BEIJING -- After settling in to our rooms in the International Dormitory on the campus of Tsinghua University, the first few days after our arrival to Beijing consisted of attending general Olympic volunteer trainings, reading volumes of materials regarding Olympic policies and procedures, and learning specifically what our individual duties and responsibilities will be. Additionally, we provided a lecture to the Olympic student volunteers from Tsinghua, discussed plans for next summer’s Post-Olympic study abroad class, and toured other Olympic training/practice facilities.

Dr. Dan Connaughton is serving as the Assistant Facility Manager of the Tshinghua University aquatic complex where Olympic diving and water polo teams are practicing before and during the Olympic games. His primary responsibility is to serve as a liaison between the Olympic team coaches, administrators, and athletes and the Tsinghua Olympic staff and volunteers. He also deals with the media who request access to the Olympic coaches and athletes. He is also consulting with the staff regarding the aquatic facility, operations, and risk management practices.

Dr. James Zhang is serving in the same position at the university’s basketball/gymnasium complex where Olympic basketball teams are practicing. Our immediate supervisor, is Dr. Ma who will be completing a post-doctorate in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiolgy this fall.

In addition to the above, we have spoken to several students interested in the possibility of attending graduate school at the University of Florida.

-Dan Connaughton

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Olympics Blog 4