Gold, Silver and Bronze ~ 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games - Page 3 - Council-of-Elrond Forums

**Tigger** · #61 02-21-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorbag

Congrats to Amy Williams (of Britain

) for her gold in the skeleton.

Indeed!! She put down four incredable runs and broke her own Track Record three times to boot as well. Congratulations to Amy!!

Speaking of that Track...

Earlier today, CTV showed a Top Ten of The Greatest Moments Halfway Through The Games and...Number Nine was something to see...

During one of the Practice Runs for Luge, a Lynx (Mountain Wild Cat) trotted out of the forest surrounding the track, climbed the chain link fence, hopped down and then proceeded to trot over to the track, hop on it and then proceeded down the course like it was going for a lope somewhere in the Valley. Got to say...It certainly took the Thunderbird corner w/great form.

I hope CTV shows this again, so I can get it on tape!! It really was priceless to see. I would have loved, loved, loved to have seen the reactions of the Lugers when told why there was a hold up on the Practice Runs...*snort*!!

My thoughts are still w/Joannie Rochette after the passing of her Mom last night. Can't even imagine how she's going to pull this off, but she says she's skating, so maybe that's what she needs right now.

Still...

Kadhryn · #62 02-22-2010, 08:44 AM

My heart goes out to Joannie Rochette. My deepest condolences to her.

A lynx!! How cool is that?!?! I sure hope that shows up on utube, so we can all see it.

Yeah, I can imagine hearing "Sorry, practice runs will be delayed as there is a wild animal on the track."

We were watching a new event this year: ski cross. It's snowboard cross but on skis. I have to say, I just love watching the snowboard events, and this ski cross fits right in. It's like watching a bunch of kids goofing around in their back yard! I mean, they're all wearing these baggy outfits, most of them are listening to their iPod while doing their runs, everyone's yelling and laughing.........Well, ski cross is the goofiest of them all - 4 skiers going down the snowboard cross course at once - I can't believe it's a real event!

An impressive slalom run for Bode Miller to take the gold in the Super Combined! He was in 6th after the downhill run, and he's not the strongest slalom skier, but he pulled an incredible run out of somewhere to win it. I must say I'm impressed with the US ski team - keep it up!!

And I won't say anything about the hockey results yesterday; but look at it this way, Canada - you're kicking our butts in curling!

**Tigger** · #63 02-22-2010, 06:32 PM

If there's anyone who'd like to send a condolence message to Joannie, let me know and I'll provide the address.

Beyond THRILLED for Tessa and Scott. Talk about ROCKING the OD!! Best I've seen them skate that thing this season!!

If they pull this off tonight, I will be a mess!! I mean...I remember at 2002 Canadians watching these cute kids who'd just won the Jr National Dance Title performing in the Gala and thinking, "Give them a few more years and they'll be something really special." Then being at 2006 Canadians and seeing them miss making the Olympic Team by a very tight margin...

Oh gosh, I'm getting choked up just thinking about what might happen tonight. Their Free Dance is just...Breathtakingly beautiful. Got my fingers crossed.

So happy for Meryl and Charlie too. I just wish their FD was the same quality of their OD from last night. What a pity they got what should have been their FD for this year, last year. Pair their Samson and Delilah FD from last season w/their Indian OD from last night and...Would have been one heck of a power punch combination. Instead...They're one of the many doing Phantom of the Opera and...

The one thing that really bugs me about Charlie and Meryl's Free Dance this year is all the exits out of lifts where Charlie sets Meryl down on the ice in a lunge position. Yes, it worked last season, but not so much this season and not only that, but it's overdone to boot.

So wish that Tanith and Ben hadn't left the Canton camp and had stayed there w/Tessa and Scott and Meryl and Charlie. Ever since they moved to Linichuk, it's like they're lost their soul. They are soooo much better than the stuff she's given them this year. It's just so sad to see.

