I’ve spent days trying to write this final post…..I’ve tried many approaches but they seem trite… I’m not a writer and I’ve struggled with the things I witnessed  on Feb. 12th. It’s not been easy….In fact I seriously considered stopping this blog after Nodar’s accident….but  I wanted to share  with you the reason he traveled to Vancouver, I wanted you to see the sport and the spectacle.  Most athletes don’t win gold medals or million dollar sponsorships at the Olympics……for them the pay off is simply being there, I wanted you to see what that meant……….. I don’t know if I was successful or if it was arrogant to even try,  but it was the only way I could think to honor him.

Nodar Kumaritashvili 1989-2010

I appreciate the fact  that so many of you took the time to read this…and to contact me, your support meant allot, (I also appreciated that none of you commented on my spelling/grammar…never give a dyslexic a key board!)

Lastly  there are several people I want to thank……

Joe, for helping me see the trees.

Janice & Kelsey, for girl time.

Harry, for humor.

Wolfi, for perspective

Jason, for spellcheck

and of course…….Jon, Alanson & Ethan, for being my boys

Be safe, and thanks for coming along,

Z

I don’t pretend to be a photographer but I thought these shots might hold some interest.

Spectator Stand at Track

Track at Night

"Z" in Whistler

2010 Olympic Officials

Crabby & Mr Bill Help Officiate

In case you wondering Fanatical in Canada is spelt H O C K E Y,  a fact that became apparent  when I attended a game with several Canadians. Ok it was the Canada -Swiss Game which went into overtime  and then two shoot outs before the Canadians finally won….so I’ll give you it was an exciting game….. but by the end these normally lucid individuals were springing from their chairs, screaming and gesturing wildly.  Scary thing was it wasn’t just my friends…..all around us thousands of Canadian fans appeared driven to the brink of insanity by what was occurring on the ice. Even the Prime Minister of B.C., seated in the suite next to us was losing it.  At times I feared for my  safety and longed for the tranquility of a BYU/Utah football game.

A Working Zamboni

CTV Commentators

Since the Doubles race was not starting until 5:00 pm, I stole some time in the morning for a long walk with a friend. I imagine Bob Costa and the rest of the NBC crew have been gushing ad nauseam about how beautiful the area around Whistler is, well as much as I hate to admit NBC got something right, it’s true…Whistler is breathtaking. On a sunny day the the snow sparkles and the mountains pop. There are of miles and miles of trails meandering through old growth forest and around ice cover lakes. A short walk from the village and your in the wild (literally…. On my second day here I went for a run and saw some kind of mountain cat across a pond…….everyone thought  I was seeing things until a bobcat ran across the Men’s Downhill course the following day…then they said I was lucky I didn’t get eaten). I can see how people are drawn to this place.

Grabbed lunch on a patio over looking the Whistler Plaza.  This place is always packed, not only because it’s the load zone for several ski lifts  and the gondola taking people up to the Sliding Center, but it also has several large screens showing events live (Lindsey Vonn was in the process of annihilating the Women’s Downhill field. Every American in the place was holding their breath until she came screaming across the line, then they all erupted). This is also the site of “Whistler Live” a show choreographed  to send pyromaniacs in to a frenzy.  Each night snowboarders & freestyle skiers don “glow in the dark” suites and launch themselves through flaming rings. The music is loud, the tricks incredible, and  the spectators are a show in and of themselves.

At the track it appeared to be  business as usual, the athletes warmed up, coaches did last min. sled prep. and officials readied equipment for the final controls. The Canadian Forerunner Coach had spent the week ‘Loudly’ encouraging his athletes as they pulled off the handles.  Tonight he was in rare form, he started yelling to spectators gathered around the start area that if they cheered for the forerunners they would pull harder/go faster…….he got everyone going, and while the forerunner in the handles was laughing I imagine she’s partially deaf now.

Canadian Forerunner Coach with his Garden Gnome....Sometimes you just don't ask

The first run went as expected, some sleds fell to the start curve while others navigated it cleanly…. there was little margin for error. Christian Niccum and Dan Joye had a clean corner and seemed to be excited as they waited for their second turn in the handles. I was good to see them enjoying themselves.

The Doubles Race (two runs over one day) ended with Andreas Linger/Wolfgang Linger of Austria in 1st,  Latvians Andris Sic/Juris Sic, in 2nd and third was the veteran team of Patric Leitner/Alexander Resch of Germany. For the US, Christian Niccum/ Dan Joye placed a very respectable 6th and Mark Grimmet/Brian Martin came in 13th.

