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Our last full day of vacation held a real surprise – rubbing elbows with Olympic athletes at the Utah Olympic Park (UOP). If you are not familiar with it, the UOP was the site of ski jumping and sledding events in the 2002 Olympics. Thursday AM we had already found out about the events going on – bob sled and skeleton. Jake found out from a worker that not only were the ‘camps’ have more events on Friday but that in the evening they would have events starring many national level athletes and even past Olympians. We showed up and the evening was awesome on several counts.
First, the athletes were outstanding. We had already seen runs by the ‘amatuers’ that were amazing to watch, but these athletes were clearly a notch above that. Cheryl said it best, “This just doesn’t get old!” Agreed – every time a sled came by, we were awed by the speed and spectacle.
Second, we had better than front row seats - we were almost the only people there that weren't directly involved. This was apparently not a publicized event! We just showed up and walked up to the track. No one batted an eye as we walked the length of the track and stood just a couple of feet away watching them go by - WOW! We were able to hang out at the landing area (half way back up the mountain where they come to a stop and even ride up with the athletes to the starting area. Absolutely surreal! These were world class Olympians and we were just chatting with them and milling around in the crowd. Wahoo.
We watched a number of starts in men's skeleton, women's 2 person bobsled and men's 4 person bobsled. All fascinating. If you know me at all, you'll know that I watch almost no televised sports. But, after this weekend, I'm thinking about following sledding! ... and just in time for Vancouver 2010!
1 comment:
Gabe, explain the "skeleton" event. I've never heard of it.
I watched the bobsled competition in St. Moritz, Switzerland in the 60's from the same vantage point. Watched the teams with their sleds upside down waxing the runners right before they competed. Then watched as the four man teams got seated on the sled and "launched." The last guy on is at risk of getting left at the gate. It was neat. Also, watched a wierd competition where people slide a tea kettle looking container on ice, kind of like shuffle board on ice. It was strange to me because I'd never seen it before. I've seen it on TV since then. Very odd!
When I was skiing at Mammoth Mtn. in California in June of one year the US Olympic team was practicing the downhill and salom events. At that time I was following the Olmpic ski team and recognized many of the champs on the course. It was great. So, I know of what you speak.
Really exciting and awesome to see that level of expertise so close up.
Sorry to reminisce on your space, but your post brought back a flood of memories.
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