Saturday October 23rd 2010
Dear Diary
It's been a great season for me, first with the New Zealand Maori team, then winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the New Zealand Sevens team and now being
called up for the All Blacks.
There was a lot of pressure on us in Delhi because New Zealand has won the last three gold medals for the Rugby Sevens. We knew it was going to be really tough and
we understood that we were a totally different team to the ones of the past. We had faith in each other and we were always stressing we were doing all this hard work
for the gold medal.
We had a kiwi camp for all NZ athletes at the Delhi Games. It had three big pillars that are called pou in Maori, all covered with Maori designs and every kiwi medal
winner signed them. I met some of our cyclists and swimmers there. We were able to chat and celebrate together. It was pretty cool.
It was a shame we didn't get to see much of India. The training venue was a 50-minute bus drive so that was pretty much all we saw outside of the official
venues. I was really surprised at the poverty, a bit shocked really. There was a small family living next to the training ground and there were a couple of little
kids running round. Their playground was in the rubble. A few of the boys would grab a bag, put some food in it from the village and give it to the kids.
I wasn't really expecting to be named in the All Blacks having not made selection for the Investec Tri Nations squad. My main focus has just been all about trying to
play well and not worry about anything else. But to actually hear my name called out was pretty exciting. Mum & Dad popped the champagne bottle straight away. So we
had a little family celebration.
It was good to catch up with all the boys again when we came into camp on Thursday morning. It was nice to get so many congratulations from the guys for the gold medal
win too. It wasn't quite as intimidating coming into the environment this time.
I'm sharing a room with the skipper at the moment. I have roomed with Richie (McCaw)before so that made it a little bit easier. He's a pretty quiet guy and I like listening to my music on my headphones so it's a calm room. He has been going to bed late the last few nights. I guess he has so much extra stuff to do as the Captain.
I'm looking forward to getting a chance to play. It's been a while since I've been on the field in the black jersey. It will be great to get that opportunity again.
All the training that happens, all the things you have to overcome, it's all worthwhile once you get to play. I've played for the Maori at Twickenham and I've played Sevens there. My debut was in Hong Kong a couple of years ago. It's good to know the places that we'll be playing at. Twickenham is probably my favourite because of all the history there and the crowd can be so loud and the stadium is so big.
I want to thank all the fans and supporters that have been behind me.Their support has actually helped keep me going and believing in myself.It's something I've really been aware of. So thank you.
Cheers,
Hosea Gear
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