As for the Russians...Better not to say anything. What a mess that was last night. However, I loved the other two Russian teams OD's. The younger team, I saw a Skate Canada and loved them there too. I also like the humour that went into their program as well. That's a traditional Russian Navy dance that's done, only...It's traditionally only *the Men* who do it. Therefore, the reason why she's wearing the exact same costume as him and at the end, whips off the hat to show her long hair. Brillant, brillant, brillant concept and I thought it worked too.

The other Russian team...My only quibble about them, is I wish they'd highlighted some of the yips and yelps in the music w/their moves. Such as timing the exits of their twizzles to one of the yips the singer did. That would have brought the crowd into it more and also helped them in the Program Components marks. Loved their costumes and that gorgeous bright Emerald Green is one of my favourite colours.

Oh and Thank You Jana for ditching the Russian Ladies Figure Skating Team's bottle of Blonde Hair Bleach whereever you did, as you look soooo much better as a redhead!!

And those are my thoughts on last night's OD's.

tapstree · #64 02-22-2010, 11:40 PM

Oh my gosh... Virtue & Moir, Tigger. i can't wait to hear your evaluation of them. That was utter magic. i feel bad for the team skating after them.

Just all of the skaters are amazing. This is a wondrous event.

**Tigger** · #65 02-23-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapstree

Oh my gosh... Virtue & Moir, Tigger. i can't wait to hear your evaluation of them.

You really want my assessment of them? Okay...Just remember. You asked for this....

Oh...My...GOD!!!

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!

THEY DID IT!!!!!

That...That...That...OMG!! Never have I seen them skate like that. Never!! I had chills at the end of it. And did you see what Scott said to Tessa at the end when they were still in their Final Pose?

"Thank you so much!!"

And he goes and pulls that practical joke on her...Me thinks Tessa's going to get him back for that and very soon too.

OMG!! I don't believe it. I really don't believe it. Those little kids I saw for the first time so long ago...Theyre...

Oh *my* GOD!!!

I'd love to know what Tracy Wilson's thinking right now. What a night for her too and Victor Kraatz was there commentating for CTV too, so it just feels so *right* that should be the case tonight.

I still don't believe it!! Tessa and Scott...

Congratulations Olympic Ice Dance Champions!!!

Kadhryn · #66 02-23-2010, 04:04 PM

First off, let me just add my congratulations to Tessa and Scott!!! What a great performance!!! Fabulous!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigger

So wish that Tanith and Ben hadn't left the Canton camp and had stayed there w/Tessa and Scott and Meryl and Charlie. Ever since they moved to Linichuk, it's like they're lost their soul. They are soooo much better than the stuff she's given them this year. It's just so sad to see.

I couldn't agree more - after watching their FD, I thought - it may be an authentic folk dance, but all I could see were those blinding costumes. I think they were a distraction, frankly. And you know what? I was bored watching the dance! Why else would I have been paying so much attention to the costume? And their OD? Good grief - was Ben channeling Elvis or what???

I don't know, I just can't see dancing to Ave Maria. But that's just me.

Looking forward to women's hockey - Canada vs USA for the gold! oboyoboyoboyoboyoboy!!!

tapstree · #67 02-24-2010, 02:16 AM

Whey! A wee street-level view along Robson... What i wish i could've captured was the sound. We were there during the third period of the Canada vs. Germany hockey game, and every time Canada scored, cheers rang through the streets. Very cool

My daughter and i didn't have enough time to explore properly, and we definitely didn't have it to wait the 3.5 hrs to hold the medals for 30 seconds

But it was neat to confirm all reports that it's a peaceful and happy thing to behold out there! Lots of friendly people wanting to see it all

We felt the heat from the cauldron

And caught some nice Latin dancing (including a demonstration of the samba that is displayed in Rio de Janeiro at carnival by some middle aged women who made me feel empowered also to don a bikini

). Behind the stage is the underground skating rink.

Me and the mascot my daughter insisted on purchasing for herself (yes, all $16 of it

)

There are a lot of things to pose on (we stopped at the snowboard) for photos, and also some nice arty displays. i liked the lantern forest - hundreds of little lanterns designed by children.

