BUENOS AIRES 2018: The exciting reality of the Youth Olympic Games has finally sunk in for over 80 athletes are converging in Sydney for Champ Camp this weekend.

The two-day pre-departure camp brings together all Australian athletes and officials for the Buenos Aires 2018 Games, to prepare everyone for their first Olympic experience.

Day one of Champ Camp saw athletes dressed head-to-toe in their new ASICS kit, meet Olympic gold medallist race walker Jarred Tallent, experience a Virtual Reality anti-doping simulation with ASADA, practice their interviewing skills and meet their new teammates and officials.

As always, it was receiving their first Olympic kit that was the stand out of the day – a moment they won’t forget.

Trampoline gymnast Liam Christie said receiving his YOG uniform was a really special occasion.

“Wearing the Olympic kit is just the most incredible experience ever,” Christie said.

“The competition hasn’t started, we’re not even in Buenos Aires yet, but wearing the green and gold colours and being able to represent Australia in this uniform is absolutely amazing.”

Modern pentathlete Nakita Mawhirt and hurdler Sophie White both shared their teammate's reaction.

“All the years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears all these athletes have put in and finally being rewarded. This experience is indescribable and I’m so excited," Mawhirt said.

“Wearing the Olympic kit for the first time really sets home what we’re about to do and where we’re going to represent our country in our sports,” White said.

The eight selected swimmers also had a special presentation from Aussie Dolphin and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matt Wilson.

As he presented the swimmers with their Speedo race suit, he shared his experiences of being in a team of this size and magnitude.

“At a multisport Games you have the support of everyone on the Team, and you throw your support behind everyone else on the Team too.”

The festivities continue on Sunday with Australian Olympians Bronte Campbell, Brandon Starc, Jessica Thornton and Daniel Kowalski sharing their experience about the importance of resilience and adaptability at the Olympic Experience panel presentation.

The Australian Flag Bearer will be announced in the Team Reception in front of family and friends, as loved ones farewell the Team before they depart for Argentina on Tuesday morning.

Follow the Australian Olympic Team on social media to keep up to date with journey to Buenos Aires 2018.

Georgia Thompson
olympics.com.au