Today I dedicate my blog to two sports that so far we have reported on very little. Snowboard and Nordic combined.
Today was the last competition in the Nordic combined. The American team had very high ambitions to win the team competition yesterday conducted. In their eyes winning the silver medal was a disappointment. This shows what the team has for high ambitions. They were here on a clear mission for gold. Today, the dream came true.
Bill Demong won the first gold medal in the history of America for a Nordic athletes. His teammate Johnny Spillane won his third silver. I think the performance of this team was outstanding, especially when you consider the high effort this sport demands between ski jumping (quickness) and cross-country skiing (endurance). Moreover, this sport is normally on the fringe of the media, since it is difficult to commercialize. I have known these guys for many years and no matter what country they come from, they really deliver on something amazing performances and deserve more credit than what they get.
The Olympic snowboard and ski cross competitions are being conducted at Cypress Mountain. As already reported, the snow is running out somewhat due to the heat from the city of Vancouver coming up the valley. The snowboard teams train up here in Whistler as the conditions at Cypress are anything but good. Toko didn’t have any extra serviceman in the village at Cypress. Nevertheless, the teams were supplied by Heinz Kolly, our Alpine serviceman, with the daily weather report by email as well as advice. Product has been transported by a delivery service where necessary. The Americans dominated the halfpipe and for the snowboard cross the Canadians won gold and silver. Tomorrow will be the competitions in the parallel giant slalom. The first ski cross competitions at the Olympics were won by Michael Schmid of Switzerland and Canadian Ashleigh McIvor.
Before our flight back to Switzerland, we are planning another night in Vancouver to taste of the Olympic spirit. Maybe we will still be able to get hold of one or other souvenir that was sold out in Whistler such as the famous red gloves.
From Whistler Creek Side
Steffen
