We usually make a point not to watch in case that happens because it affects you mentally.

When we saw the flag going up, it was a sight we had not prepared for because we didn't want to create a dream we couldn't obtain due to reasons out of our control. We felt pressure from ourselves, to prove that we were destined to be here.

Being sick, we were a little cautious preparing for this event.

Lots of teams feel better staying at home and just taking it easy and building up themselves in training. But for us, it's definitely better to come here. These are the same international judges who will judge us at the Olympics and we want their feedback.

I'm so excited, so proud of everybody -- it's an amazing group. We've all been through so much just to get here.

For the first time, I was able to cross the border and when I was asked my citizenship, I could say American. That was exciting.