As you can imagine the Austrians coaches were ecstatic, however it was the normally reserved Latvian Coach’s display of emotion at the start that will stay with me for a long time. This is a very large man who was jumping up, down bear hugging anyone that didn’t get out his way. He couldn’t make up his mind wither to laugh or cry so he just did both at the same time. Another sweet moment was at the  finish when Christian held his little one….I’m pretty sure he was prouder of her then the great runs he had just laid down.

In case you haven’t noticed I’m adding my last couple post after the fact…… Sorry, you’ll  already know the outcome of the races but with so many meetings and the occasional need for sleep and food…..I’ve gotten a bit behind!

The last two runs of the Women’s race were phenomenal from a spectators point of view. The weather was warm and the crowds huge. I was lucky enough to be at the finish where the stands across the outrun were filled with some very vocal spectators.  These guys were so fanatical they would cheer at anything (and I mean anything)….at one point between runs I was swept into an impromptu tango by a volunteer official and crowd went wild  (yes the rumors are true..but how was I to know that the guy was a professional dance instructor) I don’t know how the athletes felt but for myself and the VANOC officials it was great to just let their enthusiasm wash over us.

The US had a GREAT Cheering section. Megan Sweeney’s family, all in pink hats, pretty much took up one side of the stands. Erin Hamlin’s shirtless friends were there with her name painted on their chest and Julia Cluckie had sign carrying fans from Maine. They all cheered their hearts out. Families weren’t the only ones there, along the outrun fence a were  bunch of the US Junior athletes. These guys get the “Best Fan” award…… they had their speed suits and race bibs on, their faces were painted red,white and blue and several were sporting tinsel wigs. They were quite the spectical…..several of the team coaches came over to get photos and told me how great it was that our young athletes made the trip to support the Team.  On the other side of the stands was a German contingent, and while they may have been fastest on the track…….They struggled to be heard above the North Americans.

The race itself was more difficult…. the athletes had a full plate to contend with…… including mixed emotions regarding the lowering of the start, a very difficult start curve and on top of it all the Press trying to stir debate,  It was a hard race for all involved…. It took great focus on the part of the athletes and I’m proud to say there was some great displays of sportsmanship.

Tatjna Hufner Germany placed first. The underdog, Nina Reithmyer from Austria was second and  Natalie Geisenberger third.  It was an exciting race with many people pulling for the young Austrian. Erin Hamlin finished 16th, Julia Clukey 17th and Megan Sweeney 22nd.

The sliders were incredibly gracious, at the end of their forth run each and everyone of them acknowledged the crowed with waves and bows.

Mon. Feb 15 between the Doubles training session and the First two runs of the Women’s Race we actually had a couple hours off in which to play tourist. First we ran to German House for a lunch of Weisswurst and a Pretzels. (During the Olympics many countries will set up “Houses” that serve as a gathering place for their athletes and compatriots.  They are show cases for  national products, food and team sponsors. Most of  the time the house will also have a studio for the countries radio or TV station carrying the games. It is the place athletes hang out after winning a medal- so these Houses can get rocking!) Felix Loch & David Muller were there looking a little rough around the edges…I can only surmise they had a long night of  celebrating after taking 1st & 2nd in yesterdays Men’s race.

After I hit “The Stroll”…. This is Whistlers main pedestrian walk way. It’s lined with all kinds of stores & cafes. In the evening there is always something going on on one of the stages …….The place is packed making it  great for people watching. I’ve seen Norwegians dress as vikings, A conga line of at least 50 people and growing as they danced out of sight. Some guy in an Eagle costume, the Calgary Stampede Princes. Royal Canadian Mounties, people in flower pot hats, mascot hats, flag hats, you name it’s on “The Stroll”

After that it was back to the track for the first two runs of the Women’s Race. Again as a result of what occurred earlier this week the start for the women’s race was moved down.  This area was never scoped as a point to start the race so it required alot of fast modification on the part of the organizers and the officials. Platforms were build, tents erected, cabling for electricity and TV had to be pulled. Transportation was required, spectator access redirected. Tons of things had to happen that no one watching on TV would ever guess…. these guys had less then 24hr. but they pulled it off. The Venue Team’s response was amazing they deserve a huge round of applause.

