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Saturday, February 25, 2006
Most Hype EVER!
Bode Miller will leave Torino with exactly NO medals. He disqualified today 18 seconds out of the gate to end his chase for 5 medals emptyhanded. Ligety also DQed after missing a gate.
Bode Miller will leave Torino with exactly NO medals. He disqualified today 18 seconds out of the gate to end his chase for 5 medals emptyhanded. Ligety also DQed after missing a gate.
Friday, February 24, 2006
First Medal EVER!
Congratulations to the US Men's curling team! They just won the bronze, which is the first curling medal ever for the US! Very exciting!
The US women didn't make it to the medal round but played much better than their record would lead you to beleive. They lost more than one game in extra ends (the equivalent of overtime in Curling).
Congratulations to the US Men's curling team! They just won the bronze, which is the first curling medal ever for the US! Very exciting!
The US women didn't make it to the medal round but played much better than their record would lead you to beleive. They lost more than one game in extra ends (the equivalent of overtime in Curling).
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Guess Who Fell?
Sasha Cohen fell twice during her long program today knocking her off the top of the podium. Irina didn't make it up there either. As is becoming typical with these games, those expected to win aren't doing it. The winner is Japanese Shizuka Arakawa. Cohen wins silver and Slutskaya wins bronze. Other Americans fared well. Kimmie Meissner came in 6th and Emily Hughes came in 7th.
At least the Russians didn't win ALL of the Figure Skating golds, as was expected. All performances will be shown tonight on NBC.
Sasha Cohen fell twice during her long program today knocking her off the top of the podium. Irina didn't make it up there either. As is becoming typical with these games, those expected to win aren't doing it. The winner is Japanese Shizuka Arakawa. Cohen wins silver and Slutskaya wins bronze. Other Americans fared well. Kimmie Meissner came in 6th and Emily Hughes came in 7th.
At least the Russians didn't win ALL of the Figure Skating golds, as was expected. All performances will be shown tonight on NBC.
Davis Pulls Out
Davis will not participate in the 10,000 meter race tomorrow. All that has been reported is that a reason for his withdrawal would be made available later today. Hmmm...
Davis will not participate in the 10,000 meter race tomorrow. All that has been reported is that a reason for his withdrawal would be made available later today. Hmmm...
It's Looking a Bit Brighter Today
We already have a bronze today in Women's Snowboarding! And we still have decent shots in Women's Figure Skating and Men's Aerials. Go USA!
We already have a bronze today in Women's Snowboarding! And we still have decent shots in Women's Figure Skating and Men's Aerials. Go USA!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
No Medals Today
The Men's Hockey Team is out of the medal round while our Men's Curling team go for bronze on Friday after losing to Canada today. No medals for us in Women's Arials. No medal in Women's slalom...you get the picture. Hopefully the story will be different tomorrow night after the women's figure skating event.
The Men's Hockey Team is out of the medal round while our Men's Curling team go for bronze on Friday after losing to Canada today. No medals for us in Women's Arials. No medal in Women's slalom...you get the picture. Hopefully the story will be different tomorrow night after the women's figure skating event.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Sasha's On Top!
I personally would not have placed a bet on this but Sasha Cohen is ahead of Slutskya after the short program...by only 0.03 of a point! Kimmie Meissner is 5th and Emily Hughes is 7th. The long program is scheduled for Thursday night.
So, I'm starting a pool...who thinks Sasha can do it and who thinks she's going to implode like she's done many times before?
I personally would not have placed a bet on this but Sasha Cohen is ahead of Slutskya after the short program...by only 0.03 of a point! Kimmie Meissner is 5th and Emily Hughes is 7th. The long program is scheduled for Thursday night.
So, I'm starting a pool...who thinks Sasha can do it and who thinks she's going to implode like she's done many times before?
More Figure Skating
After the stunning silver medal finish by our Ice Dancing pair, the women take the ice tonight. Sasha Cohen was a no-show for practice this morning, citing the fact that she skates last tonight and needs to stay "fresh" for the competition. Interesting choice. I wonder how it will play out tonight!
