Walsh Sets the Pace

Erica Walsh and her Chinese security entourage.

U.S. asst. coach Erica Walsh is pretty dedicated to staying fit. (She says the time she spends running is a direct correlation to the time she spends at the team buffet). Walsh often goes for a jog in the mornings, either at the hotel gym or around the team hotel. A few days ago after the USA arrived in Qinhuangdao, she decided to explore the area. She strolled out of the hotel and began walking. After about 10 minutes, she noticed a well-dressed, fit man following her from a distance. At first she thought it was odd, then she saw his walkie-talkie. Olympic Security. It goes without saying that security is tight at the Olympics and around the U.S. team so apparently the Chinese didn't want her wandering around alone. After an hour of walking, the guy was still behind her. She then decided she wanted to jog back to the hotel. She gave the security man a thumbs up and started running. In an amazing dedication to his job, so did the security man. For 30 minutes Walsh ran. For 30 minutes he followed. As they arrived back at the hotel, both were dripping with sweat from the humidity, except the the security guy wearing a nice sweater, nice slacks and dress shoes. As both walked through the security check, he got a standing ovation from the other security guards and volunteers. He got a thumbs up from Walsh who then saw him pointing to his shoes. His scuffed loafers pretty much told the story. Two days later, Walsh went out for another run. This time, the Chinese were ready. They followed her in a police car. This morning when she went out for her run, she saw the same security guard. He was again wearing a sweater and slacks, but he then pointed to his feet. On them, were running shoes! But he wasn't up for the job. This time, it was an unmarked car that followed her. Moral of the story: Don't try to keep up with a Walsh run in dress shoes. It can't be done.