YOG: The athletes may be the primary attraction at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China but the family and friends cannot be forgotten about.
Making the trip all the way from the land down under, swarms of Aussie supporters can be heard from the stands and seen waving the Australian flag.
One group of athletes who have felt the green and gold love at the Games is the swim team who have had their families in the stalls every day at the Olympic Sports Centre Natatorium, their cheers of support rivalling the Chinese home crowd.
Robyn Bell, mother of breaststroke 17-year-old swimmer Grayson Bell from Queensland, says she is incredibly proud to watch her son swim for Australia.
“Words cannot express how proud we are of Grayson and of all the kids,” she said.
“Just for him to get to these game is just amazing, he only made his first national competition at 15 so to get to this level in a couple of years is very amazing.”
The same emotion can be felt from Katie Brown, mother of three time bronze medallist Nic Brown.
“We knew the Youth Olympics was big but not until you got here that you actually realised, oh my goodness this is a really big deal,” she said.
“Nicholas has never made a national team or anything, this is his first thing and it’s the Youth Olympics, it is amazing.”
It’s not only proud parents watching, but many of the athletes have siblings who are also stoked to be in China.
“With Elizabeth, is Nicholas’ younger sister who is only eight, and for her to see this I mean what an experience,” Mrs Brown said.
Jenna Forrester, younger sister of Queenslander Amy Forrester, is one inspired little girl. She says watching her sister swim at the Youth Olympics gives her confidence she can follow in her footsteps and don the green and gold in four years time in Buenos Aeries.
“I like doing the IM and freestyle and all the strokes really,” the 11-year-old said.
“It’s pretty good [watching Amy swim] because in four years time I might be able to do it as well because I’d be 15.”
Despite enjoying watching their loved ones podium, all the parents agree that they want their children to gain more from the experience.
“The most important thing is to get the experience, there is like 3800athletes here and not everyone can medal so it is all about the experience, interacting with other athletes and it is not just all about swimming, it’s everything, it’s making memories that’s what’s important,” Brian Forrester, Amy Forrester’s dad said.
“There is a lot pressure, you are representing your country but like I said to Kyle it is about having fun, enjoying the moment and getting an experience that will hopefully lead to bigger and better things down the track,” AFL legend and Kyle Chalmers’ dad, Brett Chalmers said.
“As long as the kids are having fun, that’s the main thing,” Mrs Bell added.
It’s also about the experience for the families as well who are enjoying a holiday in China.
“We love China...We love the food, we love being here and especially with this group of people,” Mrs Brown said.
“It’s been great I think more people should come to China on a holiday...We have been to a few attractions and I’ve found that shopping in places where it is not too western is where you really get to interact with the locals and see what China is all about,” Mr Forrester said.
Overall they can all agree that Nanjing 2014 will be etched in their memories for a long time to come.
“It’s definitely a bit of a thrill especially coming to the Youth Olympic Games, I think just the whole set up, it’s a great feel and it’s exciting and yeah I’m having a lot of fun,” Mr Chalmers said.
Laura Judd
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