After the stunning silver medal finish by our Ice Dancing pair, the women take the ice tonight. Sasha Cohen was a no-show for practice this morning, citing the fact that she skates last tonight and needs to stay "fresh" for the competition. Interesting choice. I wonder how it will play out tonight!
Monday, February 20, 2006
US Women's Hockey
At the end of the second period, it's 4-0, US over Finland for the bronze medal. I think it's fair to say they will win the bronze. It's a medal, just not the color they were expecting.
At the end of the second period, it's 4-0, US over Finland for the bronze medal. I think it's fair to say they will win the bronze. It's a medal, just not the color they were expecting.
Miller Report
Bode Miller did participate in the Giant Slalom and does finish, just not on the medal stand. Looks like he ends up tied for 6th. Ligety and Rahlves did not finish.
Bode Miller did participate in the Giant Slalom and does finish, just not on the medal stand. Looks like he ends up tied for 6th. Ligety and Rahlves did not finish.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Most Important Errand
Emily Hughes had an important mission yesterday before the short program draw. She had a most valuable cargo with her to deliver to the world champion Slutskaya. It turns out Emily and Irina share a costume designer in Manhattan. When word got to the designer that Emily was leaving for the games, she was immediately contacted to bring Irina's favorite costume to Italy from the US. Makes me wonder how else they were going to get it to her if Emily didn't go!
Now, if your name was Kerrigan and the person delivering your costume was named Harding, would you trust her? Can you say wardrobe malfunction?
Emily Hughes had an important mission yesterday before the short program draw. She had a most valuable cargo with her to deliver to the world champion Slutskaya. It turns out Emily and Irina share a costume designer in Manhattan. When word got to the designer that Emily was leaving for the games, she was immediately contacted to bring Irina's favorite costume to Italy from the US. Makes me wonder how else they were going to get it to her if Emily didn't go!
Now, if your name was Kerrigan and the person delivering your costume was named Harding, would you trust her? Can you say wardrobe malfunction?
Guess Who Lost Again?
US Men's Hockey is now 1-1-2. Up next: Russia. Good Effin' luck guys.
US Men's Hockey is now 1-1-2. Up next: Russia. Good Effin' luck guys.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
And So It Goes
US Men's Hockey lost today to Slovakia, 2-1. So we are now 1-1-1. Great record for the country that is supposed to be a powerhouse in the sport.
US Men's Hockey lost today to Slovakia, 2-1. So we are now 1-1-1. Great record for the country that is supposed to be a powerhouse in the sport.
Snap Out of It Bode!
After white-out conditions delayed the men's Super-G, Miller failed to finish once again. The winner was Aamodt from Norway who, at 35, had won this event way back in Albertville 16 years ago.
Bode is now 0-3 for medals and 1-3 in finishing races. Hey Olympic committee! Next time send someone what wants to go!
After white-out conditions delayed the men's Super-G, Miller failed to finish once again. The winner was Aamodt from Norway who, at 35, had won this event way back in Albertville 16 years ago.
Bode is now 0-3 for medals and 1-3 in finishing races. Hey Olympic committee! Next time send someone what wants to go!
Friday, February 17, 2006
So Sad
The first ever shootout in Women's Olympic Hockey ended up with the US on the losing end of a 3-2 score. Sweden goes on to the gold medal round while we will battle Finland for bronze. For the record, this was the first loss for the women to any team except Canada.
The first ever shootout in Women's Olympic Hockey ended up with the US on the losing end of a 3-2 score. Sweden goes on to the gold medal round while we will battle Finland for bronze. For the record, this was the first loss for the women to any team except Canada.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Remember I Said the US Men Figure Skaters Needed Some Luck?
Well they didn't get it. Johnny Weir, second after the short program, had the 6th best long program, coming in 5th overall. He blamed his poor performance on a bus being late, I kid you not! After getting to the arena late because of the bus, he said he couldn't feel his aura and that he was black inside. (I swear I'm not making this up!)
