Golden Games

I can't believe the Olympics are already wrapping up. After dreaming about this occasion and preparing for it for over 9years (one might argue my whole life) I certainly leave with mixed emotions. For one thing I'm in absolute awe at how well Canada and VANOC prepared for these games and hosted the world. I'm not leaving with a medal as I'd dreamt, but I am leaving with renewed spirit, amazing memories, and new friends.

Canada's world record setting Gold medal haul is what impressed me the most. The athletes were certainly going for Gold! Although that attitude may have cost us some silver and bronze medals due to blow outs, it’s that kind of effort that has made Canada Gold Medal record breakers. (And hopefully our boys on the ice will bring home the final Gold medal!) In previous e-mails I’d talked about my fellow Wrigley athlete Denny Morrison, well, he finally did it with his teammates and won Gold! Congratulations! I voted them in as they best underdogs of the games… www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

These last 5 days of the Games I was able to share with David. We went to a hockey game with the Hudson’s and cheered on Team Canada to a victory over Germany. We hung out on set in Whistler, and we cheering along with everyone as we urged our Canadian athletes on. Now, we’re settling in to watch to most anticipated Game at the Olympics. Go Boys Go!!!! We’ll also be in the stadium watching the closing ceremonies – we are both extremely excited to watch Canada wrap up this incredible show.

These Olympics certainly didn’t disappoint – they exceeded everything I’d ever imagined.

Till next time,

Kelly

'Wedding Phenomenon'

When David and I were married in the spring it hit me that that may be the only moment in our lives where everyone we loved was in the same place. I’m now realizing, that the Olympics has that same ‘wedding phenomenon’. Everyone I know (and just about ever did know) from sport are in the area. From all over the world, sport has come together to throw the biggest party in our lives. It’s spectacular, emotional, and will leave us with lifelong memories.

National Anthem

I watched Jon Montgomery be awarded his Gold medal here in Whistler. It was a moment I’ll never forget – to hear everyone there belt out our National Anthem with such pride was spectacular. It was emotional on so many levels – I felt profoundly happy for him and for everyone who felt a piece of his victory, whether as a spectator or as a bandwagon fan. I was beginning to leave after he was awarded his medal when they went right into the awards for the women’s SG. I don’t know why, but it caught be off guard. I really thought I’d be up there with those girls, but life had a different plan for me. I cheered along with the whole crowd, while also shedding a few emotional tears.

PS – Someone voted Jon Montgomery in for the “Best Underdog” award. Vote him into the lead at: www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

Just A Few Thoughts…

How about this US domination – especially on the hills here in Whistler. They have already gotten more medals in Alpine than they ever have before. It makes me wonder if their comfort here has something to with feeling at home in our culture…yet not having the pressure of a home Olympics.

I’ve also been reading a few articles where reporters are saying Canada’s Alpine athletes chocked. I know how badly each and every Canadian athlete wants to stand on the podium but I know personally how badly our alpine athletes wanted it. To begin with, if you look at each individual, they needed their personal bests to stand on that podium, and for some, better than their personal bests (ex. Britt has never stood on the podium in Super G yet was expected to podium here). That’s a lot to ask of an athlete let alone expect it, then admonish them when they don’t reach those standards. I also think the projections for our Alpine Team were too steep. In a perfect world we could have done it – but with 5 Olympians no longer competing and all that pressure resting on fewer shoulders, the burden was too much to bear. Plus, this is ski racing. There is an ebb and flow to success as Bode and Mancuso have shown us.

Own the Podium’s support has been vital to Alpine Canada. Their support along with corporate sponsors is the only reason our team still has a shot at the podium after losing so many athletes to injury. Own the Podium became a reality in 2005 and fully functional a few years after that. In that short a period, Alpine athletes have flourished with this new found support. I hope this momentum and funding will continue since it is working – regardless of the results here in Whistler.

It’s sad to see an athlete fall short of what their potential holds. The Olympics are over in an instant and one hopes the years of hard work and dedication shine through in that instant. But it doesn’t always work out that way. To my fellow Wrigley’s Gum athlete – Denny Morrison – I feel for you and hope you will continue lacing up those skates because you do Canada proud. All our Athletes – on the podium or otherwise – do Canada proud.

On a happy note, David arrives back from Australia tomorrow!

Till Next Time,

Kelly

This picture says it all.

I’ve had the luxury of getting to spend lots of time with my family during their time here at the Games (my cousin Tara is behind the camera). This is us at the Medal Ceremony for Jon Montgomery.

The crowd went crazy for Jon!

Physio with Andree!

Peaks and Valleys - Canada feels them all

Two days ago I watched Cristrine Nesbitt win Gold in a gut wrenching close race where she pushed through the pain to win by 0.02hunnies. Then yesterday, seeing Jon Montgomery win Gold here in Whistler ignited Canada’s spirit all over again. These performances have been inspirational, exciting, and have awakened the Canadian Spirit in a Nation. Last night, all of Whistler was on fire and Robson Street in Vancouver was packed as Canadians flooded the streets with cheers. My favourite part was hearing the crowds spontaneously break out singing our National Anthem.

