By Blogger Peter Bick, at 7/24/2007 7:46 PM  

  • I'm in tears. My goodness, I don't knwo how to thank you for the support you're given me and Ariel. I'm overwhelmed by your kindness and it does mean a lot to us. The competition started today and he did OK, within his usual scores. This is an accomplishment because he was able to maintain his level even with the jitters of an international tournament. Right now the leader is an American who was insanely good.

    I got to see the Men's Medley relay live, which was awesome. I kind of missed our Texas Trio, but everyone swam their best and they set up a new panamerican record. Silver wento to Brazil and bronze to Canada (or the other way around) and Argentina came in fourth, which we also consider a huge accomplishment.

    Once again, I thank you for your good thoughts and wishes, they do mean a lot to me.

    By Blogger Lena, at 7/24/2007 7:47 PM  

  • Thanks, Lala for educating me on what a boomer is. Wish Bren got a pic with them. Remember the guys dressed liked computers we got a pic with in Montreal, your favorite friends. You have a copy of that somewhere don't you? hahahha

    Lena, yeah! That is so awesome about Ariel. So glad he is able to keep his composure and do well. That is more than half the battle. Coming out of this competition doing his best he should consider himself a winner! We will keep watching.

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 7/25/2007 8:33 AM  

  • Well, since no one else is posting I may as well ramble on.....nothing better to do while I am waiting for Nationals.

    Lena, I saw the bio sheet on your boyfriend. You have to make a trip to the US so we can put some meat on that boys bones! My word, he only weighs 145lbs. I know a week with me I can have him packing on at least 5 more lbs.

    Looking at his schedule for the 28th looks like he is the first to compete. I was getting a little nervous myself just looking at it. Damn, I am so not good at this stuff. Keeping my fingers crossed and saying a little prayer for him. Best of luck.

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 7/27/2007 10:04 AM  

  • Mrs H! Thanks so much and you know what? The bio is not exactly accurate, he actually wights a little less than that. But I swear I feed him, he eats like a horse, but he has a blessed metabolism.

    He did really well, within his scores (actually he made his 2nd best score of the season in the PanAm Games), which is awesome considering it was the first time he was even out of the country shooting, not to mention in a big tournament. So, he's my rock star, regardless the ranking (he came 29th out of 32 in the qualfication round). Today he shot the elimination rounds and he lost in the first one against an American. Nevertheless, he did a great score and he ended up 25th out of 32. Whohooo! I know it does not sound that impressive, but it is, considering they (him and his team mates) are shooting against professional that do this for a living, while in here they have to train only after work on weekends as none of them is a professional in the sense of being paid to train. I'm really proud of him and what he achieved.
    Tomorrow there's the team competition, they're up against Venezuela first and if they win, they'll be up against the US.
    Regardless the outcome, I think he managed Argentina managed to give a great performance.

    And I get you about being nervous, I'm a mess myself, in my house, trying to get some news on the internet.

    By Blogger Lena, at 7/27/2007 10:54 AM  

  • Lena that is awesome! Way to go Ariel!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 7/27/2007 2:56 PM  

  • Lena, glad to hear Ariel is doing so well. That is all you can ask for, to perform your best.

    While he is competing, why don't you do some baking and cooking. So when he comes home he has a huge feast and you all can celebrate what a wonderful job he has done. Hopefully, he will put on a little weight and it will keep you busy at the same time. I think it is a win/win situation.

    By Blogger Mrs. H, at 7/28/2007 9:47 AM  

  • Awwe MrsH! Youa re so sweet and funny. I can imagine Ariel returning to a huge pile of cookies and pies and cakes! And we know how persuasive Lena can be. Poor guy will eat himself sick! Haha!

    I am waiting for a later version of the psych sheet to be listed before we post a predictions contest. I am getting so excited about this Nationals! You all should come to Indy!

    By Blogger lala, at 7/28/2007 10:28 AM  

  • Hi All,

    Yes Indy Nationals will be special. As of mid-week there will be about 1200 swimmers registered for the meet.

    I think the number will actually be closer to 1500 by the time the met starts. This may be the largest nationals ever.

    My job on deck will be even more difficult. YIKES. maybe more time on the catwalk or in the seats.

    Later,

    Peter

    By Blogger Peter Bick, at 7/28/2007 6:06 PM  

  • Hey Lena,

    Congrats to you and Ariel for a great Pan Am Games!!

    I agree with Mrs. H, a little Latin cooking would be a great treat for Ariel when he comes home.

    Best to him and you from Carol and myself!!!

    By Blogger Peter Bick, at 7/28/2007 6:09 PM  

  • Hi all!
    First of all, Ariel wants to thank all of you for your kindness and support. It meant a lot to him while he was away. He had a great time, he did his best and he comes home with hopes of doing better. He's fuelled to improve, but he's happy with his results. He managed to maintain his level and it was his aim.
    He thanks you also for your concern, Mrs. H and he wanted you to know that he's been eating a lot during the Games and I promise to feed him well.

    As for me, I have no words for you all. Your care and support meant a lot to me this week and it lifted me up when I was anxious and missing him. You've been wonderful, because you didn't have any obligation whatsoever and yet you took time to write and send good wishes. And that meant the world to me!!!
    Thanks!

    By Blogger Lena, at 7/30/2007 9:23 AM  

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