2006 Olympics in Torino

[sublime311]

Is anyone else getting excited about the Olympics?? I am! I LOVE watching the Olympics - my favorite is summer, but winter can be exciting, too. Soooo....

What are your favorite events?

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

LINKS

Here are some links to get us started:

The schedule of events (in PDF). (http://www.torino2006.org/ENG/IDF/calendario_gare.pdf)

Medal Counts (http://www.nbcolympics.com/medals/index.html)

http://www.nbcolympics.com/index.html

http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/torino/index_uk.asp

http://www.torino2006.org/ENG/OlympicGames/home/index.html

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/winter06/index

Signup for email and/or cell phone alerts. (http://www.nbcolympics.com/emailsignup/index.html)

[sublime311]

I'll go first!

What are your favorite events? Hockey, skiing, and figure skating.

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing? BODE MILLER! He's a hottie!

ETA: A pic of Bode

http://www.usoc.org/1-bode-medal.jpg

[Rosebud]

What are your favorite events? Hockey, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, and figure skating.

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing? Whether or not Sasha Cohen can medal.

[mortiz]

Glad to see I'm not the only one getting excited. DH made fun of me because I was so happy it was an Olympic year. Back in the day the Olympics were the thing to watch in my house so I kind of grew up with it. :) Anyway:

Favorite event: figure skating, speed skating, and ski jumping, oh and I love the louge (sp?) Ok.....I love it all!

Who do you want to see?: Haven't been following the athletes that much so I won't be rooting for any one person. But I love to learn about the favorites and the long shots each year. Such drama!

[jessied1025]

I love the Olympics!!! I can't wait for the games to begin!

What are your favorite events?figure skating, hockey, skiing (all kinds), speed skating and the skelton, louge & bobsled

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing?Figure skating should be good this year. Even though Michelle Kwan was named to the team she still needs to pass a qualification skate this upcoming weekend. I couldn't imagine the ladiees skate without her. I also have to cheer for Casey Fitzrandolph, he is a speed skater from Madison, WI.

[JenniferEC]

What are your favorite events: Figure skating!
What/who are you most looking forward to seeing: Hopefully Michelle Kwan. I'm still waiting for her to win the gold.

[msnicolea]

LOVE the Olympics, though I do prefer Summer to Winter.

I'm all about Michelle Kwan, though I don't think it's gonna happen. She has been hurt and under-performing all year. I'm sad for her :-(

[hockeybrat]

I can't wait!

I love the Winter games! Looking forward to hockey, ice skating, speed skating, skiing, luge, skeleton, bobsled (I think I might have named them all :p )

[MaineBelle]

I am excited!

What are your favorite events? figure skating, speed skating

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing? Apolo Ohno - he was fun to watch in 2002!!

http://www.usspeedskating.org/images/headshots/headshots/ohno_star.jpg

[sublime311]

YAY!! Posters!

Apolo Ohno WAS loads of fun, and exciting, to watch in 02! I can't wait to see what he does this year!

[Txfish]

I'm an Olympics junkie -- we got married right before the '04 Summer Olympics and dh just shook his head in amazement as I proceeded to watch, like, 13 hours a day of Olympic coverage LOL (Obviously, I was not working at the time)

He saw a commercial briefly the other night, and turned to me with this horrified look on his face: "Dear God, does this mean I will have to watch FIGURE SKATING???" Absolutely priceless.

I love downhill skiing & bobsled/luge, all figure skating, and hockey. Can't get into snowboarding. We do have a speed skater from our little town, though, so we'll be cheering him on!

[JenniferEC]

I'm all about Michelle Kwan, though I don't think it's gonna happen. She has been hurt and under-performing all year. I'm sad for her :-(
Deep down I don't think it's going to happen either, but I'm still hoping she passes her test skate on Friday and gets to go. Even if she doesn't medal, I'd love to see her give it her all at her last Olympics.

[msnicolea]

Deep down I don't think it's going to happen either, but I'm still hoping she passes her test skate on Friday and gets to go. Even if she doesn't medal, I'd love to see her give it her all at her last Olympics.

I agree-I think she has been the best skater in the world for the last 8 years--it's just a shame that she didn't peak at the right competitions.

[Sophia]

ITA with Nicole and JenniferEC about Michelle Kwan. I'm just hoping her test skate goes well so she can go, although I'm pretty confident it will. I'd love to see her do well in Torino.

If you haven't checked out the NBC Olymic site (link on page one) do so! You can sign up for email alerts so you won't miss any of your must-see events.

Also, specific to figure skating, there's an all-new scoring system this time around, so if you haven't gotten up to speed on it yet, you might want to read up here: new figure skating scoring system (http://www.nbcolympics.com/figureskating/inside.html?ch=2).

[tlew12778]

My favor sport is def. figure skating. Not really ice dance though even though it can be beautiful.

I'm trying to buy tickets for men's snowboarding on the half pipe but I've been trying for months and the ticketing system keeps telling me "temporarily unavailable". FH really wants to go see snowboarding. I would LOVE to see figure skating or the opening ceremony but the tickets are like 300 euro each!

[tlew12778]

Is that something they normally keep secret until last minute?

The torch bearers in Torino are:
Piero Chiambretti, Bruno Gambarotta, Massimo Giletti, Piero Gros, Luciana Littizzetto, Stefania Rocca

But I assume they will pass it off to the final person at the end.

I just found out the torch is passing through Milan on Sunday! I think I'll go see what kind of festivities the city breaks out to celebrate. I had no idea anyone could apply to carry it.

[riley]

i'm such an olympics dork. can't wait.
this is the one time every 4 years that my husband will sit thru figure skating with me!

[scarlett74]

Well, I'll be the most involved girl here, because I live in Turin! :cool:

We're all waiting the days of the games!
We are testing the new structures (for example I went with my pupils to see sledge hockey).
For now we are happy for the snow that it's falling and for the new subway. :)
But we are also testing closed roads... :confused:

What can I say more? Watch the games and have a closer look of my city and my Province.
And if you want "inside news" here I am! ;)
Rossella

PS
Here is a webcam on Turin!
http://www.spaziotorino.it/webcam/

[LeslieandPaul]

What are your favorite events? Figure skating, hockey, and freestyle/jump skiing (where the do all the cool moves)

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing? HOCKEY!!!! I'm looking forward to seeing Canada win the Hockey gold medal again!

[scarlett74]

For bellefior:

http://www1.fiammaolimpica.it/
Here is the path around Italy of the torch.
I don't know who will light it...

[sublime311]

Well, I'll be the most involved girl here, because I live in Turin! :cool:

We're all waiting the days of the games!
We are testing the new structures (for example I went with my pupils to see sledge hockey).
For now we are happy for the snow that it's falling and for the new subway. :)
But we are also testing closed roads... :confused:

What can I say more? Watch the games and have a closer look of my city and my Province.
And if you want "inside news" here I am! ;)
Rossella

PS
Here is a webcam on Turin!
http://www.spaziotorino.it/webcam/
How exciting! Glad you're here for us! I do have a question for you:

Why do we call it "Torino" if it's really "Turin"?

[Sophia]

Torino is Italian for Turin, and they (The Olympics) usually use the local name. It's like how Rome is really Roma in Italian.

[sublime311]

Torino is Italian for Turin, and they (The Olympics) usually use the local name. It's like how Rome is really Roma in Italian.
Ah.. I guess I exprected her to call it by its Italian name! Thanks!!

[JenniferEC]

Yeah for Michelle Kwan. I'm so happy she skated well today and I hope she can improve enough to stand on the podium in Torino.

[scarlett74]

Well, Sophie said all! I'm here too late...
For the foreign people there are many cities with the English name, like Venice, Florence, Rome, Turin, Milan...
But the real Italian name are Venezia, Firenze, Milano...

I can say more that Torino is from the old Roman name of the city, "Augusta Taurinorum".
The "toro" is the bull and it's the symbol of the city. Look on the left on the city website:
http://www.comune.torino.it/
For example more city's fountains are with the head of the bull.

[LeslieandPaul]

I'd rather say the Italian name rather than the English one. Torino roles off the tongue a lot easier.
Only 2 weeks to the Olympics!

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I LOVE the Olympics! I really don't watch a huge amount of sports outside of the Olympics.

What are your favorite events? Figure Skating (all, including ice dance), Bobsledding, Luge, Skiing. I can't get into curling though....

What/who are you most looking forward to seeing? Sasha Cohen. Huge Cohen fan here ;) I want to see her walk away with a medal. Not a Kwan fan at all. I'd rather have seen Hughes be on the team as she "earned" it... but it is going to be an interesting Olympics in the women's division to say the least.


Any predictions out there?

My honest prediction is that Kwan is going to finish outside of the medals, just looking at her season so far, how little she has competed under the new scoring system... If Cohen can hold it together, I think she'll be leaving Italy with some pretty hardware.

[curlyjr]

I love the olympics!!

My favorite events are: figure skating, ski jumping and speed skating.

What I am looking forward to: hopefully seeing Michelle Kwan finally get the gold medal she deserves and seeing Sasha Cohen fall ( I know, I'm awful!)

[scarlett74]

Quick gossips...

About the lighting of the torch maybe there will be two people:
they seems to be Alberto Tomba and Stefania Belmondo
(but they are secret, so I don't know if it's for real!)
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Sure there will be Sophia Loren and maybe Schumacher
with the Ferrari..
:rolleyes:

[SingleWhiteFemale]

What I am looking forward to: hopefully seeing Michelle Kwan finally get the gold medal she deserves and seeing Sasha Cohen fall ( I know, I'm awful!)You're not awful! I'm hoping Cohen gets her gold and Kwan crashes into the boards. If you're awful, so am I ;)

[curlyjr]

Oh it is SO on!!:D

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Oh it is SO on!!:DOh, so whatcha gonna do, huh huh huh? Bring it! :p Someone's gonna have bragging rights when this is all over... and it's gonna be me! :D

[JenniferEC]

What if Irina wins?

