The Road Less Traveled

German beer wagon

2010-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

We saw this beer wagon all over the city, as the patrons peddled and earned their beer. Nashville could use a Yazoo beer wagon!

Fond memories of Cologne

2010-08-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots from touring Cologne. The Dom is spectacular, and there are also Roman ruins like the one shown here.

Atlanta defeats Sydney in exciting Water Polo match

2010-08-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

We met the Atlanta water polo team at our hotel and enjoyed watching this match between Atlanta and Sydney. Atlanta has a lot of great guys on the team and finished fifth overall. They were disappointed but should be proud, given the strong competition at these Games. This is an exciting sport which takes a lot of athleticism and stamina to play. Congrats to our Atlanta friends!

Now that our competition is over, we are enjoying the Games

2010-08-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

Did I also mention that Keith picked up bronze medals in the hammer and shot!!

2010-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Keith had an amazing day at the track, picking up bronze medals in the hammer and shot, in addition to his gold in the javelin. The competition was fierce in all events, especially because so many Europeans participated in these Games. Keith and I really appreciated the Team Nashville athletes who showed up to cheer him on before heading off to their 5K event. Congrats to Keith for a truly outstanding performance!

Keith brings home gold in javelin!

2010-08-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Keith won the gold medal in the javelin today at Rhinegold Stadium, throwing into a headwind. The crowd cheered Keith on as he broke the Germans' winning streak in the throwing events. This is Keith's third consecutive time to capture the gold medal in the javelin at the Games, having won in Sydney and Chicago. I am very proud of Keith for bringing home the gold! CONGRATS!

Patrick Boggs sets personal best time in 10K

2010-08-05T01:49:00.001-07:00

Team Nashville athlete Patrick Boggs finished the 10K road race with an impressive time of 42:56, which placed him in the top 10 runners in his age group. It was a very large and competitive field. This race was a personal best for Patrick, which is a goal for every athlete in the Games. Congratulations to Patrick for a great race and outstanding effort!

Jay Gondek of Team Nashville wins silver!

2010-08-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to fellow Team Nashville athlete Jay Gondek for winning the silver medal in the olympic distance triathlon. Jay had a truly outstanding race, finishing 21st overall in a very large and competitive group of triathletes from around the world. Great job Jay, we are very proud of you!

The swim, the bike and the run...Go Sam, Go!

2010-08-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Sam brings home the bronze in the triathlon!

2010-08-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

Let's start at the ending....Sam won the bronze medal in the men's sprint triathlon! It was a beautiful, cool day and the racing conditions were perfect. The swim took place in the regatta course and the bike and run were around the lake. The running and biking courses were flat, unlike the Tennessee hills where Sam had trained. I am very proud of Sam's performance and for all of his hours of training in the Nashville heat this summer. With two triathlons under his belt leading up to the Games, Sam peaked at the right time in Cologne. CONGRATS!!!!

Tomorrow it's off to the triathlon.....

2010-08-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Keith and I will get up "at the crack of dawn" for my triathlon, which will be held at the Fuehlinger-see regatta course outside Cologne. I managed to find a great (and hopefully fast) road bike today and I am all set for the race. Keith treated me to a final "carbo loading" meal of pasta (and, of course, one Koelsch beer). What a wonderful start for the Games! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The drum corps and balloons finished the evening

2010-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

We have an olympic flame, too...

2010-08-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

What was it we said earlier about German beer?

2010-08-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

Lots of cities and countries represented.

2010-08-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

More pics from the Opening Ceremony...

2010-08-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Team Nashville at Opening Ceremony

2010-08-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Opening Ceremony at Rhein Energie Stadion was truly inspiring as 10,000 participants from 70 countries marched into the arena to launch Gay Games VIII. The motto for these Games "Be part of it" says it all, emphasizing the importance of participation. The other key principles of the Games are inclusion, since competition is open to all, and personal best, since everyone strives for his or her absolute best performance regardless of the outcome. Dr. Tom Waddell, the founder of the Games, said, "The first Gay Games were an experiment in global unity and they were an experiment in education. They were also a vehicle for change." The same hold true 30 years later. Olympian and gold medalist Matthew Mitcham captured the spirit of these Games when he told the enthusiastic Cologne crowd, "In these Games we have no rivals, only comrades in unity." Here are a few pics from this special night. Let the Games begin!