Evan Lysecek, sick from the stomach flu and in bed all day yesterday, threw down a wonderful performance that ended up being hte 3rd best of the night but was just short of a medal coming in 4th. Matt Savoie, heading to law school soon, came in 7th.
Well they didn't get it. Johnny Weir, second after the short program, had the 6th best long program, coming in 5th overall. He blamed his poor performance on a bus being late, I kid you not! After getting to the arena late because of the bus, he said he couldn't feel his aura and that he was black inside. (I swear I'm not making this up!)
Evan Lysecek, sick from the stomach flu and in bed all day yesterday, threw down a wonderful performance that ended up being hte 3rd best of the night but was just short of a medal coming in 4th. Matt Savoie, heading to law school soon, came in 7th.
Hockey Deja Vu
Once again, the US Women's Hockey team is making us proud while we shake our head and wonder what's wrong with the guys. The women have won every game and the men have tied in their first game. Now you're thinking, what's so bad with a tie? Well they were playing Latvia, a country of only 2 million people and we had a team of 23 professional hockey players. I mean, our team plays hockey for a living people! Why did Latvia do so well? There are many reasons but I'd like to just point out that the Latvian team has been playing as a cohesive unit since February 2nd. The US team has been playing as one team since...well, yesterday. I'm baffled as to how we have not yet learned the lesson that 23 pro players do not make a well organized team! I mean, that lesson is clear not only from hockey but basketball. Ergo Shaq + Kobe do not equal teamwork. I say next time, get the college kids back in the game!
We've got a lot harder games coming up for the men. Let's hope they find out how to gel in a hurry!
Once again, the US Women's Hockey team is making us proud while we shake our head and wonder what's wrong with the guys. The women have won every game and the men have tied in their first game. Now you're thinking, what's so bad with a tie? Well they were playing Latvia, a country of only 2 million people and we had a team of 23 professional hockey players. I mean, our team plays hockey for a living people! Why did Latvia do so well? There are many reasons but I'd like to just point out that the Latvian team has been playing as a cohesive unit since February 2nd. The US team has been playing as one team since...well, yesterday. I'm baffled as to how we have not yet learned the lesson that 23 pro players do not make a well organized team! I mean, that lesson is clear not only from hockey but basketball. Ergo Shaq + Kobe do not equal teamwork. I say next time, get the college kids back in the game!
We've got a lot harder games coming up for the men. Let's hope they find out how to gel in a hurry!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Double Luge
What's with this double luge? I mean, can't you just hear the guy on the bottom saying, "Dude, you're squishing my junk!" It seems like they should do mixed doubles with the woman on the bottom. At least it would give for a smoother ride for the top guy. Anyway, a team of brothers from Austria won the gold today. I personally don't know any brothers that could do this sport without wanting to beat the crap out of each other at some point. One American team finished 8th and the other didn't finish their second run. Grimmette and Martin, twice luge Olympic medal winners, crashed but were able to walk away unscathed.
What's with this double luge? I mean, can't you just hear the guy on the bottom saying, "Dude, you're squishing my junk!" It seems like they should do mixed doubles with the woman on the bottom. At least it would give for a smoother ride for the top guy. Anyway, a team of brothers from Austria won the gold today. I personally don't know any brothers that could do this sport without wanting to beat the crap out of each other at some point. One American team finished 8th and the other didn't finish their second run. Grimmette and Martin, twice luge Olympic medal winners, crashed but were able to walk away unscathed.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Fun Fact #1
Did you know that Japanese curlers use English commands when they play? The English words for sweep, guard, etc. are shorter in English and therefore faster to pronounce. In this way, the Japanese stay competitive during competition...so competitive in fact, that they beat our women in extra ends, the equivalent of curling overtime, today.
