Below are two seperate posts updating on the Medway World Cup. I did not have an internet connection earlier, so I wasn't able to get it posted on time.
1. I arrived in Medway yesterday. Flights were smooth and travel out of London went well. We are in a roughly 800 year old estate that's been converted to a girl's school. It is expansive and dusty. Typically British. Has a helicopter pad, and only 200 International students, so must cost a bundle to attend. A pub here called The Leather Bottle is down the street and apparently Dickens composed Great Expectations there. Beside the pub is a church built in 1115, that Mel, my teammate, and I ran through on a mini tour/jog yesterday. Internet is really poor here, making life difficult.
Today I learned some frustrating news: In Cairo, two people pulled out of the Final, so I would have competed in it had I stayed. That rarely happens and there is no way to know. My mistake though, I should have stayed. Lesson for future if you are in 13th, better wait and see what happens. That had me really upset today but I've tried to put it behind me. I trained today. All things feel fine. The weather is cold and damp. Facilities are nice and volunteers are very friendly. That's it for now. Will keep you updated.

2. I made the Final! Had a really strong day in each event and finished first in my semi-final. With three semi groups, making top 12 was required to compete Saturday. I started really slow in the fence (1/4), but turned it around for 16/9 (928 points), tying me for 2nd. Next, I swam well - 2:06.28 SC. This matches a best time I've swam a number of times. What is promising is that I did it in a jammer suit, as the FINA rules have changed in terms of racing outfits. No longer are full body suits with synthetic materials approved for races. I was quite pleased and I think I can drop that time a bit more. Finally, the run/shoot. I went out in 4th place. We were a quite tight group and I was aware that remaining in the top 12 would not be easy. I shot rather poorly on the first session, taking 8 shots, and dropping to 9th (I think). I then had two very strong rounds, shooting clean on both and feeling quite good in the run. I ended up in position 1 as the group bottlenecked at the end once it was clear we were in. I had to do drug testing after which was a two hour experience. I made them follow me for a massage while I was waiting (you have a chaperone as soon as you are selected, haha). He got to know me well over that time.

3. So far today, we have 2 girls in the Final. And in 5 minutes, the second qualifying group will race for the remaining 18 spots. We have one Canadian in that group.... Gotta go cheer her on now.

Thanks for staying in touch.