And let's say it again: GO ATHLETES!! GO WORLD!

Kadhryn · #68 02-24-2010, 05:05 PM

I just finished watching the women's short program (on tape, obviously). Wow, I must say everyone seems to be hitting all the elements. Mao and Yu-na are right at the top, followed by Joannie. And I have to say I cried after she skated - I can't imagine how she must feel, and she went out and nailed her program. I'm so proud of the 2 US skaters too - Rachel and Mirai are 5th and 6th, so they'll be in the final group of skaters. Not bad for their first Olympics! I can't wait for the long program tomorrow night - if everyone is on, it will be a great night.

I want to compliment all the ladies on their gorgeous costumes, too. I remember (probably a longer time ago than I think) for a while, beads and sequins went out of fashion, which made me unhappy (Kadh really likes sparklies

). But these were stunning; very elegant. I like that style.

Tigger, I have a question for you: I notice a lot of the women cover their skate boots with their flesh-colored tights. Now, I don't care for the look of this, but I understand it's an illusion to make their leg line look longer. Do you think this makes a major difference? What's your take on it? Is this the wave of the future?

taps - great pictures!! How cool to be there!

**Tigger** · #69 02-24-2010, 05:33 PM

What great pictures taps!! So envious too, but w/me being the Olympic nut I am, I'd be envious of anyone who got their picture w/the Cauldron.

First time I've seen the Lantern Forest or heard about it. What an awesome idea!!

I can imagine the cheers went up whenever we scored last night. I can also imagine the reactions that happened when it was first noticed the Rings in the Harbor had changed from whatever colour they were to Gold in honour of Ashleigh's win in Ski Cross.

Sigh...How I wish I could have been there.

Were you still out and about after Joannie's skate? I still can't believe she went out there and skated the way she did. My heart just goes out to her. I had a lump in my throat when Joannie took her starting position, started to cry during her final spin, but when I saw her face at the end...I was sobbing right along w/her.

What a true example of the Heart of a Champion.

I do agree w/who is in One and Two. Not sure if Yu Na can be caught, but ice is slippery and we'll see what happens tomorrow night. As great as it was to see Mao skate so happy for the first time in a long time last night, I do wonder if we'll see a repeat of it tomorrow night. Mao has not been skating well at all this year, so we'll see.

I just hope Joannie has a great skate tomorrow night.

Tonight could be interesting at Whistler, as we've got both sleds in the top four going into the final two runs. Canada 1's leading, but not by much and Canada 2's not that far behind the German sled.

Tonight's going to be very exciting, but also nerveracking!!

Oh yeah....There's also a hockey game going on at Canada Hockey Place tonight too. Not sure anyone in Canada's going to be watching it though.

tapstree · #70 02-24-2010, 06:39 PM

Meh, Canada/Russia? No one will be watching that...

i don't know when Joannie had her skate, so i was unaware of it all... but it was the main topic of conversation in most places my day took me today. Bless the lass... She's got every bit of good energy i can send out for tomorrow (that's when she has her last skate, yeah?) Truly the heart of a champion, Tiggs.

p.s., the lantern forest has more to do with the Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year as they call it), but coincides nicely with the whole atmosphere downtown.

**Tigger** · #71 02-24-2010, 09:03 PM

Yes, the Free Skates are tomorrow and Joannie skates second to last. Need to find a better listing of the start order for tomorrow, as the person who posted it at the Skating MB, did it in one long line, w/no breaks between to show what the flights are. Once I find it formatted like that, I'll share it here.

Speaking of Joannie and her skate last night...Some Tweets from fellow skaters and athletes someone at the same Skating MB found...

Quote:

Evan (about JoRo): Joannie Rochette was so inspiring last night. I've never seen an arena filled with more love. We are all skating with you Jo! So proud of U

Johnny (also about JoRo and his Angel, Ksenia): The ladies were amazing. Joannie provided the iconic performance of this Olympics. Ksenia was a diva rockstar. Thanks Bosco Family!!