Did you know that Japanese curlers use English commands when they play? The English words for sweep, guard, etc. are shorter in English and therefore faster to pronounce. In this way, the Japanese stay competitive during competition...so competitive in fact, that they beat our women in extra ends, the equivalent of curling overtime, today.
US Figure Skating Men In A Tight Spot
While Johnny Weir finished second in the Men's short program today behind favorite Evgeni Plushenko, Matthew Savoie finished 8th and bronze medal 2005 World Champ winner Evan Lysecek finished 10th. As Plushenko is more than 10 points in the lead, unless he completely falls on his ass more than once, he's got the gold. There is less than 1 point between Weir and the person in third so his hold on the silver is tenuous at best.
Good luck Thursday night boys. It looks like you will need it!
While Johnny Weir finished second in the Men's short program today behind favorite Evgeni Plushenko, Matthew Savoie finished 8th and bronze medal 2005 World Champ winner Evan Lysecek finished 10th. As Plushenko is more than 10 points in the lead, unless he completely falls on his ass more than once, he's got the gold. There is less than 1 point between Weir and the person in third so his hold on the silver is tenuous at best.
Good luck Thursday night boys. It looks like you will need it!
Olympian Uses Bonus to Do Good
Joey Cheek, speedskater from the US, is giving his $25,000 bonus for wining gold to a charity that helps children in a war-torn region in Dafur, named Right to Play. He has challeged his sponsors to match his donation. It's nice (and rare) to see an American thinking globally. Good for you Joey!
Joey Cheek, speedskater from the US, is giving his $25,000 bonus for wining gold to a charity that helps children in a war-torn region in Dafur, named Right to Play. He has challeged his sponsors to match his donation. It's nice (and rare) to see an American thinking globally. Good for you Joey!
Miller DQ'ed?
After Bode's first slalom run, he was at the top of the board by almost a second...for a while anyway. The live results on the Torino site now say he's disqualified! Apparently, he straddled a gate and is officially DQ'ed. Teammate Ted Ligety stands currently in 3rd place.
This is Bode's 5th straight DQ in slalom.
Miller is now 0-2 for medals this Olympics.
After Bode's first slalom run, he was at the top of the board by almost a second...for a while anyway. The live results on the Torino site now say he's disqualified! Apparently, he straddled a gate and is officially DQ'ed. Teammate Ted Ligety stands currently in 3rd place.
This is Bode's 5th straight DQ in slalom.
Miller is now 0-2 for medals this Olympics.
Miller Takes Lead
In Men's Combined, Bode Miller is in first place after the downhill. He now has 2 slalom races to go for the medal. He said he felt like he skiied today's downhill race the same way he skied 2 days ago, but obviously today he had much better results. The Slalom races come later today.
In Men's Combined, Bode Miller is in first place after the downhill. He now has 2 slalom races to go for the medal. He said he felt like he skiied today's downhill race the same way he skied 2 days ago, but obviously today he had much better results. The Slalom races come later today.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Programming Note
For the first time ever, US Olympic hockey games are being shown commercial free! Well, commercial free while they are playing. During the intermissions, there are plenty but it's so nice to see the action without it being interrupted. So far I've seen a couple of games on the USA network and they have been true to their word.
For the first time ever, US Olympic hockey games are being shown commercial free! Well, commercial free while they are playing. During the intermissions, there are plenty but it's so nice to see the action without it being interrupted. So far I've seen a couple of games on the USA network and they have been true to their word.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
I {Heart} Canadian Women
The Canadian Women's Hockey team is kicking butt and taking names. Yesterday they beat Italy 16-0. Makes you wonder if there should be a slaughter rule in the game. Right now, in the first period against Russia, the score is 3-0 with the last goal scored shorthanded. You gotta love that. These women seem to be able to score at will and it sure is fun to watch.
It looks like the US and Canadian women won't face each other until the playoffs. Our women seem strong enough to make it to the playoffs. What happens then is anyone's guess.
Oh, by the way, our women won 6-0 over the Swiss yesterday. Next up are the German women today.
