Olympics Days 13 & 14

Firsts: It seems that everyday there are new "firsts" for this Olympics. I can't rememeber it being this frequent. It seems likely in the new sports and in sports with new scoring (e.g. figure skating), but there are a few in the traditional sports that caught my attention.

The Canadian women took the top two spots in the two-"person" Bobsled, with an American pair led by Erin Pac taking Bronze. This was the first time North Americans swept the medals in a sport dominated by northern European nations. I believe it was also the first medals for Canadian women in any bobsled event. (Own the Podium kicking in).

The US had only ever won two medals in the Nordic events (Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon, Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined), one in XC in 1976 and another in Ski Jump in 1932. So Johnny Spillane set several firsts in garnering three silver medals in Nordic Combined, including one as part of the first US relay medalists in these sports.

Forgotten winners: Who can forget Sven Kramer, the Dutch speedskater who was DQed when his coach told him to change lanes on the wrong lap? I think many recall Lindsey Vonn crashing in the Super G and inadvertently wrecking Julia Mancuso's chance at another medal. And some remember the Korean short track team being DQed in a relay event. But does anyone remember who won these events? Well, China won the ST relay, with Canada moving up to Silver and the badly beaten fourth place Americans getting Bronze. Lee Seung-Hoon from Korea added to his country's impressive medal haul from the ice rinks with Gold in the contorversial 10k speedskating race. And 20 year-old Victoria Rebensburg from Germany won her first senior race ever to take the Super G Gold in the "Lindsey Vonn crash race."

Forgotten loser: More of a non-participant really. Germany's Patrick Beckert missed his chance to compete in these Olympics because he didn't have his phone turned on. As an alternate, he was moved into his speed skating event when another athlete dropped out. In fact, four alternates missed a chance to be in this competition. Race officials tried frantically to reach him, and even got ahold of his sister by phone. But he did not get there in time, and he missed his Olympic chance. What exactly was he doing in Vancouver that was more important than his only opportunity to compete?? Wouldn't he at least be there to watch the race?

How cool is that?: During the women's hockey medal ceremony, several children of US players joined them on the ice when they received their medals. Standing with your Mom as she gets an Olympic Silver medal--Priceless.

Good Commercials: I like the ATT ad where the snowboarder leaves the atmosphere and enters outer space. Good music. I also like the Visa "go world" spots featuring former Olympic athletes. The Dan Jansen one is especially good.

Cool 11: US Nordic Combined athlete and 3-time Silver medalist Johnny Spillane. He and his teammates really love this sport. 2-person Bobsled Bronze medalist Erin Pac. Clearly just a "regular girl", her genuine down-to-Earth attitude really came through in interviews.