[Dani]

Schumacher??? But F1 has nothing to do with the Olympics!

My bet is that Irina Slutskaya will win. She deserves it after all that she has been through on the last few years. She is a class act, I saw her in SLC (I was living there in 2002, I worked as an Olympic volunteer... I was an athlete driver), she was always smilling. :) I hope Michelle gets a medal. I don't trust Sasha's nerves, she often messes up on important competitions. Plushenko will take the gold unless he falls on his ass 10 times. LOL

[scarlett74]

Here we are at -4 hours to the Ceremony of beginning...

Who will light the torch? In this moment (here is 3pm) there's a very secret meeting to choose him. Then only 3 people will know the name! :eek:
The last gossips are about:
Alberto Tomba
Deborah Compagnoni
Stefania Belmondo
The gold medal winners of Lillehammer
and
last but not least
....

Roberto Benigni!!!! :rolleyes:

Between few hours we'll solve the mistery!

For Dani:
I know Schumacher is of F1, but all the evening will be about
Italy and Ferrari is a great name here!
:cool:
BTW My last name is Ferrari! :D

[Dani]

Not Roberto Benigni, please! *cry* I simply don't like that guy after his monkey behaviour at the Oscar. I can only imagine what sort of goofy stunt he would pull while lighting the torch.

That is a beautiful last name, scarlett. My maiden name is Italian too M....nelli. :p

Of the list you posted the only name I recognize as a great athlete is Tomba so he is my pick. :)

[lawyerlee]

They just *love* Roberto Benigni in Italy. I think something is lost in the translation for me. ;) :D

U.S. Slider Zach Lund Banned From Games (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/oly_ske_lund_hearing_tr5;_ylt=Ajpwvk6beku6sQ2YS0_o eGSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--)
AP

By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer

CESANA, Italy - Zach Lund, the top slider on the U.S. skeleton team, was banned from the Turin Olympics on Friday for taking a common hair-restoration pill that can be used to mask steroids.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Lund should serve a one-year suspension, retroactive to Nov. 10 and enforced immediately.

Lund told CAS that he was misled by the Web site for the governing body of his sport, which listed finasteride both as a "prohibited substance" and a "specified substance." Lund told CAS he failed to check the prohibited list in 2005.

[scarlett74]

I know! I know!
But I won't spoil...
:)
:cool:

[tlew12778]

I cannot believe I was too cheap to go to the opening ceremony. It's awesome.

They already announced who the torch lighter would be in the newspapers here.

[lawyerlee]

I cannot believe I was too cheap to go to the opening ceremony. It's awesome.

They already announced who the torch lighter would be in the newspapers here.
Ack! I can't believe you passed up the chance to go. I was hoping you might have been posting your first-hand impressions! :)

I would love to get to an Olympic games someday.

[Sophia]

I got an email alert from NBC, so I knew who lit the cauldron. :)

[amd1005]

That was a great intro!

[swcolleen]

I am sitting in NJ waiting anxiously for the opening ceremonies so I can find out!!!

[sublime311]

Awww, how about posting the spoiler in white!?

[sublime311]

Ok, here is a spoiler (in white):

Italian cross-country gold medalist Stefania Belmondo lights the flame with the Olympic torch during Friday's Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

[sublime311]

I am totally digging the music they're playing during the introduction of athletes! I'm shaking my bootie!

[kugrrly]

I'm hoping Cohen gets her gold and Kwan crashes into the boards

I really am hoping that Kwan crashes! She has had her time, and I think she should bowed out and given a once in a lifetime opportunity to a younger girl. Kwan has two medals, and I think her time is over.

[tgray99]

Wow, these opening ceremonies were fabulous until stinkin' stupid old Yoko Ono came on stage and gakked it all up. :rolleyes:

[kugrrly]

Wow, these opening ceremonies were fabulous until stinkin' stupid old Yoko Ono came on stage and gakked it all up.


yoko always screws things up.

[tgray99]

yoko always screws things up.
Amen, sister.


Ahemm...Beatles...ahem.

[kugrrly]

Ahemm...Beatles...ahem.

still have not forgiven her for that

[kugrrly]

I am ready for CURLING!!!!!!!!!

[scarlett74]

Yesterday we went to some friends' home to watch (on tv) the opening ceremony.
They live near the stadium so we could see some of the pirotechnic lights from the balcony.
http://www.lastampa.it/redazione/cmssezioni/torino2006/200602images/cerimonia03.jpg
The ceremony was amazing, we only didn't like:
- the baby that was singing our national hymn (she was cute but the hymn that way was too much a lullaby!)
- the version of imagine by peter gabriel
- the HORRIBLE italian athlets' coats by moschino!!!
:D
I loved instead the English ones, so smart!!
BTW every people at the ceremony had to do something and have some stuff under the seat to use!

Now you should all have seen it so no more spoil. The final lighter was S. B. ;)
and we are PROUD of that choice, because she's from Piedmont, the Region of Torino and she was the perfect person for these games.

What can I say more? Watch the Medal Plaza ceremonies every day: they will be in the center of Torino so you'll have the chance to see more shots of our city!
Have fun!

PS Google has a special logo for the games! :cool:

[Sophia]

Wow, really mean comments about Michelle Kwan. WTF?

[ambam]

I love the Olympics, so I'll be joining in on this thread. I wish Michelle Kwan the best. I think it's awesome that she's competing in her 3rd Olympics. But I am already sick of that Shaun White(?) the red head snowboarder. I've seen him too much already. He looks like the comedian Carrotop. LOL.

[lawyerlee]

Wow, really mean comments about Michelle Kwan. WTF?
No kidding! I love her! :)

[sublime311]

First medal for US is in Speed Skating: Men's 5000m. Gold goes to Chad Hedrick.

Also, the hockey women's team kicked some bootie today beating Switzerland 6-0.

[PookiePrincess]

Wow, really mean comments about Michelle Kwan. WTF?

I know! I hate that women's figure skating has become like women's gymnastics...that they can't/shouldn't compete past the age of 18. It's sad that any older than that is old!

I don't know how likely it is, but I hope Michelle Kwan gets her gold medal!

[sublime311]

FYI - I added two links to the front page. One is for medal counts and the other for email and/or cell alert sign-ups (http://www.nbcolympics.com/emailsignup/index.html).

[thedoorchick]

I agree with this:
She has had her time, and I think she should bowed out and given a once in a lifetime opportunity to a younger girl. Kwan has two medals, and I think her time is over.

Michelle Kwan has been to two Olympics already, and has had more than ample chance to win the gold. But she didn't. It needs to be someone else's turn.

I'm curious why there is criticism of "mean" comments about Michelle but no reaction to similar comments about Sasha?

And no, I am not saying I hope anyone falls or crashes or any other heartbreaking scenario. I just don't think she should even be there. She is there because of a "bye" - who is to say she would have even qualified? Yes, she has been a top competitor for years now - but if that guaranteed anything, she would have a gold medal already.

Similarly, I have heard comments (outside of here) that the best skater should compete, regardless of tryouts, qualifying, etc., because that means the person most likely to win is representing the U.S. While that makes sense, why should anyone assume that Michelle is the most likely to win? Again, experience hasn't exactly shown that to be a given.

I will say that I don't agree with saying someone is "over the hill" or too old or otherwise shouldn't compete after their late teens. I have no problem with older athletes being the best; in fact, I probably would have to say that I prefer that because it belies the stereotype that you have to be twelve years old to be able to compete. My reservations about Michelle Kwan are completely unrelated to her age.

[msnicolea]

Michelle Kwan may not even skate. I adore her--she is a wonderful skater and I have loved watching her over the years.. But she should withdraw if she can't go at 100%.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/news?slug=ap-fig-kwanworkout&prov=ap&type=lgns

[kugrrly]

I think she is an amazing skater, but is irritating that she went to Turino not even knowing if she would be able to compete due to her numerous injuries.

[JenniferEC]

Michelle Kwan has been to two Olympics already, and has had more than ample chance to win the gold. But she didn't. It needs to be someone else's turn.
Does this mean that nobody should have more than one Olympic experience? If so, then Sasha Cohen shouldn't be there along with lots of athletes. Only the winners at the US Figure Skating Nationals are guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team, so it's up to the USFSA to decide what skaters fill the rest of the spots. There have been cases of byes in the past, so this is not something that was done special for Michelle Kwan.
Similarly, I have heard comments (outside of here) that the best skater should compete, regardless of tryouts, qualifying, etc., because that means the person most likely to win is representing the U.S. While that makes sense, why should anyone assume that Michelle is the most likely to win? Again, experience hasn't exactly shown that to be a given.
Unfortunately in figure skating reputation plays a lot in scores. Michelle has a better chance of winning gold, or doing much better, than any other skater that might have gone instead of her.

[bookworm]

I don't know if the figure skating fans had read this, but I thought it was interesting...

Michelle Kwan apparently qualified for the Olympics in...1994?...whatever year Nancy Kerrigan got whacked in the leg. She didn't get to compete b/c the committee sent Nancy Kerrigan instead.

It seemed like a classic what-goes-around-comes-around.

[thedoorchick]

Does this mean that nobody should have more than one Olympic experience?

No, it does not. Michelle has had more than one already, and has won two medals. And she did not qualify for this one. If she had, I certainly wouldn't think that she shouldn't be there, although I would definitely be rooting for the other skaters.

