Olympics - Cool 11

It happens every Olympics. I know it is coming to an end (the whole Closing Ceremonies is a big clue), but I still try to turn the television on the next day to get my fix. I have a letdown, a void that my rational brain should be able to overcome. But I will get over it, and soon realize that you should never turn the tv on during a normal weekday.

COOL 11

My goal was to find the cool people, places, and things from this Olympiad. The ones that really made an impression on me. For people, it was typically someone I would want to sit down with over lunch. As I expected, there were many more than eleven.

11. Marit Bjoergen (Norway) - Cross Country Skiing. Major medal haul!

10. Billy Demong and Johnny Spillane (USA) -Cross Country Skiing. The US finally figured out how to do well in this sport, and these guys were also a good interview.

9. 3rd Skips in Curling (aka Vice Skips). I don't care what any of the experts say, these were the key players in most of the close curling matches.

8. Simon Amman (Switzerland) - Ski Jump. Still doesn't look like Harry Potter, but a very entertaining jumper.

7. Norway Curling Pants. One of the truly lasting images of the games. Can be obtained at: http://readygolf.com/Loudmouth-Golf-MENS-Pants-Dixie/7841/

6. Canada's Women's Hockey Team. Not only the best, but these women have plenty of character.

5. Simul-cam. So much better to watch several sports (e.g. skiing, bobsledding) with this technology.

4. Petter Northug (Norway) - Cross Country Skiing. The ultimate rugged competitor, with the perfect tough guy name (Pet-ter Nor-tug). I am convinced he could have won gold in any event at these games.

Bronze: Ryan Miller (USA) - Hockey. The MAN.

Silver: Julia Mancuso (USA) - Downhill Skiing. Wonderful skier, and much more likable than some other over-hyped participants.

Gold: Shaun White (USA) - Snowboarding.

Honorable mention: I did not intend for the USA to "sweep the medals" in my Cool 11, but the three top choices were hard to deny due to their top performances and infectious personalities. I'm sure there are several other worthy choices out there that did not get exposure in the American media. Some of the other possibilities that just missed my Cool 11 include: Charlotte Kalla (Swe), Jason Lamy Chappuis (Fra), Apolo Ohno (USA), host country Canada, blind sled dog Isobel, Hannah Kearney (USA), Mary Carillo, and A.K. Flatland (Nor).