UPDATE: The Canadian women won 12-0. Think they will make it to the play-offs?
UPDATED UPDATE: The US women won 5-0! Woohoo! 18 year old Sarah Parsons scored her first 2 Olympic goals in the game.
The Canadian Women's Hockey team is kicking butt and taking names. Yesterday they beat Italy 16-0. Makes you wonder if there should be a slaughter rule in the game. Right now, in the first period against Russia, the score is 3-0 with the last goal scored shorthanded. You gotta love that. These women seem to be able to score at will and it sure is fun to watch.
It looks like the US and Canadian women won't face each other until the playoffs. Our women seem strong enough to make it to the playoffs. What happens then is anyone's guess.
Oh, by the way, our women won 6-0 over the Swiss yesterday. Next up are the German women today.
UPDATE: The Canadian women won 12-0. Think they will make it to the play-offs?
UPDATED UPDATE: The US women won 5-0! Woohoo! 18 year old Sarah Parsons scored her first 2 Olympic goals in the game.
Kwan Withdraws
After the long flight to Turin and sitting outside in the cold for 4 hours for the opening ceremonies, Michelle Kwan injured herself during her first practice in Italy Saturday afternoon. Kwan pulled a groin muscle again while practicing her jumps which only got worse as the day went on. After seeking medical advice, she withdrew from the Games and said she'd return home.
This is all good news for Emily Hughes, little sister of the 2002 gold medal winner, Sarah Hughes. Emily has been named to the team and will fly to Italy as soon as the blizzard now over the east coast allows her.
And if you don't want to know how Bode Miller does in his first race before it is televised, stop reading now.
After all the hoopla about skiing drunk and being able to win whenever he wants, Bode came in 5th in his first Olympic race this year. His teammate, Daron Rahlves, came in 10th.
After the long flight to Turin and sitting outside in the cold for 4 hours for the opening ceremonies, Michelle Kwan injured herself during her first practice in Italy Saturday afternoon. Kwan pulled a groin muscle again while practicing her jumps which only got worse as the day went on. After seeking medical advice, she withdrew from the Games and said she'd return home.
This is all good news for Emily Hughes, little sister of the 2002 gold medal winner, Sarah Hughes. Emily has been named to the team and will fly to Italy as soon as the blizzard now over the east coast allows her.
And if you don't want to know how Bode Miller does in his first race before it is televised, stop reading now.
After all the hoopla about skiing drunk and being able to win whenever he wants, Bode came in 5th in his first Olympic race this year. His teammate, Daron Rahlves, came in 10th.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Strange Start to the Games
So far, 12 cross-country skiers have been given a 5 day suspension for having high levels of hemoglobin. The strange thing is that there are many reasons why one's level of hemoglobin might be high besides from blood doping including altitude and dehydration. I guess the idea is that if it was from blood doping, the effects would be gone within 5 days.
Also, the US top skeleton athlete, Zach Lund, has been banned from his sport for one year effective immediately. His crime? Using a hair-growth drug! Apparently the drug also masks steroids. Has this drug testing gone a bit too far?
So far, 12 cross-country skiers have been given a 5 day suspension for having high levels of hemoglobin. The strange thing is that there are many reasons why one's level of hemoglobin might be high besides from blood doping including altitude and dehydration. I guess the idea is that if it was from blood doping, the effects would be gone within 5 days.
Also, the US top skeleton athlete, Zach Lund, has been banned from his sport for one year effective immediately. His crime? Using a hair-growth drug! Apparently the drug also masks steroids. Has this drug testing gone a bit too far?
Thursday, February 09, 2006
One Day To Go!
Tomorrow night are the opening ceremonies for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy!
Tomorrow night are the opening ceremonies for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy!
The good stuff starts Saturday with the following events:
Figure Skating Pairs Short Program
Biathlon
Ladies' Moguls (freestyle skiing)
Women's Hockey
Luge
Nordic Combined
Ski Jumping
Speed Skating
Enjoy!