I guess my whole view on this can be summed up by saying that I don't think she's any more or less deserving of a medal or a chance at one, simply because she is Michelle Kwan. I'm over her, I guess you could say.

[kugrrly]

I'm over her, I guess you could say.


that is the way I feel also.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

thedoorchick, exactly! I'm upset because over the last year, she has shown she's losing what she had. She's pulled out of events left and right, and when she has competed under the new scoring system, she's not doing too hot. I don't care her age (heck, one of my favorite gymnasts is still competing--and winning at an international level--although she's 30!). She's had ample chance, and I'm sick of the USFSA playing pity party in chance to let her get a gold (I'm putting money on the fact it ain't gonna happen!) when she has shown that she is not in top shape, and quite frankly, no where near competition shape, let alone Olympic level.It seemed like a classic what-goes-around-comes-around. But Kerrigan came home with a silver medal. And she had proven herself very worthy... she wasn't pulling out of competitions that season, she was going great until someone came along and whacked her. Up until that point, there was no doubt that she belonged on that team. It wasn't her reputation that put her on the team--she had been producing great results up until she was attacked. Michelle Kwan has been on a downhill slide. In no way comparable situations. Michelle has a better chance of winning gold, or doing much better, than any other skater that might have gone instead of her.Not so if she's going to take a tumble like she did in practice.

[bookworm]

Well, I guess it's a moot point now. Injury forces Kwan to withdraw in Turin
(http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/olympics/articles/2006/02/12/michelle_kwan_pulls_out_of_the_olympics_1139748144/)

By Nancy Armour, AP National Writer | February 12, 2006

TURIN, Italy --Michelle Kwan's decade-long quest for Olympic gold came to a sorrowful end Sunday when she withdrew because of an injury, taking the biggest name out of the Turin Games.

It goes on to say that Emily Hughes is on her way to Turin. It's too bad she missed the opening ceremony.

ETA: Goodness, I hope Emily Hughes can get there. She's in NY, and flights are cancelled all over the east coast today.

[kris97]

I'm really sad for Michelle. I've always admired her class, skil, and accomplishments. I hope that she'll continue to be remembered for that, rather than the fact that she didn't skate in Turin.

On another note, I think it is so cool that CC has our very own Rossy to give us the Torino scoop. (Ciao, amica!)

[Adaya]

Guess all the Michelle Kwan hate made it to Italy.

I was hoping Michelle would win the gold. So at this point, I'm rooting for the U.S. women to do their best and go all the way! Good luck to Emily Hughes. Hopefully she'll get there soon.

[mayiko]

For those who may not have seen it yet, AOL is reporting that Michelle Kwan has dropped out of the Olympics.

I did want to respond to this although it is a moot point:



Michelle may not have qualified this time around but one important thing that no one has seen fit to mention. The only reason the US was able to send 3 skaters and not two to the Olympics was due to the fact that both Sasha Cohen and Michelle Kwan medaled at Worlds last year. Had there only been one US medal they would have only been able to send 2 skaters.


ANd Rossy, Ti ringrazio per tutta la notizia degli Olympici in diretta da Torino! E' molto interessante da leggere la punta di vista di qualcuno che e' proprio li!

Michelle didn't medal at the worlds last year she finished fourth.

[curlyjr]

I just think it's so sad that she won't be competing, but I do think it was admirable of her to withdraw when she realized she was not 100%. Dammit I suppose I'll have to root for Sasha Cohen;)

[thedoorchick]

Michelle may not have qualified this time around but one important thing that no one has seen fit to mention. The only reason the US was able to send 3 skaters and not two to the Olympics was due to the fact that both Sasha Cohen and Michelle Kwan medaled at Worlds last year. Had there only been one US medal they would have only been able to send 2 skaters.

That is interesting - can you elaborate on that? I thought the U.S. had always sent three skaters.

all the Michelle Kwan hate

:confused:

Where has any "Michelle Kwan hate" been expressed? I'm really baffled at why people are so sensitive about this (and like I said, not sensitive to the fact that derogatory things have been said in this thread about both Sasha Cohen and Nancy Kerrigan). I don't think anyone has wished ill to Michelle. I personally just don't get all the hoopla surrounding her simply because she has been on the scene a long time. She has been to two Olympics, and won two medals - but never the gold because she didn't have the best performance that day. It's really as simple as that. Why feel sorry for her, and not feel sorry for all the other people who didn't win gold?

Again, as has been said previously, it's all moot anyway. But it's a bit aggravating to be accused of "hating" or "meanness" for simply having an opinion on the sport and its participants.

[Rosebud]

I'm sorry for Michelle. That's a huge bummer and I'm sure not the way she wanted to go out. I really think this is Sasha Cohen's year, though and I'm excited to see how she does. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing Emily Hughes skate!

Are you all watching the skiing? It's so much fun to watch!

[scarlett74]

Thank you Bellefior and Kris for the nice words! I'm happy to give gossips from the real site of the games.
BTW, Bellefior, you speak Italian very well!

I don't have too much to say, but my hubby's aunt yesterday met at the hairdresser Carolina Kostner, the skater that brought the Italian flag:
http://www.lastampa.it/torino2006/ansanews/dati/in310y5tX_20060210.jpg
:cool:

Here is all quiet, the city is not too much crowded. I watched figure skating and alpine skiing on tv.
I'm sorry for Michelle Kwan.
By and enjoy the games!

[SQ2]

What happened to Sarah Hughes? Did she go pro?

[Adaya]

:confused:

Where has any "Michelle Kwan hate" been expressed? I'm really baffled at why people are so sensitive about this (and like I said, not sensitive to the fact that derogatory things have been said in this thread about both Sasha Cohen and Nancy Kerrigan). I don't think anyone has wished ill to Michelle. I personally just don't get all the hoopla surrounding her simply because she has been on the scene a long time. She has been to two Olympics, and won two medals - but never the gold because she didn't have the best performance that day. It's really as simple as that. Why feel sorry for her, and not feel sorry for all the other people who didn't win gold?

Again, as has been said previously, it's all moot anyway. But it's a bit aggravating to be accused of "hating" or "meanness" for simply having an opinion on the sport and its participants.


"Hate", in the way I use it, is just a slang term that simply means distaste and not hate in the dictionary sense of the word. It's kind of a play on the slang term "hateration" that is being used lately. Maybe I should have said "all of the slight dislike for Michelle Kwan and desire to see someone else win the gold" made it to Italy.

[quest]

I'm sorry Michelle won't be skating, but I think she did the right thing by giving up her spot when she knew she wasn't at 100%. She is such a class act and has such longevity. It's funny...not having 'the jumps' probably contributed to her not getting the Olympic gold, but the fact that she was so great and NOT just about 'the jumps' is why she's one of my favorites and probably why she has been able to be successful for so long. Now I'll be routing for Irina...I haven't seen her skate since she came back from her medical leave.

Did anyone catch the pairs short? I missed it, but know the results, so I'm wondering how Zhen and Zhao looked...I'm hoping they can pull up in the standings after the long.

[Annette]

Here's an update on Sarah Hughes
http://www.metronews.ca/reuters_sports.asp?id=127774

Looks like she left the skating circuit and is attending Yale full time.

[JenniferEC]

That is interesting - can you elaborate on that? I thought the U.S. had always sent three skaters.
The number of skaters a country can send to the Olympics or Worlds depends on the previous years' placements at Worlds. We were able to send 3men to Olys because of Evan Lysaczek's and Johnny Weir's placements at Worlds last year, 3 dance couples because of Belbin and Agoso's silver medals and ladies because of Cohen's and Kwan's placements at Worlds last year. USA is not known for our pair teams which is why we only get to send 2sets of pairs. I believe we only had a top 10 finish in pairs.

[mayiko]

I’m sorry to see Michelle go. She is such an icon in the sport it’s a shame she had to go out this way. I know I’m American and will be cheering on the American team but I have a soft spot for Russia’s Irina Slutskya. She’s been skating as long as Michelle and had many comebacks. The latest one came when she got over a chronic illness because her mom needed a transplant operation and Irina had to skate to raise money for her mom’s operation.

On a lighter note did anyone see the throw triple axel made by the America pairs?

[Thea]

The throw triple axle was awesome. They really looked great. I look forward to the finals tommorow night. Anyone watch the snowboarding tonight? It was fun. I am so glad NBC is coming in OK, I Love the Olympics and I am getting my DS just as addicted. :)

[anjuli]

I'm glad Emily Hughes will get to compete. I thought it was it was a little unfair for Michelle to have taken her place. I realize that it was within the rules, but Emily earned that spot. I guess I've never been a Michelle fan, so I'm not sad about her withdrawing. She had her chance to win gold, but was never able to perform the level required at the Olympics.

The next question is: will Emily be able to fly out of New York with all the snow from the recent storm?

[juliemag]

Did anyone else see Shaun White compete in the snowboarding halfpipe? All I have to say is - WOW!!! He is just beaming with talent!! :D

[maggieb]

I'm so excited! I love the Olympics and watch as much as I can. Also, DH and I are extra thrilled this year b/c my best friend's cousin competing this year. Be on the lookout for her. Her name is Kaylin Richardson and she's a downhill skier!

[lawyerlee]

The Women's Figure skating is always the last of the skating events, so she shouldn't have any problems. In fact, when they showed her yesterday, she said they hadn't planned on leaving for a couple of days anyway.
Yeah, it sounds like she'll be fine. She doesn't need to be there until the 21st, so she has plenty of time.

