Above is a photo taken on the Saturday night after the Australia versus France game. The Aussie and French teams got along tremendously well and especially the coaching staff were very cordial. The two groups got together for a late dinner at an Italian restaurant (which Graham and I discovered together the previous evening!) - and thankfully all approved of the choice.... even the French!On the left at front is Richard (French head coach) and then myself, physio for Australia, Olivier (asst coach France), Tim (very amusing asst coach Aust) and Bob(manager and a really fabulous bloke, so interesting, thoughtful, humourous). On the right we have Marty (head coach Australia), Laurent (asst coach France, very amusing and quite the life of the party), Graham, Pepe (liaison officer, very nice Dutch lady), Damien (asst coach, again, very funny dry humour), and finally Ben (ex-AIS coach, just moved to Luxembourg). They were all very welcoming to me and I had a ball. I also established a good contact with Ben, whom I will meet up no doubt in the coming months.
Tim took this photo just before I was to leave for Belgium. this is just outside the hotel, in the outskirts of the town. Tim was very funny, asking us to pose together, imagining you calling us both to dinner!
This was taken on the Saturday evening at the stadium. My hair is pulled back so i look quite different!
Again, just before I was leaving.It was a tremendous few days and I enjoyed both the basketball and of course having the opportunity to spend quite some time with Graham. The Australian team coaching staff were also just terrific. I can see why Graham enjoys his work so much and sacrifices a lot of his time and energy toward developing this yourng group. Far more enjoyable than the women's team, I am certain of that!
OK, need to get back to work now. Hope you like the photos,
love
emma