Today the wunderkind Felix Loch of Germany won the Men’s Olympic competition. He was rock solid… fastest in the field on all four runs. The second place finisher David Moeller,  also of Germany, was more then a half second behind.  Armin Zoggler the favorite coming into the Games third. This was Armin’s 5 medal in 5 Olympic Games. Which I believe is record for Luge.

Tony Benshoff  lead the US Team with an 8th place finish followed by Chris Mazder in 13 and then Bengt Walden in 15th.

As you are most likely aware the start list today was missing a young slider named Nodar Kumaritashvili, his absence is heart breaking and more then a little traumatic.  I wish there was something I could say that would bring comfort, but right now I, like many others am struggling with what has happened………I do appreciate the support I have received from many of you and hope that you will keep Nodar’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

After the accident a decision was made to move the starting point of the Men’s race down two curves, this was done in order to reduce the speed the athletes would experience over the course of the run. Further modification had been made to the walls along the out run and ice profiles

For the first two runs (Saturday night) I was Jury member at finish.

Just like in Salt Lake there were stands for spectators along side the finish area…….it was electric. Fan were yelling and cheering for their favorite Athletes. Many waved flags and banners, some even dressed up…….(I’m still trying to figure out the guy in the Abraham Lincoln costume) Chris Mazder’s support group was there…these guys are serious fans…. no matter how cold it is  they run around with no shirts and USA painted across their chests. The Canadians spectators were great…They were cheering for each athlete by name and when the athlete turned to acknowledge the crowed they  would go wild. At times It was hard to hear due to the noise.

Today (Sunday) I was at the Start….It was a little more quite but just as intense as coaches prepped sleds, athletes warmed up, and officials checked controls. For the most part it was smooth, the only moment of excitement came as one of the athletes lost his face shield down the start ramp. Fortunately a track worker managed to grab it and it was run back up to the start with plenty of time still left on the clock.

Today was a very hard day for the entire “Luge Family”

Please know that your emails, calls & post of concern have been appreciated.

Z

Great News!  During tomorrows Opening Ceremonies you will be seeing our very own Mark Grimmette lead the  US Team into the stadium….Yup, he was elected Flag Bearer by the other US Athletes……it’s a huge honor and he truly deserves it……Mark is a great guy (and if I have my numbers straight) this will be he and his Doubles partner, Brian’s, 5 Olympics (they’ve won two medals) I’m excited I get the chance to be there and witness it.

As for the actual Opening Ceremonies, VANOC  will be trying to keep as many people off the road as possible, so they will be busing the Athletes and Officials down from Whistler. The road between Vancouver and Whistler is called the Sea to Sky Highway and while it’s absolutely stunning it’s also quite narrow. It’s conceivable that in certain areas a pile up could make the road impassable. We’ve been told to expect a trip of approximately 3 hours each way. Needless to say I plan on sleeping on the drive back.

As for the rest of today……..it was long.  Both the Men and Women had  training and there was a Team Captain’s meeting at 6:30 pm. Fortunately the weather (snow rain & fog) didn’t impact the track or the sliders so we were able to stay on schedule. In fact I even managed to sneak away and take pictures from the top of the media structure.

Lastly…thanks to all that have posted comments…..I’m glad to know your out there!

Z

Sliding began today at 4:00 PM Pacific Costal Time.  I was standing at Men’s Start when the first athlete pulled off the handles, you could almost hear a collective sigh of relief from from everyone at the venue …..followed by a few whoops & hollars of celebration……this day has been a long time coming for some of these guys. It was a smooth start and I hope it continues that way.

As for track conditions one of the Forerunners (A slider that test the track & timing system for the competitors) said the ice was sweet…the profiles were great..and there were no  bumps to be found …..I imagin the Track Chief and his crew are looking to break some  track records.

On the personal side.

I’ve been assigned  the position of Designated Driver for our Jury car, I’m pretty sure this has nothing to do with my driving skills………. I’m more incline to think it’s because as a North American I can communicate better with the million or so Police Officers directing traffic in and around Whistler…..It’s crazy they’re everywhere…..and heaven help you if you try to park illegally!  Normally having an accredited vehicle is a sign of prestige….not here…..in Whistler your importance is rated by whether or not you have a parking space!

My Car....but not my parking space

FYI: A couple of you have expressed concern about what I’ve been wearing you’ll be glad to know my luggage  did arrive yesterday (and true to form it seems to have had a more direct flight then I did.)

For those of you that are more visual……I have been taking photos and intend to post them on this blog once we get an upload issue resolved.

Z