I thought it was incredibly mature of Michelle Kwan to give up her place on the team. What a hard decision. :(

[Smittenk]

Has the Pairs Free played in the States yet?? I want to chat about it but I don't want to give anything away just in case. I think I will just wait until tomorrow to see if anyone posts about it.

[ysolde]

I usually love the Winter Olympics, but ever since NBC decided to cave in to the extreme Religious Right and cancel "The Book of Daniel," I am boycotting NBC. I am now writing to the sponsors of the Olympics to let them know. A one-woman crusade, but I am really pissed off at the RR, and I am NOT taking this one lying down!

Hijack over!

[Sazoo]

Has the Pairs Free played in the States yet?? I want to chat about it but I don't want to give anything away just in case. I think I will just wait until tomorrow to see if anyone posts about it.Nope, not yet...well, at least not here on the west coast - I think the prime time Olympic coverage doesn't start until 8 pm here, which is 2.5 hours from now. It's probably airing now on the east coast, though...

[anjuli]

Wow, I cannot believe that female Chinese skater continued after her nasty fall! I was wincing everytime she placed all her weight on the bad knee. Amazing that they won silver. I'm happy for the Russian couple considering the nasty fall she had last year(?). Skating is a very dangerous sport!!!

The women snowboarders were great! Go USA! I love the fact that the commentators said that Kelly Clark's last run could rival that of Shaun White in terms of the height and difficulty. :D

[thedoorchick]

The Chinese pairs teams really tugged on my heart last night. Amazing!

I'm so proud of our women's snowboarding team. :D

[msnicolea]

I thought Kelly Clark deserved to medal--I mean, she did tricks that no other woman does and just because she kinda sat on the last one (which she didn't even need to do at that point)--anyway, I thought she was robbed, though the 3 who "podiumed" (apparently, that's a verb now) were all very good.

One small rant: how come the female boarders are referred to as "girls" and the male are "men"? PHAT annoying!

[Heidi]

The Chinese pairs teams really tugged on my heart last night. Amazing!

I'm so proud of our women's snowboarding team. :D


ditto! I am especially proud of Hannah and Kelly as they are Vermonters!:D

[Thea]

Go US Snowboarders. :D The pairs skating final was full of drama too and great to watch. Did any of you see Cheek win the 500m speedskate? I was so happy for him, then read this morning that he will donate his prize money to a charity to provide sports for kids in reall bad areas of the world. What a class act. Here's the article:
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/speed_skating/news?slug=ap-spe-mens500&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Thea]

Heidi...we cross posted. Go VERMONT!!:D

[Txfish]

Coming back to say... that "speed skater from our little town" I mentioned is Chad Hedrick, USA's first Torino gold medalist!! Go Chad :)

And contrary to my prior assertion of "not getting into snowboarding", I watch both guys' & girls' halfpipe and that was FUN!

The pairs skate -- wow, that was a bad fall & that girl was all heart to get up and finish that program. Good for her!!

There have been some bad accidents already -- are there always this many, or am I just paying closer attention this time? Yikes!

[msnicolea]

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/news?slug=afp-oly2006sskateusa&prov=afp&type=lgns

TURIN, Italy (AFP) - US speedskater Joey Cheek credited his decision to donate any prize money from a Winter Olympic gold medal to a Sudanese relief project with helping him capture the 500m title Monday.

Cheek will donate the 25,000 dollars he will receive from the US Olympic Committee for his victory to "Right to Play", an athlete-driven charity organization, with the money earmarked for the battle-ravaged Darfur region.

"I knew if I ever did something like this, I wanted to be able to give something back," Cheek said. "The best way I can say thanks is to donate my money to help somebody else."

Cheek, who will ask each of his handful of sponsors to donate money as well, skated the two best 500m races of his career to win gold in a combined time of 1:09.76, beating runner-up Dmitry Dorofeyev by .65 of a second.

"I don't know how I skated that fast," Cheek said. "At some level, it's empowering to think about someone other than yourself. It's right that I help some people get the chance that I have had.

"We athletes are superstitious, goofy people," Cheek said. "It's kind of absurd. I've trained my whole life for this but I am skating around in a skintight suit. It's a little ridiculous.

"I can take the time to sit up here and gush or I can do something worthwhile."

The humanitarian crisis in Darfur has claimed between 180,000 and 300,000 lives, and displaced more than two million people.

Cheek's role model is former Norwegian speedskater Johan-Olaf Koss, who made a similar contribution in 1994 when the program was called Olympic Aid.

"The things he has done for other people have been an inspiration for me," Cheek said. "It's my hope that I can assist some people and walk in his large shoes."

Cheek had the plan in mind after meeting with Right to Play leaders in the Olympic Village this week.

"I have been kind of plotting this in my head. I wanted to be prepared if the stars aligned," Cheek said. "They have got a great program and they have done a lot of good."

Cheek said he plans to visit Darfur in a couple of months and might petition the US State Department to allow more US funds for relief work.

But his plan to see the region where 60,000 children are among the homeless might have to wait.

"I heard today the situation has destabilized and it might not be safe for aid workers to go into villages," he said.

Cheek, 26, will skate the 1,000m but retire after the Olympics and attend college. He applied to Harvard but was rejected.

"I've been out of school for 10 years so they were a little concerned I wouldn't be able to read a sentence." Cheek joked.

[Rosebud]

Did anyone else see Shaun White compete in the snowboarding halfpipe? All I have to say is - WOW!!! He is just beaming with talent!!

I love this kid! He is so cute. I thought the snowboarding was a lot of fun to watch, and the American kids are really sweet.

I especially liked how Sean, being so young & so successful, was really modest and well-spoken in his interviews... while still being just a sweet, energetic kid. And when he was hugging his parents after he won-- I got a little teary. :p

Did you read his comment about Sasha Cohen after he won? That cracked me up.

Then he wondered out loud if winning Olympic gold might help him catch the eye of his current crush, U.S. figure skater Sasha Cohen.

"I'm hoping Sasha Cohen digs gold medals," giggled White, who's not much bigger than Cohen herself, at 5-feet-8 and 140 pounds. "Oh, this?" he said, practicing a potential pick-up line on reporters as he pointed to an imaginary gold medal hanging from his neck. "I just got it! So, how's it going?"

[lawyerlee]

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/news?slug=afp-oly2006sskateusa&prov=afp&type=lgns

TURIN, Italy (AFP) - US speedskater Joey Cheek credited his decision to donate any prize money from a Winter Olympic gold medal to a Sudanese relief project with helping him capture the 500m title Monday.

Cheek will donate the 25,000 dollars he will receive from the US Olympic Committee for his victory to "Right to Play", an athlete-driven charity organization, with the money earmarked for the battle-ravaged Darfur region.

"I knew if I ever did something like this, I wanted to be able to give something back," Cheek said. "The best way I can say thanks is to donate my money to help somebody else."
What a wonderful guy! These kinds of stories just warm my heart. :)

[hockeybrat]

What a wonderful guy! These kinds of stories just warm my heart. :)


That was great reading the news and then watching the race (we're about a day behind on TV). That is what makes the Olympics so great. :)

[lawyerlee]

Russian Biathlete Expelled, Loses Medal (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060216/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_bia_biathlon_doping_tr4&printer=1;_ylt=AtvlahWSoWiksd3YSU6rQxSSFs0F;_ylu=X 3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-)
AP

By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Sports Writer

Russian biathlon star Olga Pyleva was thrown out of the Turin Games and stripped of her silver medal Thursday for doping, the first athlete caught in the tightest drug net in Winter Olympics history.

Pyleva was favored heading into Thursday's 7.5km sprint to win her second medal of the games. As athletes were walking up to the starting line, an announcer told the crowd that Pyleva was scratched because she had fallen ill.

But it didn't take long for news of the real reason to spread. A urine sample Pyleva submitted after winning the 15km event on Monday tested positive for the stimulant carphedon.

"Oh my goodness!" American biathlete Rachel Steer said. "I just noticed they said she was sick, and I saw her last night — and she didn't look like she was getting sick."

[Adaya]

**Results Spoiler**





Shani Davis wins Men's 1000-meter Speed Skating Gold. 1st African American to win individual gold in winter Olympic history.

[BlackMagicRose]

Very upset by this....

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/cross_country/news?slug=ap-xxc-austria-doping-athletes&prov=ap&type=lgns

[lawyerlee]

**Results Spoiler**



1st African American to win individual gold in winter Olympic history.
He was awesome in the final race! But when I first heard this, I turned to Cliff and said, "Is this 2006?!" I hope Shani's success will encourage more participation in these kinds of sports. :)

[lawyerlee]

Very upset by this....

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/cross_country/news?slug=ap-xxc-austria-doping-athletes&prov=ap&type=lgns
Exhausted Austrians furious after doping raid

By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer

PRAGELATO, Italy (AP) -- With his team's big race approaching, Austrian cross country skier Martin Tauber stayed awake all night.

It wasn't nerves keeping him up. It was paramilitary police.

Just when Tauber was ready for a good night's sleep Saturday, Italian authorities stormed into the Austrian athletes' housing, conducting an unprecedented search for evidence of doping.

Furious and fatigued, the Austrians finished last in the 16-team men's 4x10km relay Sunday, still reeling from a sweep that so far has produced little more than puffy, bloodshot eyes.

"They absolutely ruined the race," Tauber said.

The team of Tauber, Juergen Pinter, Roland Diethart and Johannes Eder were among at least six Austrian cross country skiers and four biathletes given unannounced, out-of-competition drug tests by the International Olympic Committee late Saturday and early Sunday while police tore through their belongings at their residences.