Ashley Wagner (from home): My heart goes out to Joannie, that must have been so hard for her, she showed that the Olympics are more about the moment than the medal

Elana Meyers (US Bobsledder, sharing the Joannie love): I am amazed & inspired by Joannie Rochette-her performance was awesome last night in the midst of tragedy-This is what the Olympics is about

Simon Cho (US Short Track Skater and Yuna admirer): Good job today Kim Yu-Na. Keep it up!

As for the tights....I like it, as it does help w/the line, but don't mind it when a skater doesn't wear them. The *only time* it bugs me, is if a skater is wearing an entirely black costume, w/black tights that don't cover the entire boot. One of the dancers had that the other night and the entire time, my eyes kept getting drawn away from whatever her and her partner were doing thanks to the white front half of her boots showing.

Other than that, I don't mind it at all, but it is personal preference.

Congratulations to Clara Hughes on her Bronze Medal earlier today in Long Track Speed Skating in her final Individual Long Track race. Clara said she wanted to end her Olympic and Speed Skating career by leaving it all out on the ice. Well, she certainly did that and more today. I can't remember seeing her skate a more techinically perfect race before. Clara couldn't put a blade wrong!!

W/out a doublt, one of, if not *the* Greatest Olympians Canada has ever produced. Congratulations to Clara on an outstanding athletic career!!!

And you know something? I have a funny feeling this is not the last this Country will hear from Clara or Jenn Heil for that matter as well. The both of them do soooo much work w/their respective charity work. Clara w/Right To Play and Jenn w/PLAN Canada. Not to mention all they do to promote Women in Sport by going to schools and talking to the little girls out there.

Nope...I have this funny feeling we have not heard the last at all from these two remarkable women!!

edited to add...For those interested in sending Joannie a message or card or whatever....

Joannie Rochette c/o David Baden
IMG
304 Park Avenue South, 5th Floor
New York, NY
10010
USA

Pennquelle · #72 02-25-2010, 02:15 PM

Just now, finally, watched the Ice Dancing finals. Wow! Just wow! Virtue and Moir were beyond gorgeous! They were breathtaking! Truly, one of the most beautiful things I've ever watched.

Kadhryn · #73 02-25-2010, 03:38 PM

Thanks for the address, Tigs; I'm sure she'll be inundated with mail, but I'd like to send a card anyway.

Penn, hope you catch up with the rest of the ice skating - the ladies' final is tonight. I'll be taping it, as you can bet it will be the last event that NBC broadcasts - around midnight. By that time I'm usually always asleep.

**Tigger** · #74 02-25-2010, 06:25 PM

You're welcome Kad. I thought there might be some around here who would like to send her a card or something.

Great article at the Toronto Star today about Joannie...Rochette: 'Mom wanted me to have a better life than she had'

Our Ladies Curling Team won their Semi Final earlier today, so there's at least another Silver for Canada!!! We'll be playing Sweden and Annette Norberg in the Gold Medal Final and that Lady is good and a World Champion. Even though Cheryl and the Girls won their Round Robin Game against them earlier in the Games, but this is a brand new game tomorrow.

Also have another Medal coming starting in about...fifteen minutes when the Ladies Gold Medal Hockey Game starts. GO CANADA GO!!!

This could be a big day for my area of Canada. There's two members of our Ladies Hockey Team from Sudbury and Steve Omichal, who's in the Freestyle Skiing Finals later tonight is from North Bay and he's won everything but an Olympic Medal, so...

GO NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO GO!!!

Glad you got to see the Free Dances Penn. I still can't believe Tessa and Scott pulled it off, but the grin hasn't left my face since Monday night either, so...

I really hope Joannie can have a great skate tonight. Got my fingers crossed for her.

Lembas · #75 02-26-2010, 12:28 AM

Since nobody's posted about it, I'll put it in spoilers but

SPOILER!:

Joannie Rochette took the Bronze tonight and I was really pulling for her. More than any event or any person this Olympics, her story has ripped at my heart and I'm glad for her win and I wish her the very best in life.

