Today's race was a wonderful experience. Despite coming away with seven huge blisters (of which one is RED), I really really enjoyed every stroke during that 22km. I have this trend of starting badly in any long-d event, be it rowing or running. When I row, I need at least 30 minutes for my muscles to warm up, and it meant that at the start, I was really lagging. So many boats overtook me, but I don't know why, I just didn't panic but kept focusing on maintaining my form - a strategy I learnt during my swimming days. Reach, lock, pull, rotate, kick was all that was on my mind and gradually, the gaps closed. I overtook this other girl in a T1 who had previously streaked by me, and she decided to ride my wash. I didn't want to struggle to break away from her as yet, so I just feebly tried to zigzag to get her off, but I couldn't. She stuck to me for more than 2km. Then Mr Yong rowed past and told me to be patient and "see you at the finish line". So after a while, I started to pick up pace and that T1 disappeared pretty quickly and I overtook quite a few more eventually.

All in all, I'm very satisfied. Everything went smoothly and despite seriously lacking in training I think I rowed my best and that's all that matters. Surprisingly, Mr Yong was damn encouraging.. and he kept praising my form and telling me to keep it up and towards the end, he was rowing next to me, and really it did help me finish strong. I need to burst those blisters soon.

Oh, England is drawn in Group B. Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden. It's relatively easy compared to Group C honestly. Sven, you're one lucky manager. I'll be watching Groups A & E too. Germany and Czech Rep. PLEASE PLEASE DADDY, GO GERMANY NEXT YEAR. So I can tag along and watch the world cup!!!

Hmm, the scholarship person called me back for a medical tomorrow, but it doesn't mean anything is decided yet. I'm still not very confident since I think I totally bombed the interview, and despite being called back for a medical (which is supposed to be good news), my fears aren't really allayed yet. Hope it all goes ok, though I AM a little doubtful. Sigh.