I find this news astounding and so infuriating. There is a reason they ordinarily conduct testing *after* an event. Treating these athletes this way makes absolutely no sense, regardless of the coach's issues. :mad: :(


Coach at center of doping probe crashes car after police chase in Austria (http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/news?slug=ap-austria-dopingraids&prov=ap&type=lgns)
AP

By WILLIAM J. KOLE, Associated Press Writer

VIENNA, Austria (AP) -- The banned Austrian ski coach at the center of a doping investigation at the Turin Olympics crashed his car into a police roadblock Sunday evening after leading authorities on a bizarre chase.

Walter Mayer was slightly injured in the accident, in which he struck an unoccupied police car set up as an impromptu barrier in the town of Paternion in the southwestern province of Carinthia, about 15 miles from the Italian frontier and some 250 miles from Turin, police said. He was taken into protective custody.

Mayer was returning to his native Austria just hours after Italian authorities searched Austria's biathlon and cross country team quarters for banned substances. Police acted on a tipoff that Mayer -- who was accused of blood doping at the 2002 Olympics while he was Austria's Nordic team coach -- was with the team.

Italian police seized blood analysis equipment during the raids, as well as syringes, vials of distilled water, asthma medication and other substances, the national news agency ANSA reported, quoting unidentified investigative sources. One Austrian athlete threw a bag out of a window containing needles and medicines, and Mayer apparently left the scene in a minivan, ANSA said.

[BlackMagicRose]

I find this news astounding and so infuriating. There is a reason they ordinarily conduct testing *after* an event. Treating these athletes this way makes absolutely no sense, regardless of the coach's issues. Thanks Lawyerlee. I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way. The first thing I thought when I read this article was "I bet the Italian team got a metal" and guess what?? I found out they got the gold.

Italian police seized blood analysis equipment during the raids, as well as syringes, vials of distilled water, asthma medication and other substances, the national news agency ANSA reported, quoting unidentified investigative sources. One Austrian athlete threw a bag out of a window containing needles and medicines, and Mayer apparently left the scene in a minivan, ANSA said. This is all a bit weird, but we will see what comes from the tests.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

WOW at the ice dance. Just wow. I hope the lady in the white can still skate their final program...

[lawyerlee]

WOW at the ice dance. Just wow. I hope the lady in the white can still skate their final program...
No doubt. :( I couldn't believe that *5* couples fell today. It was like an epidemic or something. I searched for news on the Canadian skater who fell so hard on her left hip, Marie-France Dubreuil. So far, they said they hadn't decided whether she would be up to competing on Monday or not.

Belbin & Agosto looked so awesome! They really rocked tonight's performance. It was much better than the other night, IMHO. I can't wait to see how they finish up tomorrow. :)

[Adaya]

Wow, the ice dancers had a tough time of it last night. So many falls.

[msnicolea]

I think Chad Hedrick is acting like an ass and seriously needs to STFU.

That is all.

[maplekitty]

OK I've got something that is truly bugging me!

Why is it that most (if not all) of the sports, the Olympians are solely Olympians and if they want to go "pro" and make money they have to retire from the Olympics. ie. figure skaters

However, with the hockey teams, they pick guys from the NHL?? That's totally not fair, because in the same respect they are "pro". Why is it that they can go make buttloads of money all year and work as a professionals and then also go to the Olympics??

[Txfish]

maplekitty, that's been bugging me, too. Seems totally unfair.

And will someone please explain why some people are DQ'ed for false starts, and some others are just going back and starting their race over (speed skating)?? I am obviously missing something.

Also, what was the timeline was for Shani Davis deciding not to skate the team event? Because if it was "well we got the schedule when we got to Italy, and I saw that the team was the day before the 1000", then I guess I understand making that choice. If it was known ahead of time, I think he's an ass for pulling out at the last second.

How is Chad Hedrick being an ass? Not confrontational; I just haven't seen much about what's going on; haven't heard any of his comments.

[msnicolea]

Here are my top 2 reasons: criticizing Davis for not participating in the relay and 2) refusing to congratulate Davis when he beat Hedrick in the 1,000.

I could go on and on. I just think he's acting like a brat.

[JenniferEC]

I searched for news on the Canadian skater who fell so hard on her left hip, Marie-France Dubreuil. So far, they said they hadn't decided whether she would be up to competing on Monday or not.

It looks like they withdrew. How unfortunate because you just don't think of falls like that in ice dancing.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Also, what was the timeline was for Shani Davis deciding not to skate the team event? Because if it was "well we got the schedule when we got to Italy, and I saw that the team was the day before the 1000", then I guess I understand making that choice. If it was known ahead of time, I think he's an ass for pulling out at the last second.I don't think the pure reason why people are angry was he committed and then pulled out. His attitude reaks, point blank. Pretty much his attitude was "This team hasn't done a damn thing for me. I've gotten here because I have talent and because of God. No one else, so why would I skate a team event?" (paraphrase, of course ;) ) He actually did release an official statement, that was read on NBC, that stated to that effect. He never said "I want to concentrate on individual events, and I feel that I won't be able to do so by skating in the pursuit" or "Pursuit isn't my thing, and I prefer not to skate it" -- both of which are perfectly acceptable and honest. It is the "me me me me me, and me only" of his attitude that is bothersome. No amount of talent is going to compensate for a horrid attitude.

[Lizard]

I don't think the pure reason why people are angry was he committed and then pulled out. His attitude reaks, point blank. Pretty much his attitude was "This team hasn't done a damn thing for me. I've gotten here because I have talent and because of God. No one else, so why would I skate a team event?" (paraphrase, of course ;) ) He actually did release an official statement, that was read on NBC, that stated to that effect. He never said "I want to concentrate on individual events, and I feel that I won't be able to do so by skating in the pursuit" or "Pursuit isn't my thing, and I prefer not to skate it" -- both of which are perfectly acceptable and honest. It is the "me me me me me, and me only" of his attitude that is bothersome. No amount of talent is going to compensate for a horrid attitude.

I'm with you here.... I really don't have a problem with him not wanting to do team events because he wants to focus on single ones. That gives another person a chance to get into the Olympics, get a medal, etc. But his attitude does seem to be a little poopy. I have heard that there is a lot of in-fighting behind the scenes, and that Davis' mother also has a bit to do with it.

On another note... Apolo Anton Ohno sure is growing up nicely. Hubba hubba. :D

[Adaya]

I think both Hedrick and Davis are bit immature in the way they've handled things. However, if Davis felt that skating on the team would prevent him from practicing and bettering himself to get the gold, then I agree with his decision to quit the team. I would have done it too.

Here's an article from the Chicago Defender (It is an African American newspaper so yes it's a bit slanted, but we read that everyday in the mainstream, but it's just slanted the other way.)

by Roland S. Martin, Chicago Defender
February 20, 2006

He has withstood the teasing of seeing a Black kid in tights glide around an ice rink, rather than the track or basketball court.

Yet in the aftermath of his historic win - he's the first African American to win an individual gold medal in the history of the Winter Olympics - Davis been barraged by questions as a result a little pissant who happens to be his teammate.

The war of words started when Davis opted not to participate in the speed skating team pursuit. Hedrick came into the Olympics with a stated desire to win five gold medals, equaling the record set by Eric Heiden in 1980. But with Davis choosing to concentrate on his race, the U.S. squad wasn't as strong, and they subsequently lost in the team pursuit quarterfinals.

That's when all hell broke loose. An angry Hedrick began to toss all kinds of barbs at Davis, and the media ran with the story, questioning whether Davis was a team player by using quotes from Heiden and other former athletes. As a result, U.S. fans bombarded Davisís website with personal attacks, including calling him a nigger.

Here is a man trying to win the one thing he has trained for nearly his entire life, but he has to deal with being called a n----r - and he's representing the United States!

But a tough young man who grew up in Hyde Park, later moving to Evanston to train, Davis shut all of that out and won the gold in the 1,000 meters, an event that he is the world record holder in.

Yet what happened? He continued to be attacked by a sour puss Hedrick, who wasn't even man enough to congratulate Davis, choosing to salute the guy who came in second place!

There are some crucial issues that need to be addressed to set the record straight.
For the last 17 years, all Shani Davis has dreamt of was having a gold medal hung around his neck for speed skating.

Davis isn't a team player. That's the card Hedrick and others have been playing for some time. There is no denying that Davis and his mother have had a love-hate relationship with the United States Olympic Committee. But what you may not know is that two speed skaters were added to the Olympic team to specifically skate in the team pursuit. Davis, who was passed over at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games, wanted those guys to get their shot at Olympic glory, so he passed on the team pursuit. That, ladies and gentleman, is a man who was thinking of his teammates.

Davis is selfish. He is the world record holder in the 1,000 meters. He was the prohibitive favorite to win. His win would make history. Instead of wanting to be tired when it came time for the race he has trained for, Davis opted to rest. But Hedrick was all about Hedrick. HE wanted to win five gold medals, and wanted HIS teammates to help HIM achieve HIS goal, regardless of THEIR individual goals. Since Davis didn't skate, Hedrick lost the chance to equal history. So now he turns on Davis. Talk about a prick. He deserves to be called out for his selfish behavior.

Davis wasn't more appreciative of his win. Talk about a joke. NBC's Melissa Stark wonders why he isn't smiling more after winning the gold. I guess she was looking for a modern day Sambo or Step N Fetch It. The man had been put through hell the last two days by the media, and now they wonder why he wasn't jumping for joy? Could it be that that simply isn't his personality? How about being called a n-----r by people from the country you represented?

No one will ever be able to take away the history Davis made Saturday in Turin, Italy. But maybe his critics should check their own selfish interests and stop crucifying the guy. He represented America well, and did what media darlings Michelle Kwan and Bode Miller couldn't do - bring the gold home.

