Rachael and Tom learning how to curl. With Figure Skating Team Leader Lorrie Parker at practice.

Friday, February 19, 2010

WE'RE BACK!

Rachael and I boarded our plane back to Vancouver on the same itinerary as we did last week. We were on the plane with the US and French ski teams that were heading to Whistler for their events. The US ski team had been training in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Even though we did not know the teams (we were easily identified by our Olympic gear), our casual interactions and shared stories of our Olympic experience so far lightened our day.

Once we arrived it was easy to get back to the village since we had our credentials and the USOC had our transportation waiting for us. Frank was in the room when I arrived and it was very exciting to talk shop with him about how he helped Evan through his big Olympic moment. As I said in my blog, Frank received his first Olympic medal, the Order of Ikkos, named after Ikkos of Tarentum, the first Olympic coach of record from ancient Greece. So cool.

We are now off the dinner at the USA sponsor house and we'll be in bed early as Rachael has her first official practice at 7:50 am. Given that schedule we will not be able to watch the US ice dancers tonight, but our thoughts and best wishes are with them. GO TEAM USA!

3 comments:

  1. First, Congrats TEAM USA. I admire all the men's skaters in Vancouver.
    My question is as a coach, how do you protect your athletes from negative or, not friendly media?

    Tamami

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  2. I do not try to protect my athletes from anything. That is part of being involved in sport at the highest level. I teach them to be receptive to all critcism and learn from it.

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  3. Thanks for the response!

    "Some people like apple pie, some people like cherry pie." "Both can taste good."

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