These moments make the hard days as an athlete feel worth the effort. Those kinds of highs are virtually unattainable in daily life – because you’re not alone on the sporting field. You are there with a piece of every Canadian (especially here at a home Olympics). However, there is the other side of the coin. Alpine’s team hasn’t come through with a medal; Denny Morrison (fellow C.H.E.W athlete) had one of his worst races in the 1000m; and Mellisa Hollingsworth fell short of the podium where she was favoured to win. All of these stories remind us of how often, in sport and in life, things don’t always work out as we hoped. Bug these athletes will continue to excel and push forward, they will continue to inspire as they get back up and to do it all over again. Denny Morrison is racing in the 1,500m later today - I look forward to watching him skate. I’m sure we’ll see his heart out there on the ice. I’m also certain our Alpine team will continue to excel on hills around the world and I look forward to watching the technical events later this week.

I’ve been watching the Canadian Athletic Spirit Awards online – some fun nominations. chewtowin.ca/spirit I have to say….some of those skeleton athletes just may have to win the best cheeks award ….and I’m not talking the smiling cheeks! J

As for me, I’m still enjoying my work with CTV. The learning curve has been steep but I’m starting to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. The people behind the scenes are such an amazing crew, it’s an honour to work with them.

During these games I’ve had some sad moments, usually during physio on the days of the races I thought I’d be competing in. I’m so proud of our girls though, going out there racing hard for a medal. I can feel their disappointment but I also hope they loved the experience. Everyone out here is just cheering our Red and White athletes on like crazy.

Till Next Time,

Kelly

Allison Forsyth (World Cup medalist and my former teammate) was on the show - so fun to catch up again!








Rob Boyd, Patrick Riml, and Heinzpeter Platter doing an interview with Jennifer Hedger.







Myself and Jennifer Hedger on set a few days ago.

Cowbells and Concerts - Day 4

Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Olympics!!!!!! I can’t get enough of the vibe and energy that’s everywhere here in Whistler. It’s a whirlwind that means there is no way to even know of every cool event that’s taking place…never mind attending them all. There are countless free concerts happening on the outdoor stages here and of course nonstop sporting action to keep you occupied. If that isn’t enough then you can check out the Alpine Canada House, the Swiss House, the Canada House, the Slovenian House, etc. etc. etc.

If one chooses to I’m sure you could go nonstop 24/7 and still miss much of the events that are taking place, and that’s just here in Whistler, Vancouver is on a whole other level again. Although I haven’t made it much outside of my 150metre radius which includes my hotel and the CTV stage, I did see my family for dinner last night and made it to the Canada House to meet Canada’s Governor General Michaelle Jean. It was an honour to meet her – an elegant, patient, and sweet lady.

I’m not sure if everyone caught the Men’s DH event yesterday but it was fun to watch with some big air and bumpy sections. But wow, what a race! I hear the Swiss House was on FIRE last night with celebrations. (Unfortunately, it being outside of my 150m radius I didn’t take part but I did hear lots about it…and the cowbells were heard throughout the Village).

I was checking out the Canadian Spirit Awards and who’s been nominated and voted for. It’s pretty funny some of the nominations and reasons why. I nominated Dixon for the Craziest Canuck category and Osborne-Paradise for the Enjoy Life award. Check it out and vote….we can’t have hockey players win all the awards! www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

I’m now settling into my role here and having a great time, learning lots. There are SO many ski racers around that it’s fun to catch up with some old friends and ex racers. Tonight I’ll be in Vancouver for the first official Party to celebrate Alexandre Bilodeau’s Gold. I’m looking forward to meeting him and getting to see firsthand what an Olympic Gold looks like.

Till next time,

Kelly





Thomas Grandi, John Kucera, Myself, and Max Gartner standing on set.






Emily Brydon, Shona Rubens, Georgia Simmerling and Myself at an event for Alpine Canada.





Alexandra Meissnitzer (the racer who beat me out for the Bronze in Torino) and I had dinner a few nights ago. We are both here working with TV throughout these Games.








The village is full of Canadian Pride!









Between sets I spend most of my time in my room doing my knee exercises while watching the Olympics.






Emily Brydon in the Village with her 3, yes I said 3, cell phones!!!! Atta girl Em! She’s looking great though and in such amazing spirits.







I had the honour of meeting Michaelle Jean, Canada’s Governor General, at a reception yesterday. It was nice to speak French with her and chat for about 10minutes.






This is where Johnny and I watched the Men’s Olympic Downhill. Not as glamorous or exciting as being on the hill, but still exciting to watch. Johnny and I were part of the coverage pre and post race.







Brian Stemmle, John Kucera, myself and Jennifer Hedger on Primetime last night.

Let The Games Begin!

How can I possibly describe the atmosphere here in Whistler? To say the least it is electric as everyone’s levels of excitement have now hit full tilt. The village is alive as the world watches the Opening ceremonies. You can’t get a spot in front of the Jumbo Trons, every restaurant with a TV is filled, every person is glued to the sets as they watch the Olympic Games begin. The performances were nothing short of spectacular as I’ve come to expect from these games – they aren’t letting anyone down. I was also impressed with how they honoured the passing of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. Truly a sad note on this day otherwise joyous day. Still, I believe these ceremonies started the games with the true spirit of the Olympics.