Just another perspective....

[Txfish]

SWF & Lizard, that's sort of the vibe I have gotten from Davis in the few moments I've seen him trying to respond. Maybe they both (he & Hedrick)have poopy attitudes, but I have to admit, I'd probably react not so well to Davis' attitude either.

Too bad about the ice dancers -- they were really pretty good.

My dh commented that he figured they'd be needing another ambulance last night, unless they could keep the Italian woman away from skate blades LOL She was SO pissed at him; I couldn't believe she was so unprofessional about how she just stood there on the ice and glared at him instead of sucking it up and smiling, having some showmanship and SPORTSmanship. Bleh.

[Txfish]

And I'll add this, in response to what Adaya has posted: I don't know all the background behind the selection of team members, etc., but I will say I can see how attitudes can be portrayed as negative when in fact they are just quiet or whatever else. And that could be working against either or both of these guys right now.

[MrsWilson]

I don't think the pure reason why people are angry was he committed and then pulled out. His attitude reaks, point blank. Pretty much his attitude was "This team hasn't done a damn thing for me. I've gotten here because I have talent and because of God. No one else, so why would I skate a team event?" (paraphrase, of course ;) ) He actually did release an official statement, that was read on NBC, that stated to that effect. He never said "I want to concentrate on individual events, and I feel that I won't be able to do so by skating in the pursuit" or "Pursuit isn't my thing, and I prefer not to skate it" -- both of which are perfectly acceptable and honest. It is the "me me me me me, and me only" of his attitude that is bothersome. No amount of talent is going to compensate for a horrid attitude.
ITA! Plus, his interviewing skills need some serious work! His attitude is as if he hates the sport and everyone in it. Why did he even choose it?

[Adaya]

ITA! Plus, his interviewing skills need some serious work! His attitude is as if he hates the sport and everyone in it. Why did he even choose it?

Why would he give a happy go luck, hunky-dory interview when you are continously treated like shit by everyone in the sport that you've chosen?

It's a pointless thing to discuss? Shani Davis is the bad guy here.

[MrsWilson]

He knows this is the first time many people have even heard of him. Acting the way his does and going around with a chip on his shoulder doesn't give many a very good first impression.

[lawyerlee]

Why would he give a happy go luck, hunky-dory interview when you are continously treated like shit by everyone in the sport that you've chosen?

It's a pointless thing to discuss? Shani Davis is the bad guy here.
And it's just not very suprising to me. So freaking typical. Entertain us, but don't open your big fat mouth with anything we don't want to hear. :rolleyes: :(

[Adaya]

Luckily, the ice dancing was much better tonight. Very proud of the U.S. couple.

[mayiko]

I think Hendrick is a whiny little punk myself.

Yeah being called out by your fellow team member because you're selfish because you didn't accept an invation to skate in the team event with one week notice. So if Davis was SO important to the team why was he given such late notice? Davis is a world champion and a former world record holder he should have given more respect. I would have a chip on my shoulder too.

[hockeybrat]

Maplekitty, I think it has to do with national governing body of the sport. In the US, for figure skating, it is the USFSA (US Figure Skating Association) and for hockey it would be Hockey USA. I had a friend who used to work at the OTC in Colorado Springs and he tried to explain it to me. It was very bureaucratic and political.

I think both Hedrick and Davis are being punks. It is all about "me" for them. Kudos to Joey Cheek, he seems to have the Olympic Spirit. :)

[msnicolea]

ITA re: Joey Cheeks--he is awesome!

[msnicolea]

Men's 1500 spoiler in white:

Italy's Fabris wins Olympic gold in 1,500-meter speedskating

By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer

TURIN, Italy (AP) -- Skating in front of a rabid home crowd, Enrico Fabris of Italy won the gold medal in men's 1,500-meter speedskating Tuesday, dropping American rivals Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick to silver and bronze.

Fabris posted a time of 1 minute, 45.97 seconds, then waited anxiously to see if any of the remaining four pairs could better him on the slow ice.

Davis, the former world record holder, went in the final pair, knowing full well the time he had to beat. He finished in 1:46.13.

Hedrick skated in the next-to-last pair, covering 3 3/4 laps in 1:46.22, going much slower on his last lap than Fabris. The Texan, who holds the world record, knew he wasn't going to win when he crossed the line, shaking his head.

The Italian broke up the American hold on gold medals at these games, becoming the first non-U.S. skater to win one in an individual race. It was Fabris' second gold, having helped the Italians win the team pursuit. He also won bronze in the 5,000.

Americans Joey Cheek and Derek Parra, the defending Olympic champion, were ninth and 19th.

Davis came out on top in the smoldering rivalry between him and the brash-talking Hedrick by virtue of finishing higher in this race.

Each has a gold medal -- Davis in the 1,000 and Hedrick in the 5,000.

Hedrick was sixth in the 1,000 and Davis finished seventh in the 5,000.

The two aren't fond of each other and that was evident on the awards podium.

Hedrick smiled and half-heartedly waved his bouquet. Davis raised both arms, smiled and waved to the crowd.

Fabris jumped onto the top spot -- in the middle of the Americans -- and waved in all directions. After the bouquets were presented, Davis and Hedrick joined Fabris on the top spot. Davis tousled the Italian's hair and they talked to each other. Hedrick stared straight ahead. There was no traditional handshake between the medalists.

[BlackMagicRose]

Maybe a ladies ice skating short program spoiler for some of you so I wrote it in white but.....


Sasha Cohen got first in the short program! She beat Irina! I have always rooted for Sasha and I really want to see her with a gold medal arounf her neck after the long program!

[kugrrly]

wow davis and hendricks had some nice things to say about each other.:rolleyes:

[bookworm]

And will someone please explain why some people are DQ'ed for false starts, and some others are just going back and starting their race over (speed skating)?? I am obviously missing something.


Not sure if you saw, but they just explained that the rules are that the false start is charged to the pair. So the first one is a gimme, and the 2nd one (regardless of if the same person false starts twice, or if they each do once) gets disqualified.


And now a whine...I wish the Olympics were "on demand" on TV. I know it's not fair; all of the athletes train hard, deserve the spotlight, etc. But I cannot stay up until midnight! I do not need to see press conferences, 100 iterations of the bobsled (the first few are fun, but c'mon...), or one more second of #*$& Bob Costas.

[kugrrly]

I wish the Olympics were "on demand" on TV.

I know! I have to see my fave Ski Jump. According to my schedule it should have been on, but I have to see it.

Tired of the "olympic Moment" stories. Lets get on with the events.


I guess if you are not Bodie Miller or fighting with a team mate you will not be shown.

[kugrrly]

Emily Hughes looked really cute skating. She was so proud of herself. :)

[Sazoo]

And now a whine...I wish the Olympics were "on demand" on TV. I know it's not fair; all of the athletes train hard, deserve the spotlight, etc. But I cannot stay up until midnight! I do not need to see press conferences, 100 iterations of the bobsled (the first few are fun, but c'mon...), or one more second of #*$& Bob Costas.
ITA with this! I'm mostly interested in watching figure skating, & it annoys me so much that every night it's on I have to keep jumping back & forth to NBC to see if they're showing skating or something else...& then I end up having to stay up until 11:30-11:45 pm in order to see the end of the skating competitions because it seems to be one of the final events they show during the prime time Olympic coverage every night. :rolleyes:

[Rosebud]

GO SASHA!!!

She was AWESOME!! So excited to see her doing well. Sasha is an amazing skater... gorgeous to watch!

[mel7dog]

wow davis and hendricks had some nice things to say about each other

Wow that was a bad press conference!

As for skating-
I was so happy for Sasha, she really looked amazing. I liked the russian girl as well because she had lots of energy. I am also a sucker for a great story :o It's going to be a battle for gold with those 2. I love Emily Hughes as well, but I'm not sure she's at the same level with the others. Either way she skated a personal best last night, so good for her!

BTW - Since I don't have tivo I have to take a nap after work so I can stay up till 11:30 and watch the Olympics!

[SQ2]

Yay, Sasha! She is absolutely exquisite. I love watching her skate. Should be a good competition for the gold. I also really liked that girl from Turkey that they showed first, even though she wasn't one of the best, there was just something about her that I liked a lot. Maybe her story, I don't know. I just go tears in my eyes when they said her parents couldn't afford to travel there to watch her. I'm such a sap. :(

[Heidi]

I loved watching Sasha! (And I'm with everyone else, it is on too late - I was snoozing before they got to her, thank goodness I woke up!)

Davis and Hendricks just seem foolish at this point, and the media coverage of it is ridiculous.

And now for a stupid question:
Why is it NBC writes "Bobsleigh" on the screen but then pronounce it Bobsled? Am I just an idiot and this IS the proper way to write it? It is driving me nuts!

[Sazoo]

And now for a stupid question:
Why is it NBC writes "Bobsleigh" on the screen but then pronounce it Bobsled? Am I just an idiot and this IS the proper way to write it? It is driving me nuts!Heh heh...I've been thinking the exact same thing. Glad it's not just me wondering about this... :p

[Lizard]

I've usually seen it spelled Bobsleigh, but pronounced Bobsled... honestly I never thought about it until this Olympics though. :) Not sure why it's that way.

Is this a good place to vent about the amount of SPOILERS that the national news, internet sites and local news have been running? :mad: I don't mind them saying stuff, but geez, give some WARNING before you do it. Tell me to turn away from the screen or something. For the Summer Olympics, Yahoo had all the results in a Spoiler section that you had to click on to view. Now this year they're all in plain view. I have been watching every night and I really don't want to know what happens, so I've had to avoid quite a few sites and news programs over the last week. It's just annoying.

