Olympic voices
Among those closely watching Canada’s athletes at the Beijing Summer Olympics have been their winter compatriots, getting prepared for when the country hosts the 2010 Vancouver Games.
The Star’s Randy Starkman checked in – mostly via email – with many of the top Canadian winter athletes to see what impressed and inspired them. Here’s what they had to say:
Kelly VanderBeek, Kitchener, 5th ranked women’s downhill skier in the world (her boyfriend is whitewater kayaker David Ford):
“I was in New Zealand for a training camp with my ski team leading up to and during the Beijing Olympics. This was particularly hard since, for the last four years, I had planned to be with David Ford supporting him through his Olympic competition. I had bought tickets and everything, but a few months prior to the big event my team changed the training camps and split one long camp in Chile into two camps – one in New Zealand (during David’s Olympics) and one camp in Chile in early September.
“As ironic as it might be, on the fifth day of training in New Zealand I crashed and suffered a knee injury. It swelled up and appeared to be a severe bone bruise to the tibia plateau. I was sent back to Canada. Of course, I looked immediately into flying to China to join David, but unfortunately I wouldn’t have made it in time since I couldn’t get a Chinese visa quickly enough.
“So, I watched the Olympics from my couch here in Chilliwack with my crutches at my side. I watched EVERYTHING, and felt every emotionally roller coaster the athletes went through as if I was right there with them. When David competed, we spoke regularly through the Bell cell phones, skype, pinning, texting, etc. I was up until 4 a.m. both days he competed so I could watch it live through the live on line or on television.
“I love the Olympics, it’s the only true reality show. CBC did an amazing job covering the event – I’m sad they will not be broadcasting 2010. I just wish there was more time to hear the whole story behind so many great athletes.
“To see the Chinese perform so well on home turf, it made me feel confident that we too can and will put on a similar show in 2010 for our home crowd. I also loved to see how the Chinese people supported their athletes and the Olympics so enthusiastically. It was spectacular.”
Steve Omischl, North Bay, three-time World Cup overall freestyle aerials champion (Working in Beijing for Bell on daily videos for their website):
“The Chinese nationalism has impressed me the most. The two days before opening walking around town was awesome. “China, China, China.” I’ve never seen a display like that before from fans. Unless it’s a football game in Europe. Which I’ve never seen in Canada.
“That has inspired me for 2010. Knowing it’s Canada’s chance to do the same. Take some serious pride in our country’s performance and get behind everyone like we’ve never done before as a Nation! .”
Pierre Lueders, Edmonton, Olympic bobsleigh gold and silver medallist:
“I have watched pretty much all of it. Anytime I am at home, the TV is on. Even watched French CBC, they show some events that we don’t see much of on the English side.
“Very inspired by Ian Millar. After nine Olympics or 10 considering the boycott, finally an Olympic medal, talk about perserverance!
“Revved up? Certainly I have had a little more energy these two weeks in training! Us older guys need all the help we can get!”
Regan Lauscher, Red Deer, Alta., two-time Olympian, luge:
“My TV is never really off during the Olympics (just muted sometimes!) and I am definitely lacking sleep from staying up too late watching! It’s awesome to wake up and eat my breakfast to our athletes competing – it totally inspires me to get my butt to the gym!
“I was actually jumping up and down in my apartment when Simon Whitfield made his huge comeback to win silver. Since I am currently recovering from two major shoulder surgeries, stories of comebacks after injury and setbacks have been hugely inspiring to me. Kyle Shewfelt, Alexandre Despaite, Blythe Hartley, Ian Millar, Simon Whitfield and Eric Lamaze are just a few absolutely incredible athletes who have re-ignited that excitement, hope and desire in me for 2010.
“Recovering from an injury/surgery starts to eat at you, physically and mentally. Doubt creeps in. I was definitely feeling low but our athletes have shown me to keep pushing through it! They’ve performed excellently and their composure and humility have reminded me how proud I am to be Canadian. “
Thomas Grandi, Banff, Alta., two-time winner in World Cup skiing:
“Most amazing: (Usain) Bolt, obviously.
Most inspirational: Simon Whitfield’s heart and drive in the triathlon.
Great moment that showed a real joy for sport and pride to represent Canada: Adam Kreek singing the anthem after their (men’s eight rowing) win.
“Despatie, perseverance after a tough season and great mental toughness.”
