More from the World Games

We've had our event now. It was an amazing competition on spectacular walls.

Disappointingly, we both didn't climb as well as we would have liked. But, we did make it here and have really enjoyed climbing with the best climbers in the world. Carlie finished 9th in Lead and 11th in Speed. I finished 10th.

The finals were spectacular. The lead event was won by Japanese climber Sachi Amna in the Men's and Maya Vidmar from Slovenia in the Women's.

Sachi Amna

Maya Vidmar

The rest of the Games was a lot of fun for us too. With our climbing finished we could go and watch other sports. We saw the Aussie parachutists in action. They won bronze!

We also got to cheer on the Aussie Ultimate Frisbee team as they won a bronze medal in the main stadium.

And, we watched some amazing Acrobatic Gymnasts.

It's been an amazing experience. I can't wait to see you all on Tuesday. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

The World Games Begins!

Hi Wentworth Falls,

I hope you're all having a great holiday. I'm sure it's cold over there still, but here in Taiwan it's 33 degrees. Really hot!

Carlie and I arrived in Taiwan and went to the Opening Ceremony on Thursday. It was amazing! Just like the Olympic Opening Ceremony with performances in the giant stadium, followed by the athletes walking in. Because Australia starts with A, we were the second team to enter. The noise was crazy, 50 000 people cheering in the stands! We walked with the other Australian athletes from many different sports, including Flying Disc (Ultimate Frisbee), Water Skiing, Air Sports (Parachuting), Sumo Wrestling, and Orienteering.

Waiting to enter the stadium at the Opening Ceremony

All the countries lined up in the stadium.

Carlie and I with some of the other Aussies.

After all the athletes entered and some speeches were made, there was a big concert and a massive fireworks show. It was an amazing experience.

Fireworks at the Opening Ceremony

Yesterday we went to watch some Sumo Wrestling. They are very big and strong people! We also heard news that an Australian has won our first medal! A silver medal in the Women's Orienteering. In Orienteering you have to race around a course finding your way with a map and compass. Like climbing, your have to use your brain and be amazingly fit.

Sumo Wrestling action!

Soon, we're heading out to the climbing for our first event, the speed climbing. My wife Carlie is competing so I'll be cheering her on. Go Australia!

The World Games

This July holidays, my wife and I are off to Taiwan for The World Games.

The World Games is a massive event, involving over 30 sports, including climbing! You can find out more about The World Games here:

http://www.worldgames-iwga.org/

and about the Taiwan World Games here:

http://www.worldgames2009.tw/wg2009/eng/index.php

I'll put some information on the blog for you to look at over the holidays.