Heather Fell, Olympic modern pentathlete silver medallist, writes about her life 'on and off' the track.

I had been lead to believe that the USA is not best known for its history and culture, or maybe we are just spoilt in the UK? Having spent a week on this side of the Atlantic I must admit I am not yet able to prove this theory wrong.

On our first day here in Charlotte, North Carolina we (my team mates and I) headed straight to the nearest shopping mall (don't worry it was after training!). I am a little embarrassed that we didn't first attempt to find something a little more educational to fill our time but with the strong pound we felt it was essential to at least check out what was on offer over here. I wasn't too impressed with our first 'mall' experience but it seems in hindsight that our taxi driver didn't really know the area any better than us so I hope when his reply to our question "What is on offer in Charlotte?" came back with 'just shopping' — he was also misguided.

Throughout the week and either side of the competition we found a few other activities to entertain us although another shopping trip was included. Charlotte the city may be huge in UK terms especially in its physical size in square miles but it feels so spacious. There really isn't a city centre and the grid system of roads leaves little space for any character. We are apparently staying in the 'happening' area; there are very few shops but we are right next to a sporting arena and cinema which promised potential entertainment.

The vast arena lived up to its expectation and we enjoyed a close fought basketball game although we didn't partake in the whole experience as we declined the almost compulsory bucket of popcorn and fizzy drink. Less success was had at the cinema as apparently ID was required from all of us, whatever our age and for whatever film.