OK, carry on! :)

[juliemag]

Sasha did SO WELL!!! YAY! I was glad to see her overcome the nerves and skate a brilliant performance. I really think the talent in the women's skating has improved drastically. There's only 5 points separating the top contenders with Kimmie Meissner. That's not very much at all, considering if they land a jump perfectly, it's an extra 4-6 points in the "bank", so to speak.

I can't figure out one thing though... why do they wait to the very last second to show the rest of the figure skating? It was 11:30 by the time I got to sleep!! Surely they could've put bobsleigh after skating... :p

[Txfish]

Bobsleigh -- yeah, that's how it's really spelled. Like in England, it's still spelled "draught" instead of how it's said, draft. Although in that correlation, I suppose we should call the sport "bobsleif" LOL

The skating really was good last night -- I can't believe how close the top competitors are! That's how the Olympics should be :) But I was bugged by the looks on Kimmie Meissner's face all night -- she just looked so snotty every time someone would come and beat her score. Can you not even cheer for your teammates when they do well?

The Hedrick/David thing is just annoying. I don't care why it started, or whether they're just reacting to each other or what -- I'm just annoyed that this is the big perception of the American Olympic attitude. Of course, I'm also sick of being told that I'm racist if I dare say anything negative about Davis. :rolleyes:

[kugrrly]

I can't figure out one thing though... why do they wait to the very last second to show the rest of the figure skating? It was 11:30 by the time I got to sleep!! Surely they could've put bobsleigh after skating...


NBC does this so they win that hour for ratings. If they showed it all at once then everone would it off when it was over and thus ratings would suck.

It really is annoying

[Lanapoo]

Can I just say...I HATE DICK BUTTON!!! He just needs to retire, what's up with criticizing every single movement as if he's some expert. Come on, I've seen the old footage of him when he won his gold medals, he looked awkward and all they did was single jumps back then. As if! Vent over. Sorry :o

Go Sasha! I thought she was wonderful! But even though she had the same level of difficulty as Slutskaya (sp?) and had amazing artistry when Slutskaya had absolutely no artistry to her skate, Sasha was only given a .03 lead? Gimme a break!

[Lanapoo]

duplicate post...sorry

[msnicolea]

My goodness I can't tell you how much I HATE Dick Button, too. SHUT UP you bitter sourpuss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lizard]

Dick Button's terrible, he comes off as such a crotchety old man. You half expect him to be yelling at the girls to get off his lawn. He doesn't have a good thing to say about 90% of them, and the other 10% he makes it sound like he's gonna hit on them after the show. :) Bleh.

[Heidi]

Mr. Know-it-All, Dick F-ing Button.

Love it! and couldn't agree more!

[Heidi]

Bobsleigh -- yeah, that's how it's really spelled. Like in England, it's still spelled "draught" instead of how it's said, draft. Although in that correlation, I suppose we should call the sport "bobsleif" LOL

I knew it would be something like this! I am always such an idiot when it comes to pronunciations!

[katmg]

You half expect him to be yelling at the girls to get off his lawn.

Bwaah!! Dick Button drives me nuts.

[Lanapoo]

Thank goodness I'm not the only one with a Dick Button aversion :D

My DH had no idea who the guy was before we started watching the skating and now he's yelling at the TV right along with me "Shut up Dick!" :p

Isn't it funny how after he comments a lot of times Scott Hamilton and the other chick will either be dead silent or try to say something nice about the skater? Last night DB actually said at one point "I hope I'm not being mean here".....silence from Hamilton and the chick.

[emmjay]

During the ice dancing Dick Button made a joke about the "twizzle" move and said something like "there's no shizzle in that twiz-zizzle". I looked at my husband and said, "OK if that expression wasn't already dead now it's OFFICIAL. Dick F-ing Button just said 'shizzle'."

[Txfish]

I am *rolling* over the Dick Button comments LOL Too freaking funny!! See, he nor Bob Costas annoy me, but I do like to make fun of him because he only has like three phrases at his disposal to describe a pleasant performance. The man needs a thesaurus.

Get off my lawn!! ;)

eta: Sorry, Dick's got nothing on the chick who was commentating during the pairs' skating -- she was downright nasty 90% of the time! And I can't believe D-Fing-Button said "shizzle". Heehee

[emmjay]

Don't even get me started on Bob Costas!

OK, maybe he hasn't been that bad, but during the opening ceremonies of the Athens Olympics he was talking about "the island nation of Belize" and I will forever hate him for being such an idiot. ;) And he talks too much instead of just letting people watch what is happening.

[LeslieandPaul]

I'm watching figure skating (the Canadian channel is showing stuff live so we don't have to wait until the evening, which NBC is doing). They were interviewing Joannie Rochette, a Canadian figure skater, and she said that it looks like she'll finish 7th and she wanted to finish in the top 10, so if she does that, she'll have achieved her goal. Does that not just capture the Olympic spirit? It's not about winning, it's about participating, doing your best and achieving your goals. I was very proud to hear her say that.

Anywho, for all you who will be watching figure skating-it's very good, with some good scores, and some disappointments. I won't say any more, I don't want to spoil it.

[lawyerlee]

During the ice dancing Dick Button made a joke about the "twizzle" move and said something like "there's no shizzle in that twiz-zizzle". I looked at my husband and said, "OK if that expression wasn't already dead now it's OFFICIAL. Dick F-ing Button just said 'shizzle'."
That was *so* god damned funny. I was thinking, geez, Dick, you're so cool. Riiight.

The very first night of the pairs competition, he freaked out and was all, "Oh, I'm soooo proud of them! That was deelighful!" when one of the American couples did something he liked. My brother and I almost busted a gut laughing at him. He's a freak and a total hater. He makes Scott Hamilton seem pretty normal.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I *heart* Dick Button! I love how he just speaks his mind and I usually agree with 90% of what he has to say! My fav comment was when he called a skater's layback spin "almost somewhat acceptable". That was several years ago though. Do I like him saying the "shizzle" stuff? No - I think he sounded rididulous. However, when he critiques someones edges or positions, he's usually right on.

[Sazoo]

AAAAAAAHHHHH! My boss just walked in and told me the results of the ladies figure skating competition that has already occurred but won’t be aired on TV here until this evening! :mad: Now granted…I’d already broken down & looked up the results online a few minutes earlier (yeah, I’m a sucker for spoilers :p ), but still! I am planning to watch the skating competition tonight & have been looking forward to it all day.

I just can’t believe he blurted out the results the minute he walked in the door without even asking if 1) I even care about or watch figure skating, & 2) if I wanted to know what happened or wait to watch it myself on TV tonight! :rolleyes:

[LeslieandPaul]

I just can’t believe he blurted out the results the minute he walked in the door without even asking if 1) I even care about or watch figure skating, & 2) if I wanted to know what happened or wait to watch it myself on TV tonight! :rolleyes:

That's exactly why I didn't post what happened even though I knew. One thing though, be prepared to get sucked in for hours (I started watching at 9 am-and they were already on the second group, and I was watching until 2 pm).

[udsweetpea]

I just looked up the spoiler results too. I don't know what to think.

[bookworm]

Ok, earlier today I didn't know who Dick Button was, but watching the skating tonight I kept thinking "who is this guy?" Then someone called him Dick and I made the connection to this thread!

[Lizard]

Watching skating right now.... Sarah Meier's outfit.... :eek: :eek: I mean, it was pretty and flattering, but wow. Dicky called her a "nicely figured lady", heh.

[mayiko]

Can I just say...I HATE DICK BUTTON!!! He just needs to retire, what's up with criticizing every single movement as if he's some expert. Come on, I've seen the old footage of him when he won his gold medals, he looked awkward and all they did was single jumps back then. As if! Vent over. Sorry :o



Dick Button won two gold medals and was the first person to do 3 of the 5 triple jumps so yes he is an expert. Uncle Dick is salty but I've been watching figure skating for a long time and learn a lot from his comments. He's usually easier to take when he comments with Peggy Fleming. She's sort of the Paula Adul of figure skating commenting.


Oh there's Dick Button drinking game as follows:
Here's a drinking game all skating fans can play the next time ABC broadcasts a skating event.

Every player has his or her poison of choice at the ready. Rules are as follows:

Each player picks a skater in the competition. If the skater is known to be one Dick Button likes (Brian Boitano, Paul Wylie, etc.), that player has to drink every time Dick praises him/her for even the slightest little move. If the skater is known to be one Dick Button dislikes (such as Alexei Urmanov), that player has to drink whenever Dick criticizes him/her. If he criticizes the skater for being unmotivated, the player has to chug.

Every time Dick utters the word "nice" or the phrases "first rate," "this young lady," or "this young man," everyone has to take a drink. If he says "HOW nice!", everyone has to chug.

Also, everyone has to chug when Dick calls upon his Harvard erudition to describe a skater, or a situation at a skating event, in a way that only he seems to comprehend (such as calling Kate Robinson "the quintessential pre-Raphaelite heroine").

I am sure that if you play the game according to the rules, you will wake up at some time the next day with a hangover the size of Dick's ego, muttering, "Who won anyway?"

[lawyerlee]

Cool for Sasha Cohen that she got a medal. She seemed pleased, even though it obviously would have been cool to get the gold. :)

Really, though, it was Shizuka Arakawa's night. She is such a lovely skater, and she nailed her performance. What a way for Japan to get it's only medal so far! :)

[JenniferEC]

No surprise that Sasha couldn't put together two programs without a spill. I'm not a fan of hers, so I'm glad Shizuka won. Irina seems to have a better attitude this time about not winning gold.

