Yesterday Was Another Day Of Mixed Olympic Emotions....

As I've cheered on our USA Olympic teams, it suddenly dawned on me how integrated the Olympic Games have become. I'm referring to Olympic athletes from other countries, from our country, the coaches, the ski designers and the whole world of Olympic athletes. I have absolutely no clue as to how they keep up with it all. They must have *people* for that. It seems the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence or mountain or rink or whatever, as it were.. Well, I admit the French are the only ones whose athletes really aren't too diluted as far as I can tell. I think that's probably because they hate Americans so much, which they really need to get over.

But, I think where I see it the most prevalent is in the world of figure skating. It seems that these days it is so difficult to find a suitable/compatible skating partner, or there are problems with citizenship, or whatever reason. It's like Musical Chairs in their world. I honestly can't keep up with it. Who is from where but was born elsewhere and defected yet another elsewhere. It's exhausting. These are indeed modern times and one must learn to grow along with ones world, right? So, I'm just saying that it would be nice to have a printed guide to go by here at home. If there already is one, then I haven't been privy to it, nor have I seen it available for sale.

If I had more expertise in and knowledge of the other winter sports then I'd go for it myself. However, there is just so much we're unaware of before the games and so many events I know almost nothing about. It would take a team of people to pull it off. Oh, like the media perhaps. I'm not talking about it being available online. I want a hard copy in hand so I can tell what's going on. Right now I'm just happy that I have that pause button or I would have missed much of what has been going on.


Bode Miller did not disappoint yesterday; winning the Gold Medal for the men's super combined. While the Super G combines downhill and giant slalom on the same hill and same race, the super combined has two legs with combined totals in time and technical scoring for two separate, consecutive runs. It's almost a kind of stamina test to see who can handle the brutality the best. It's like an all-star type event. Today, Bode Miller proved he isn't the same Bode as years gone by. He has definitely crossed the threshold into manhood. Way to go Bode!!! I don't want to start sniffing for another Gold Medal just yet since I don't want to jinx anything, so I'll shut up for now.

The Ice Dancing was truly dazzling last night as Virtue and Moir (of Canada) moved into the Gold Medal slot for now. Frankly, I picked them as my favorite from the very beginning because I think this is their year to shine. Their program was sparkling and perfect, as far as I could tell. In this sport, I'm all for the cream of the crop (in my eyes). In skiing, absolutely not. I want the USA to finally prove we're as good as the Scandinavians and Europeans.

Then, the USA Hockey Team somehow pulled off a win against Canada! Woot! Woot! What a sweet win that was! Hopefully, Canada will be up against Russia next. Thank goodness not us.



There was a really interesting interview with Apolo Oho and that young man has his head straight on his shoulders. A less mature man would have been angered when one of the South (or was it North?) Koreans slightly pushed him from behind with his hand. Apolo saw that this was a common occurrence and let it slide since he had already reached one of his goals... more medals in speed skating then anyone ever. Nice set. Nice medals. Way to go Apolo!



And, OMG! When did they come up with Ski Cross? That is basically what we all did when free skiing back when I was young and bullet-proof. My brother and his stuck-up buddies were the first ones I strove to keep up with and pass. Later, it became guys I liked and dated (like former Olympic Ski Team members Kellogg Boynton and Andy Mill, or Univ. of Colorado ski team member Sid Erickson (my first serious boyfriend) or former almost California surfing champion Colin Frosche, then finally, my first husband who was not a competitor but a ski patrolman. The only other men I've skied with since then were family. Mr. Snoots (back in the day), his brother and his uncle, and our son and an occasional male friend. The kids and I often did what resembled the Ski Cross, but never quite so competitive. I've slowed way down over the years though. You know. Like almost to a screeching halt.


Later on they had the women's relay and biathalon where they cross country ski (never cared for it since I liked to go fast) and then do the sharp shooting thing. Not a favorite event of mine, so I have no opinion.


At any rate, I hope you're enjoying my coverage of the Olympics thus far. I certainly am!