Kadhryn · #76 02-26-2010, 01:11 PM

**Phew** I've been shoveling snow all morning, but just blew in to say "LET'S HEAR IT FOR NORTH AMERICA!!!!"

In the last couple of days:

Women's hockey - Canada (gold) and US (silver) [fingers crossed for the men to do as well!]
Women's bobsled - Canada (gold and silver) and US (Bronze)
Ladies Figure skating - Canada (Bronze)
Nordic Combined - US (gold and silver)
Some event in men's freestyle skiing - US (silver)

I may have missed something, but that's all I can remember off the top of my head. I know everyone laughs at this, but I watch curling when I can, and I believe Canada is in position to medal, both men and women. Apolo Ohno is in position to medal (again) in short-track speedskating; not sure about Lindsey Vonn in slalom, but hey, anything's possible if she doesn't crash again. WooHoo!!! GO NORTH AMERICA!!!

Gorbag · #77 02-26-2010, 01:34 PM

Kadhryn, I've been watching the curling myself and I must say, I've become quite interested in it. There's more to it than first meets the eye.

**Tigger** · #78 02-27-2010, 02:20 AM

I love Curling and was Varsity in High School. For those who think it's not a sport, I dare you to say that after you give it a try. You'll discover shoulder and arm muscles you never knew existed before. Trust me on that one!!

So very, very proud of Joannie. That was a Golden Bronze last night!!

From The Toronto Star last night...DiManno: Magical skate ends with bronze for Rochette

Oh and for those who "think" Joannie only won that Medal due to what happened earlier in the week/Home Ice Advantage (No, not kidding. That's only some of what's been said over at the Skating MB's...

), here's a stat to chew on. Joannie landed the most triple jumps out of entire competition last night at a total of Seven. One more than Olympic Champion Yu Na Kim, who completely and totally deserved her Gold Medal last night.

What a night of skating last night was. I can't remember the last time the Ladies Event at a Major Intl Event was this well skated. Just...WOW!!!

YAY to our Womens Hockey Team now THREE TIME OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS!!!

YAY to our Short Track Speed Skaters for the two Gold and one Bronze and to Cheryl and the girls on the Curling Silver. What a great game that was tonight. They just got nipped at the end, but considering Cheryl and the Team have never represented Canada at a Major Intl Curling Championship before these Olympics, and Olympics on Home Soil to boot, Silver is AWESOME!!!!

Quite a couple of nights for Canada!!

Aranel ó Lorien · #79 02-28-2010, 11:39 AM

Well I saw the tallies last night for the medal count and Although USA has the most medals at 36 (when i last checked) Canada has the most Gold medals! At 13 gold!!!

Go Canada Go!

And A huge Congrats to the USA Bobsled team 1 with NightTrain!!!! First Olympic Gold in Bobsled in 62 years!!!!!
and congrats to Germany as well for yet another medal in the sledding sports.

tapstree · #80 02-28-2010, 06:19 PM

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO, GOLD FOR CANADIAN MEN'S HOCKEY!!!!!

Beautiful winning goal by Sidney Crosby!

Love the way they're each taking a lap with that huge flag

This has been an incredible 2 weeks.

Haldomere Banks · #81 03-23-2010, 02:29 AM

A California ex-pat living in BC sent a ppt of Olympic pix that was really great. (I love the Norwegian curlers in clown pants.)

We missed almost all of the Olympics. When we had to stay up too late in the pm to see a few minutes of figure skating, and had to listen to Bob Costas and other prats chatting with each other more than half the time between commercials (which took up more than half of the total time, I think), I just gave up on it. We didn't even watch the closing ceremony.

We need something like C-SPAN for the Olympics and similar events, with separate feeds to different channels for each venue just showing everything. They can run commercials in banners and crawls during part of each event, and break off only when nothing's happening.

I'm mad as

Hjal!