Arrived in Cologne

2010-08-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Arrived safely in Cologne and getting settled in. Made a lot of friends on the flight over....Ft. Lauderdale swimmers (Hammerheads), golfers from DC, tracksters from Utah. You get the picture. It was a festive flight! The city of Cologne is beautiful and it seems like there is always a view of the incredible Dom. Can't wait to take the tour. The people are very friendly and that's a good thing because our German is really bad! We have already had our share of German beer. Every time you turn around they are refilling your glass! Local beer is always the best: Koelsch, which is described as "clear beer with a bright straw-yellow hue." Anybody around here serve a good California Chardonnay? Oh well, when in Germany......

Last practice session before Cologne

2010-07-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

We are psyched about competing in the Gay Games next week in Cologne, Germany. This will be our fourth Gay Games (Amsterdam, Sydney, and Chicago) and all three were uplifting and motivating experiences. In Amsterdam we were blown away by the beautiful city full of friendly visitors from all over the world. Sydney was a dream vacation, and the Games were first class. In Chicago, we enjoyed helping the USA host the world. Cologne will be special in its own way, and we can't wait. Our German hosts are expecting 10,000 participants from 70 countries. Wow! Keith will throw the javelin and shot put, while I will participate in the triathlon. Four friends will also compete in Cologne and round out Team Nashville.

We had one last training session on Saturday in Nashville (heat index of 105 degrees)! Here are a few pics. Now, its off to pack the bags for Germany! Bis nachher!

Memories from Copenhagen

2009-08-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible week in Copenhagen for the World Outgames, but it is good to be back home in Nashville. This past weekend we had a reunion dinner with the kids and Mom and it reinforced the central importance of family in our lives. We appreciate the love and support shown by them and our friends more than we can say.

We will keep the blog up as we organize Team Nashville for the Gay Games in Cologne for 2010.

Here are a few parting shots from Copenhagen.

Farvel, Sam and Keith

Sam wins bronze in triathlon

2009-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

We were notified today that Sam won the bronze medal in his age group for the triathlon! We left immediately after the event to pack for Stockholm and did not know the final results until today. Back in Copenhagen for one final night. The Outgames delivered the medal to the hotel upon our arrival. Sam put a lot into this race and is deserving of his bronze. What a great surprise ending for the trip! As you can imagine, I am very proud of Sam. Thanks to all of our family and friends for encouraging and supporting us along the way. Keith

More pics from the race

2009-08-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more shots from the triathlon today at the Orsund in Copenhagen. It was great fun but one of the craziest things I have ever done. Sam

Cold but happy!

2009-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sam finished the triathlon this morning in Copenhagen harbor. He had a great race, despite the water temperature of 62F degrees! He thought he would get used to it when the race got underway. No way! Here is a pic of Sam finishing the swim. Off to the Closing Ceremonies. More later. Keith

Keith brings home the gold (and some silvers)

2009-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy the past couple of days at the Osterbro Stadium track, where fortunately the only fireworks have been for celebrations. Keith faced some stiff competition in the javelin but threw the winning toss to capture the gold medal! The conditions were not ideal with occasional rain showers and swirling wind, but he found a way to win on the fifth out of six tosses. Keith then picked up a silver medal at the shot put to add to the silver medal he won yesterday in the hammer. Highly decorated and exhausted, Keith is looking forward to a day of rest and sightseeing around Copenhagen tomorrow before cheering me on at the triathlon on Saturday. "Godnat" from Copenhagen! Sam

Heading back to the track

2009-07-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

The incident yesterday did not dampen our spirits for long. The local press calls the explosive devices "maroons" which are high-powered fireworks capable of injuring at close range. The attackers could clearly see from the tower that one person was injured and then launched the second round of explosives. This was clearly more than a prank, and one person is still in custody. Friends report that the injured runner from Seattle is going to be all right after surgery to his hand. Local authorities recognize the seriousness of this homophobic "hate crime" and promise to have increased security at the rest of the events.