[fuzzy]

I missed the end of the competition. We're on the East coast and just couldn't stay up. But my fav Button-ism from the beginning of the competition was when a skater from Finland took the ice. He said something like "One look at her and you can tell that she's done some modeling!"
Ah, simmer down now, Dick...

[fionaeire]

I have to admit that I'm a fan of Dick Button. It doesn't seem like a real skating competition until I hear him ripping apart someone's position in a spin. I think he has softened up a lot over the years. He is honest about his comments and doesn’t sugar coat things like most of the other announcers do.

[Lanapoo]

Shizuka Arakawa did AWSOME last night! So exciting to be the first Japanese gold medal winner in the sport. She was really good.

People tend to feel one way or another about Dick Button. I respect other people's opinion and I have my own opinion. In fact DH was accusing me of being him last night as I critiqued one skater :o Oops. I just prefer Scott Hamilton's approach, he can offer constructive criticism without offending and he doesn't talk the whole way through the program.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Shizuka won because she didn't make any major mistakes. She skated well, but I wouldn't call it fabulous. She didn't do any of the triple - triple combinations as she had planned and I didn't think she showed much emotion at all. Don't get me wrong - she totally deserved to win and I am happy she did, but I've seen her skate much better.

That Dick Button drinking game must be pretty old! The skaters mentioned in the "rules" haven't competed in at least 12 years...LOL

I like Scott Hamilton til he gets all excited and squeaky in his commentary. I much prefer Dick's bluntness. His comments about Elena Liashenko's short program were right on - regardless if someone thought they were "mean". She has been around forever, but her skating has never improved. She has skated the same crappy way for the last 12 years...

[SQ2]

I like Scott Hamilton til he gets all excited and squeaky in his commentary. Hee hee. DH and I would always crack up when Scott would make an emotional exclaimation as the skater landed one jump after another. It was hilarious.

I agree, Shizuka did a great job, but something was missing. If I looked at that performance independently of everyone else I wouldn't say to myself "Now THAT is an Olympic gold medal performance!" If I was going to win a gold I'd want to win knowing the others had skated their best.

[mayiko]

Shizuka won because she didn't make any major mistakes. She skated well, but I wouldn't call it fabulous. She didn't do any of the triple - triple combinations as she had planned and I didn't think she showed much emotion at all. Don't get me wrong - she totally deserved to win and I am happy she did, but I've seen her skate much better.

That Dick Button drinking game must be pretty old! The skaters mentioned in the "rules" haven't competed in at least 12 years...LOL

I like Scott Hamilton til he gets all excited and squeaky in his commentary. I much prefer Dick's bluntness. His comments about Elena Liashenko's short program were right on - regardless if someone thought they were "mean". She has been around forever, but her skating has never improved. She has skated the same crappy way for the last 12 years...

The game has been around for years but the same rules apply. My favorite Dick Button comment was when a skater continued to skate a few seconds after the music ended, "Boy she missed that ending by a mile".

Not too excited about skating these days. Because of the new COP system all the routines look the same. I mean how many time can a skater grab her skate blade before it gets old.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I mean how many time can a skater grab her skate blade before it gets old.

Now you sound like Dick Button...LOL He was complaining about that very thing during nationals...and you are both absolutely right!! :D

[mayiko]

Now you sound like Dick Button...LOL He was complaining about that very thing during nationals...and you are both absolutely right!! :D


I believe the quote was, "Oh great another catch foot spin how original"

[JenniferEC]

I don't mind Dick's comments. He's been around so long, it's not a skating competition without him. After his fall a couple of years ago, I thought we'd never hear him again. He may say some silly things, but he does know what he's talking about. And I agree with the PP, he's much better when paired with Peggy.

[scarlett74]

The first two weeks of Olympic Games here are over.
They were very fast!

Tonight the city will celebrate the end of them with a "white night":
all open (museums, theatres, shops) till 5 am.
I hope to visit the Museum of the Cinema and to take the last walk around the city
crowded of the tourist and the athletes of this exciting days.
BTW all the olympic villages has parties all night and my friend Elena
has gone to the German Village to taste wurstel and beer!
Elena's will be in the cast for the closing ceremony of tomorrow night, watch it
if you can, it should be great.
Tomorrow the torch will be light off and it will be off till the next Olympic Games
of Vancouver in 2010.
So yesterday night we went near it to take some pictures. This is the best:
http://rossy.zoto.com/img/45/243b7fb63c4ddcde455b0e0a58d9ce5d.jpg
I'm sorry it's not perfect but we were on the car. There was no way to stop it
for the crowd!!
I hope to take more pictures of the Olympic places tonight during
the evening out in the city center.

PS
I'm sorry for Sasha Cohen, after Carolina Kostner - of course! :) - I hoped she could won the gold medal.

[Annette]

Shizuka won because she didn't make any major mistakes. She skated well, but I wouldn't call it fabulous. She didn't do any of the triple - triple combinations as she had planned and I didn't think she showed much emotion at all. Don't get me wrong - she totally deserved to win and I am happy she did, but I've seen her skate much better.


I agree. She didn't show much emotion. Now when Sarah Hughes skated back in 02, her program was amazing and gave me chills.
Now if Slutskaya and Cohen didn't fall, who would have gotten gold?

[curlyjr]

I think Cohen would have got the gold, I think she has much more expression and great extension. I have to say I wasn't impressed by Sarah Hughes at the last Olympics,I think it was a fluke that she won because she skated a clean program and kind of won by default.(IMHO)

[BlackMagicRose]

I agree that if Sasha did not fall she would have won gold. I love to watch her skate. I just hope she is stronger and more relaxed in the next olympics. I never liked watching Irina skate. She just seemed too choppy and not as graceful as Sasha and the other skaters. There were a few skaters that I can not wait to see improve, including Emily Hughes who I actually think is a more graceful skater than her sister.

[Lindsan]

I honestly cannot stand Sasha Cohen. I think she is just fake fake fake. She is a talented skater, in the sense that she is very artistic, but I just really dislike her personality. Also, if you compare her jumps with for example Irina Slutskaya's they actually lack quite a bit. Irina has a lot more height in her jumps for example.

I really like both Irina and Shizuka. Irina has so much power and security and I think she really shows how much she loves skating when she is on the ice. Shizuka has both great jumps and is very artistic.

I watched the winner's show last night and was completely taken aback by Evgeni's performance. I was so humbled by his talent I actually got tears in my eyes. Now there is a skater who has it all! Did y'all know that it was the first time his mother ever saw him skate? After he had won his gold medal he went back to Sibiria to bring his mother back to Italy so that she could finally see her son skate. Wow! Talk about heart wrenching.

[Sazoo]

I fell asleep & missed most of the exhibition skating (or whatever it's called) last night. :( I always like watching that final skating performance at the Olympics because there is no pressure so everyone seems more relaxed & has more fun out on the ice.

[Smittenk]

Watching the Closing Ceremonies...it's almost over and wow! It has been awesome...way better than the Opening Ceremonies I think!!

Of course when they pass the flag and introduce Vancouver for 2010 I got so happy (my hometown). I remember when we won the Olympic bid and now we are next! I have already told DH we will be there for those two weeks...even if we can't get tickets to any events.

Just wanted to let you know..definintely worth watching (I think anyways!)

[scarlett74]

Sigh... The games are over!
We are a little sad, now! :(

[vancouvergirl]

yipppe, vancouver's next! won't the world be surprised when they see how green it is here! no, it's not a frozen tundra. :p

[LeslieandPaul]

yipppe, vancouver's next! won't the world be surprised when they see how green it is here! no, it's not a frozen tundra. :p

I just watched part of Vancouver's presentation on CBC and am now watching the beginnning of it on NBC. The people of the world are going to come to Vancouver and expect (to elaborate on what vancouvergirl said)
-ice fishing
-the need for parkas and fur boots
-lots and lots of snow
-igloos
-the need to snowshoe or snowmobile everywhere (because of all that snow)

So basically they're going to have this expectation that Vancouver is a winter wonderland, with -30 weather, when in actual fact it will probably be 5-10 degrees and raining, and they'll all be horribly disappointed.

Other than that: WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vancouver 2010 is 4 years away! It's so incredibly exciting! I'm hoping to get to volunteer for the games (it will require a big time commitment, but hopefully mean getting to see some of the events!).

[tlew12778]

Watching the Closing Ceremonies...it's almost over and wow! It has been awesome...way better than the Opening Ceremonies I think!! Really? I thought the closing ceremony was so incredibly boring! I kept waiting for something good to happen. The floating part was kind of cool but I absolutely loved everything about the opening ceremony.

[Smittenk]

lol tlew12778! Funny how everyone has such ifferent opinions! Glad they had both opening and closing...they hopefully pleased most people with one or the other :)

[maplekitty]

I just watched part of Vancouver's presentation on CBC and am now watching the beginnning of it on NBC. The people of the world are going to come to Vancouver and expect (to elaborate on what vancouvergirl said)
-ice fishing
-the need for parkas and fur boots
-lots and lots of snow
-igloos
-the need to snowshoe or snowmobile everywhere (because of all that snow)

So basically they're going to have this expectation that Vancouver is a winter wonderland, with -30 weather, when in actual fact it will probably be 5-10 degrees and raining, and they'll all be horribly disappointed.





That was my big beef last night too!
2010 is in *Vancouver* - not Yellowknife!!! :p what was with all the igloos and fur boots and snowmobiles?!?!? When I think of Vancouver, I think of the ocean, the mountains, the forrests - not ice fishing!!!! :mad:
When the Olympics were in Calgary they did a great job of representing Calgary culture with the cowboys and the rodeo stuff - *that's* Calgary. Inuits and ice fishing is NOT Vancouver!!!