The Olympic Games have always covered the full range of emotions, from the elation of winning to the heartbreak of failure, but none I can remember have begun quite like this. My anticipation was replaced by shock and sadness as the news of the death of the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili came over the car radio on Friday, hours before the games were set to begin. It was a reminder just how much these elite 
athletes are willing to risk and sacrifice to reach their goals and dreams. Imagine, for a moment, the feeling of knowing you’re the best in the world at something that‘s your passion in life. That explains a little about why these special athletes and their families are willing to sacrifice so much. The Olympics remind us of a lesson that reflects life in general. Nothing of value comes without risk.
The games go on as the athletes continue to pursue their dreams. The much anticipated Men’s Downhill, and practice for the women’s alpine skiing events, was postponed because of rain, fog and generally slushy conditions. The Men’s Downhill was rescheduled for today, Monday the 15th, so check your local listings. The exciting news is that local skier Shannon Bahrke of Tahoe City took bronze in the women’s moguls to add to her silver medal from the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, and Hanna Kearney won America’s first gold medal in the same event by defeating Canadian Jenn Heil. American Apolo Ohno has won the silver medal in the short-track 1,500-meter speed skating final, tying Bonnie Blair as the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian with his sixth career medal at three Olympics. In one of the most exciting races I can remember, American Johnny Spillane narrowly missed the Gold and took the Sliver medal in the Nordic Combined. He was overtaken in the last few feet by France's Jason Cappuis. It was the first time ever an American had won a medal in the event. The games have just begun so keep watching as many local athletes will be competing in the coming days.
The weather for the week can be summed up in one word, spring. We have a beautiful, “spring like” week ahead in the middle of February. It’s time to get some color on your face but don’t forget the sunscreen. Long range forecasts show a return to a wet pattern possibly by next weekend so enjoy it while you can. I can’t think of a better way to spend the week than skiing during the day and watching the Olympics at night. With the deep ties Squaw Valley has to the games, Olympic Village Inn is a great place to experience the Olympic spirit and root for the local athletes that make the Squaw Valley ski area their training center and home. Have a great week!
The games go on as the athletes continue to pursue their dreams. The much anticipated Men’s Downhill, and practice for the women’s alpine skiing events, was postponed because of rain, fog and generally slushy conditions. The Men’s Downhill was rescheduled for today, Monday the 15th, so check your local listings. The exciting news is that local skier Shannon Bahrke of Tahoe City took bronze in the women’s moguls to add to her silver medal from the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, and Hanna Kearney won America’s first gold medal in the same event by defeating Canadian Jenn Heil. American Apolo Ohno has won the silver medal in the short-track 1,500-meter speed skating final, tying Bonnie Blair as the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian with his sixth career medal at three Olympics. In one of the most exciting races I can remember, American Johnny Spillane narrowly missed the Gold and took the Sliver medal in the Nordic Combined. He was overtaken in the last few feet by France's Jason Cappuis. It was the first time ever an American had won a medal in the event. The games have just begun so keep watching as many local athletes will be competing in the coming days.
The weather for the week can be summed up in one word, spring. We have a beautiful, “spring like” week ahead in the middle of February. It’s time to get some color on your face but don’t forget the sunscreen. Long range forecasts show a return to a wet pattern possibly by next weekend so enjoy it while you can. I can’t think of a better way to spend the week than skiing during the day and watching the Olympics at night. With the deep ties Squaw Valley has to the games, Olympic Village Inn is a great place to experience the Olympic spirit and root for the local athletes that make the Squaw Valley ski area their training center and home. Have a great week!
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