Showing posts with label Dave Wentz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dave Wentz. Show all posts

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Wrapping Up a Phenomenal Winter Games Experience



It’s bittersweet as the Games here in Vancouver are winding down. I had the opportunity to go to the speedskating Team Pursuit medal round. To see races won or lost by .02 seconds is incredible. The difference between gold and silver is so unbelievably minute — a second feels like an eternity out on the ice!

The race that sticks out for me was when Germany's Anni Friesinger-Postma lost her balance and slid on her stomach for the final 25 meters. She looked more like a swimmer on ice as she crossed the finish line. She started to cry thinking she lost the race but she was able to get her skate across the line (skate has to cross to finish) to beat the U.S. by .23 seconds!

My friend Derek Parra (US Speedskating Head Coach) was in total shock. He told me after the race that Friesinger-Postma did a remarkable job getting her skate across the line but he was pretty bummed about losing the race.

I also caught up with Dave and Renee Wentz again at the USA House. Dave shared his pin collecting hobby with me and talked about it on the video posted above. You have to watch!

The Olympics have been so inspiring. This was my first Winter Games and I am extremely grateful to the USOC for providing me with such great access to current and former Olympians and for hosting me and all of the Olympians at the USA House. I was able to meet so many outstanding people!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Having a Blast in Vancouver!

Dave Wentz wearing his lucky USA hat.

Apolo Ohno

Friday was a blast! I toured the P&G House for Olympians and their families. It is similar to the USA House, but more commercial. One cool part of the P&G House was the spa where athletes can get massages, makeovers, hair styling, etc. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to get a massage!!


Later in the evening, I had the opportunity to catch up and spend time with Dave and Renee Wentz and host them at the USA House. Dave was sporting a few pins from his collection but the best part of his outfit was the USA hat! He said he wore that hat with pride in 2002 as well!

We had a great time seeing the athletes and we all got the opportunity to meet and talk with Apolo Ohno. Each night at the House, athletes come after their competition to celebrate with friends and family. No press is allowed, so it really allows them to get away. I continue to be impressed by how nice and humble the athletes are.

Here are some photos from the day:

Ryan Suter, Team USA Hockey

Again, the hat

US Speedskating short-track coach Jae Su Chun

US Speedskating's Travis Jayner

Cameron Myler, four-time Olympian for USA Luge

Speedskating great Dan Jansen