In that short amount of time, I managed to shower, scramble over to and from the dining hall, and get dressed and ready…all in about 45 minutes and 30 seconds.  I made it… barely.

the opening ceremonies cycling group

The US contingent of athletes met on the grounds outside of our living areas.  We were all dressed in our special Ralph Lauren opening ceremonies outfits, waiting and sweating.  (And I was sweating a LOT since my metabolism was still firing from my ride and meal in addition to the Beijing heat and humidity.)  Despite the conditions, everyone looked very sharp.  A few minutes later it was time to go.  We walked as a group over to the village bus depot where we loaded and then departed for a special room in the building next to National Indoor Stadium.  Inside, each team had a designated standing spot.  The presidential podium was at one end.  Around the other ends, the teams were lined up.  Cycling was next to basketball, second closest to the front.

While we waited for Mr. President, all of the athletes mingled and took pictures.  Since I was next to basketball, I took photos with the basketball players and coach K.  The energy and excitement in the room was very high, and it was very cool to be with all the athletes… and to realize that I was one of them.

Coach K and Amber

Kobe and Amber

The President came out with Mrs. Bush, the former president Bush, and Peter Uberoth.  There was security around, but he was not swarmed, and it wasn’t as obvious as I would have expected.  He delivered a short speech, and then went team to team to meet and take photos with each.

I was the only member of the road cycling contingent to attend the opening ceremonies, so I mixed in with the track riders and staff.  While the president was talking to the basketball teams, we lined up in a relaxed U shaped line.  I was on the far end.  Before we actually took our photo, the president moved down the line up of cycling members shaking hands and chatting.  When he finally got to me, I gave him a firm handshake and asked him if he ever rides a road bike.  He said, “No but I need to.”  I told him if he ever decided to start road riding that I would be happy to take him for a ride.  He gave me a big smile.  Moments later, he was in the middle of our group setting up for the picture, when he looked over at me, reached his arm out and grabbed my hand.  He pulled me over to his right side, put his arm around me, and continued talking to me.  I was not sure what to do!  I smiled at the cameras.  Then I looked up at him.  He was looking at me.  It was so surreal.  There were photographers layered up in front of us, I was an Olympian dressed in my opening ceremonies outfit in a room full of Olympic athletes, standing with my arm around the President of the United States of America.  What an incredible moment!  I will never forget it.

Lebron and Amber

Lisa Leslie and Amber

Taylor Phinney and Amber