Team GB's Andrew Triggs Hodge, Tom James, Pete Reed and Alex Gregory (L-R) competing in the men's four row past …
With the countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games very much on, I'm very excited. We've had four years to prepare for this moment and suddenly it seems like it's come upon us from nowhere.
We've been away in Portugal on our final camp, where everything has gone well. It's all going to plan so far, so I couldn't ask for anything more.
I went to Beijing in 2008, but that was a tricky year for me. I had some injuries and the crew I was in was on the borderline of making the team. I was lucky enough to be picked as a reserve so I travelled with the team and watched them, ready to race in case anything happened to any of the guys.
I was watching in the stands and saw the guys I'm rowing with now win their medals (Tom James, Pete Reed and Andy Triggs-Hodge). That was a big turning point for me, from then on I realised it really was something I wanted to do. Four years on I'm in a totally different position.
Knowing that I will line up next to three guys who have already won gold makes it easier for me but also adds a bit of pressure. I feel very confident in the guys I'm with. They've been there and done that and have proved they can do it.
But at the same time, the British coxless four are going for their fourth Olympic gold. That brings pressure and expectation. Our coach Juergen has won a gold medal at each of the 10 Games he has coached at and he is not looking for anything less than gold again. That certainly piles on the pressure. Also, I'm aware that I'm the only change in the team from the last Olympics so that adds a little bit more.
Given my team-mates' success, whenever they open their mouths and talk rowing, I sit up and take notice. Having all those medals gives their advice extra credence. Yet I'm very confident in my position in the team; I know I've earned my seat over the past three years.
My event is in the first week and the final is scheduled for August 4. So we will have the second week to move into the Olympic Village and enjoy spending time with my family, watching other events and hopefully celebrating.
I'm looking forward to getting inside the stadium. I remember watching the 200m final in Beijing when Bolt won. Being in the stadium is always awesome and I can't wait for that.
Unfortunately we won't be at the opening ceremony because our event starts too soon afterwards, but the closing ceremony is also pretty good to be involved in.
Two-times world champion and gold medal contender for Great Britain's coxless four in London Alex Gregory will be blogging for Eurosport-Yahoo! during the 2012 Olympic Games.