Many people assumed I would be at the Opening Ceremonies, however, since I’m injured and no longer and athlete I couldn’t. Still, in some funny way I was at the Opening Ceremonies. Shona Rubens, from the ceremony, texted me to tell me that my image was a part of the montage that played on those white mountains. Funny to know that I was still there in a way. I have to admit, watching Team Canada be announced was nothing short of overwhelming. I’m so proud of the team Canada has fielded for these games – I can’t wait to watch them all perform!

Watching Gretzky light the torch I felt the same emotions I felt in Torino. It’s overwhelming, this is something special, so much bigger than any one of us as it unifies the world.

Yesterday, when I was on stage with Michael Landsberg as we rehearsed for today’s show I had to laugh. He was chewing ‘my’ excel gum and he didn’t even know it was me! He had the long package full of them too – so everyone on stage had quite the laugh. Over the next two weeks check out C.H.E.W’S ‘Canadian Athlete Spirit Awards’. You can vote athletes for different categories such as:

1. Best Cheeks
2. Best Winning Smile
3. Promoter of Canada
4. Craziest Canuck
5. Best New Freestyle Trick
6. Enjoy Life
7. Best Use of Canadian Flag
8. Photogenic
9. Best Underdog
10. Looks Best in Red

Go to http://bit.ly/caM2gw to start voting people in! (I’m guessing the Craziest Canuck will come from an Alpine Skier...we’re all a bit crazy!)

Tomorrow (if weather permits) is the Men’s Downhill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Boys Go!!!!!

Till Next Time,

Kelly

Primping...new world for me!













A CTV News Room set up in a hotel in the Village.









Entertainment is all around in the village! Including skiers flying through flaming rings.







Just after we aired in the Pre-Game show for the Opening Ceremonies.







Cool shot yesterday Evening.

Torch Relay Today!

+12 degrees, sunny, and not a breath of wind. Mother nature blessed us with the weather today! I'll post more soon, but here are some pictures!

Opportunities

Here’s a few updates about how things are going in my world:

Opportunities:

There is no lack of opportunities that have been presented to me this week.

I was lucky enough to represent one of the charitable organization I work with, Play It Cool, last Wednesday to help present VANOC with a bronze medal for their environmental achievements. (Having finished 4th in an Olympics I can certainly attest to the value of a bronze.) VANOC took incredible measures in their effort to lessen their negative impact on our environment. Highlights of their achievements include that they offset 100% of their direct carbon footprint and have left a legacy of venues that are energy efficient and at the forefront of building environmentally conscious structures.

I have also been offered the chance to take part in the Closing ceremonies. I’m not sure I’ll be able to with my knee, but if I can, I will.

At the moment I’m averaging about 2 interviews a day – I’m constantly amazed at our Nations excitement as the Games near. It seems even the biggest sceptics are getting excited and engrossed in the festivities. On Wednesday when I was in Vancouver for the Play It Cool press conference I got my first look at the city in its Olympic State. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Vancouver look so good. It made me want to run around and check every tent, venue, and activity out there.

I’ve been talking with the girls (my teammates) regularly as they finish up their final days of training before racing begins. I’m so excited for them that I have trouble containing the emotions. As I’ve said before, I’m our Team’s Number One fan. So, if my commentating on CTV is a bit biased in favour of our Canadian athletes, well, you’ll just have to deal with it!

Torch Update:

3 days and counting!

The weather being called for Tuesday is Sunny with a high of 7 degrees! Ahhhh…perfect for wheeling the flame 300 metres as it makes its way to the Opening Ceremonies.

Weight:

Since my crash just before Christmas I have lost a total of 18lbs. I have to admit – I didn’t know I could lose that kind of weight. I also didn’t realize how heavy muscle was (since I know it isn’t fat I’m losing!). I always thought I wasn’t great at putting on muscle mass. However, I have been proven wrong as I now see how much muscle I had built up over my career. Luckily the muscle memory is all there and I know it will come back fairly quickly once I start lifting again.

Workouts:

So, to keep some weight and muscle on I’ve begun a new workout regime. I call it….the beach workout! Since I can, for the most part, only do core and upper body exercises, it’s perfectly suited for creating a great beach body! Although I have to admit, I am missing my diminishing booty – so I’m doing lots of one legged squats to keep what I can.

Photography:
Subject matter is the current element that is lacking in my photography. My subjects are mostly those within a 2 meter radius of my nearly permanent couch position or else taken from my car window. I figure if I can find beauty in my crutches then maybe I’ll actually learn some skills as a photographer.

My new hobby is also helping my soul. Without the passion for the Olympics and skiing as my fuel I needed something to replace it. Just studying and working wasn’t going to be enough to keep my heart and soul intact. So, for the moment, my souls’ passion drug of choice is learning the art of photography.

Till next time,

Kelly