Four years ago, Krista Guloien left Beijing and the 2008 Olympics hungry for another shot.

The Port Moody rower is glad she's stuck to her guns and kept up the chase.

As a member of Canada's eight-women rowing team at the London Summer Games, Guloien enters the competition this time around with a deeper appreciation for what is at hand.

Her role has changed and so have the routines that got her here.

"I would have to say that it really couldn't have changed more," she told The NOW in an e-mail. "We have a different coach, I am sweeping instead of sculling, and I am in the women's eight versus the women's four. We have a solid group of experienced women and our training is so focused and purposeful. We have left no stone unturned."

The results approaching London would agree.

Canada's women's eight team last month won the Samsun World Rowing Cup, beating out both Romania and Great Britain.

At last year's world rowing championships, Canada recorded a historic silver medal to secure its berth to London.

Being her second Olympics, Guloien has totally embraced the experience from an athletic and fan's perspective.

"I love Olympic stories and journeys. I love watching the Games and seeing people overcome and perform their best in all sorts of scenarios," she said.

Along with her iPad and laptop, Guloien packs along the gear needed to compete with her teammates in showing the Canadian spirit abroad.

"We like to have our toenails and fingernails painted all sorts of colours while we are away," she said of what has become a team bonding experience.

"While resting between practices it can be a relaxing ritual to add some colour to your life. I never leave home without an assortment of colours to share with my teammates."

WHEN: July 29, heats; July 31, reps; Aug. 2, Final.

FOLLOW on twitter: @KristaGuloien