I am very happy to report that after a long and nerve-racking competition, my oldest brother, Jamie, will be joining me at the Olympics in Vancouver!

He was just named to the long-track speedskating team and will be competing in the 500 metres. I guess the sprint gene kind of runs in the family.

Turns out I was right on when I wrote that I would be more nervous for my brother's trials than my own. So I'm glad it's over and both speedskating teams have been named.

I've been asked a lot about how it would feel to walk into the opening ceremonies with my brother right beside me, and now, knowing that it's really going to happen, is pretty exciting. We both followed different paths to get to where we are, so it's pretty cool to be able to share this amazing experience together.

The race to watch

Of course, during the Games, we'll both be busy at our different venues and preparing in different ways. But if there's one event other then short track that I would want to watch, it would be the men's 500-metre long-track race. Not only because my brother is skating, but because the men's team is very strong and they all have potential to be on the podium. I am hoping to be able to get out to Richmond to watch, but it might be hard with my training schedule. If not, I'll just get to watch it on television like millions of other people.

Just writing about this is getting me more excited. I can't believe it's already January and only a few more weeks are left until we head to Vancouver! Currently, our team is training in Montreal and we are racing this weekend for a little pre-competition warm-up before the Games.

It feels a bit weird having such a long rest from racing. Our last World Cup was way back in November. So Speed Skating Canada has put together a little mini-competition against some international skaters to simulate a good racing environment. I'm looking forward to getting back in race mode, and I think it will be good for preparing our team for the Olympics.

After the competition, we have two more weeks of training in Montreal before the team heads off to Calgary for a week. I'm excited because, for once, I'll be training with the team and also sleeping in my own bed at home! It will be a good time to relax and get everything ready before the Games, as I have been away from my home base of Calgary a lot this season.

Trying to visualize

Our week in Calgary will be our last preparation before heading out to Vancouver. I was told we will get the first day there to explore and see what's going on around the Athletes Village. After that, it's game time! Literally.

I'm trying to visualize what its going to be like in my head, so I am not so overwhelmed when we get there. But I think that, no matter what, I will be a little bit in awe.

Participating in an Olympic Games has been a goal of mine since I was just a little girl. Hearing stories from my parents about their Olympic experiences, and knowing the impact it has left on them, gets me so excited to experience it for myself. It's even more special that I will be able to share it with my friends and family.

It's also so inspiring to see the public getting more and more excited about the Games approaching. The torch was just in my hometown of Edmonton and will be making its way to Vancouver soon. Just like us.