We are returning to the track today where Keith will throw the hammer and defend his gold medal. Thanks to all who have expressed concern and support. Sam and Keith

Explosions rock track and field competition

2009-07-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

The camaraderie of the Outgames was temporarily broken this afternoon when unknown assailants tossed two explosive devices onto the track during the start of a relay. One runner who was in a starting position near the explosions sustained a minor injury to his hand and was treated at the scene by paramedics. The large crowd of athletes and spectators was stunned by what can only be described as a hate crime attack. Competition resumed after consulting with the athletes who were determined not to let this incident succeed in stopping the Outgames. Police were called to the scene and were searching the premises when two more devices exploded on the track. Shortly thereafter the police arrested a suspect who was seen fleeing from a nearby church tower where it is believed the attack was launched. Police are still searching for a second suspect.

We are all stunned by this turn of events. Locals tell us that Denmark, which is known world wide for its openness and diversity, has been plagued recently by increased hate crimes and violence aimed at gays and lesbians. Of course, we are also determined that this will not stop or spoil the Outgames.

Awesome opening ceremony

2009-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Thousands of spectators crammed the square in front of Copenhagen Town Hall to watch the parade of nations, including over 6,500 athletes from 90 countries. Music, dance, acrobatics and did I say music, created an impressive extravaganza to kick off the Outgames. Before the parade we mingled with athletes from all over the world and renewed friendships with competitors we met in Montreal at the first Outgames three years ago as well as the Gay Games we have competed in through the years. It was truly inspirational to see so many people having so much fun just being themselves. The most touching moment was the introduction of an elderly couple and long-time partners who were the first same sex couple in the world to enter into a registered domestic partnership 20 years ago, right here in Copenhagen on the very spot. The evening kicked off a great week and captured the Outgames theme: Love of Freedom and Freedom to Love. Hej hej, Keith and Sam

World Outgames 2009

2009-07-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OGgKLOn2d4

Check out this video about the upcoming OutGames in Copenhagen.

Old Hickory triathlon earlier this summer

2009-07-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Looks pretty painful, huh? It really was fun......

but hot!

Weekend of training

2009-07-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

That's me in the white cap during the swim in Montreal. It will be a lot colder in Copenhagen, so I trained Saturday in my wet suit. It is really strange because the suit makes me float on top of the water. That should help! Also biked the killer hills in Percy Warner Park on Saturday. That is where I used to train when I started this madness 15 years ago. A lot of soreness thanks to the final days of training.

Keith training at Vanderbilt track

2009-07-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Had a good day of training on Saturday at the Vanderbilt track and was pleased with several of my throws. This cool weather is much like what we will find in Copenhagen. Last time to practice...on to the Outgames.

Training.....

2009-07-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here I am coming out of the water in the Mach Tenn last month. It has been a hot summer with lots of pool time. However, the swim at the Outgames will be in the chilly Copenhagen harbor! To get used to the salt water and waves, last week I swam in the ocean several times. It was a real adventure with the waves tossing me around. Another challenge will be the cool weather. Just checked Copenhagen and it will be in the high-60's! Yikes! Tonight I dusted off my wet suit and will swim in it tomorrow. What additional challenges lie ahead? Stay tuned.

Out & About article

2009-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for a news story about our upcoming trip to the Outgames:
http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/3550. Enjoy!

2009-07-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

This blog will chronicle Keith and Sam's great adventure competing in the World OutGames 2009 in Copenhagen from July 25 to Aug. 5th. The World OutGames is an olympics style international sports festival with 38 sports and over 6,500 athletes. There is also a cultural and human rights component, and lots of grand parties, as you might imagine. This is our fifth time to compete internationally, and we know that a great time awaits us in Scandanavia.

Keith will throw the javelin and hammer, and he is the defending gold medalist in both events, thanks to stellar performances three years ago in Montreal at the first OutGames. Keith has been training hard in the heat at the Vanderbilt track and is throwing well despite another knee surgery during the past year. Thankfully, he has a high threshold of pain, and he is the most competitive person I know. Look for big things from Keith at this OutGames.

I will compete in the triathlon to be held at the harbor in Copenhagen. I have been anxious about this event for two reasons. First, two years ago I tore my left hamstring and wondered if I would ever run again, much less be able to get back into triathlons. After months of rehab and many painful miles on the road, I feel like I am back. Second, in Montreal I recorded a personal best, and that motivates me to do well in this event. Of course, for me the goal is to finish strong, have fun and don't get hurt. With two triathlons under my belt this summer, I should be fine.

Check out the OutGames at www.copenhagen2009.org.