First Training in Qinhuangdao

Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as hot for the USA's first training in Qinhuangdao as it was for the first practice in Beijing. That's not to say it wasn't hot, it was, but with clearer skies and ocean breezes, the 85-minute session was much more bearable. Qinhuangdao, a city of just 3 million, which makes it a small city by Chinese standards, sits right on the eastern coast of China on the Yellow Sea. (Natasha Kai was wondering if there would be some tasty waves here, but the surf is about as flat as it comes). The team practiced on a perfect training field outside the 32,350-seat Qinhuangdao Olympic Center Stadium, where the USA's first two games will be played. There was a smattering of media at practice as well as the usual throngs of volunteers, and if there is one thing we can say about China, it is definitely organized and ready for the Olympics. The team is really starting to shake off the jet lag and will go again tomorrow morning before getting the afternoon off.

Aly Wagner and Lori Chalupny recline in the shadows of the Qinhuangdao Olympic Stadium after a hot practice.