Olympics (2002) Day 4

OK- more dish for you from the games.

Day 4-we are up at the crack of dawn again.  Oh my- I am tired, and I am still sick.  Did I mention- that I lost my voice?  That I can't stop coughing?  I don't think the 20 degree temperatures is helping.  We have had to make the Solomonic decision- attempt the Downhill skiing that was rescheduled for today, or go to the hockey game that we have tickets for.  We risk it, and go to the skiing.  I am trying not to think about the tickets we can't use, and how much they cost!  Now it's routine- we are off to Snowbasin again.  We see the same people.  We are now friends with everyone around us in the stands.  We are crossing our fingers- please please please!  Oh no!  They have delayed an hour.  Is this really happening again?  Oh no- the hockey tickets- I am trying to do the math in my head- if we are cancelled in the next hour, can we get to Provo in time? I am practically asleep in the stands- did I mention the cold?  I ran out of cough medicine, so I am now swilling Nyquil. 

The morning is a bit of a fog.  Oh- the event is on.  We are all cheering- can't believe it.  The sky is

blue- it is 28 degrees (actually feels very warm) and we get to see Picabo!  The event is exciting- we cheer for everyone, hoping they do their best.  When Picabo is announced, we stand, cheer, and ring our cow bells for her entire run.  And we continue to cheer after she is done- this is supposed to be her last race- she bows to the crowd, waves and is a true champion even though she is out of the medal race.  Next we are off to the medal ceremony.  Again- security is 2 minutes- people are as nice as can be, and we are in the stadium.  To entertain us while we wait, they play games with the crowd- kind of a combination of camp and a tacky wedding (YMCA, and Macarena), but we give in, and have a great time.  Takes my mind off of my feet, which I can barely feel.  The ceremony is kind of cirque du soliel, meets futuristic something or other.  It really is fun and moving- especially to see

the kids who are trying to be cool, but the minute the flag comes up, they are practically calling for their mommy.  We were there when the speed skaters got their medals, so we heard the national anthem, and got to see our flag raised.  It was great.  Then, we were treated to a Macy Gray concert.  Did I mention it was free?  Such a great deal!  Again, to the shuttle, volunteers cheery as usual.  

-more later

Linda