Clara Hughes, Winnipeg, only Canadian to win medals in both Winter and Summer Games (Working in Beijing as cycling commentator for CBC Sports):
“ I would have to go with Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli of France in cycling for my inspiration here. My first Olympic race was the road race in Atlanta in 1996 and I was in a breakaway with Longo. I saw what it takes to win an Olympics. She was so strong and so focused and I was basically along for the ride as a 23-year-old and got a bronze medal.
“To see her here long after that, still racing and not just to be a participant but to be here to perform was amazing. She turns 50 on Oct. 31 this year and this is me 12 years later, now 35, and having a lot of people constantly asking me if I’m retiring or if I’m still speed skating.
“I’m full-on training harder than ever before, more focused and now more inspired seeing Longo-Ciprelli come in fourth in the time trial and missing a medal by 1.6 seconds. That tells me what I already know, that I’m definitely not too old (at 35).”
Jennifer Heil, Spruce Grove, Alta., Olympic freestyle moguls champion:
“ I am training in Argentina and as a result watching the Games have been difficult. There were so many great stories from our Canadian Olympians. Watching the Olympics and our Canadian team has energized me.
“(Gymnast) Kyle Shewfelt is a champion who inspired me beyond sport. Kyle succeeded against such tremendous odds. His dedication, hard work and above all his positive attitude have set an incredible example.
I admire Simon Whitfield’s commitment to remain at the top of his sport since winning gold in Sydney. In a sport with only one opportunity for a medal, Simon didn’t hesitate on race day laying it all on the line. I admire his audacity and determination.
“I can’t wait to buy the box set of the Olympics and watch it when I get home!”
Jeff Pain, Calgary, Olympic silver medallist, skeleton:
“I am watching the Games as much as my own life and training schedule allow. The most inspiring performance for me … Simon Whitfield. To watch him be so patient and tactical throughout his race was amazing and then to watch him get dropped coming into the stadium area was heart wrenching.
But then his courage and sheer determination to catch up and take the lead was absolutely incredible. Down but never out! I have the mind set of ‘I can do two more of anything – 200m, 2 sets, 2 reps, 2 seconds, anything,’ – and Simon obviously has a similar mindset, however, he manifests it in himself.
“From an athlete toiling in the off-season doldrums, it was fantastic to witness such a motivating effort – thanks Simon!”
Emily Brydon, Fernie, B.C., winner of first World Cup race last season:
“I actually just got back from New Zealand where I was skiing for the past 3 weeks. For the past 10 days, I have been watching the Olympics every free moment I have.
“Whether it was down in New Zealand or back home in Fernie, the Games have captivated my attention from the get go and they have drawn me into my journey for an Olympic medal in 2010.
“The stories of these athletes are so real, so genuine and so original that it inspires me to dream bigger and better. I actually think that by watching these Games it has really put me in the Olympic spirit for 2010.
“It was so great in New Zealand, to come back from a day on the slopes, plop myself on my bed or the couch and be captivated for hours by sport. Although not a lot of the Canadian athlete’s performances were shown on New Zealand television, the ones that were made me proud.
“I remember cheering like a banshee with (teammate) Larisa (Yurkiw) when Ryan Cochrane, the swimmer, earned his bronze medal . It was not only the Canadian performances that touched me, I was nearly brought to tears when the women’s marathon winner entered the stadium to a crowd of 91,000 people; how powerful is that.”
Deidra Dionne, Red Deer, Alta., 2002 Olympic bronze medallist freestyle aerials:
“Was I watching?! Of course! I seriously live and breathe sport so being able to turn my TV on at 6 a.m. in the morning and have live action is my TV dreams coming true!
“I watched at home before morning training and for the last half hour of the coverage during lunch. I watched the evening repeats during prime time in the east, but I had a hard time staying up for the live late night stuff, unless I set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night, which I only did on non-training days!
“Simon, no question, inspired me the most. His will and determination was impressive. I’ve also been reading his blog so his preparation impressed me and I had total confidence he would will himself to the finish after reading about all the work he did in his little preparation shed.
“I was also really impressed with the Chinese gymnasts in the all around competition and their divers. I thought home crowd might affect one or two of them, but you could see that they were so well prepared that they absolutely embraced the chance to show it off.
“It gave me some motivation to make sure I am doing my tough tricks every day well so that when I am in the moment I know that it’s easy, I’ve done it every day in training for the last two years.
“It also made me feel the need to buckle down. I felt the Olympic stress all the way here in Canada through my TV screen! A reminder of how quickly it comes is always nice, especially when you have 538 days (I love the countdown widget!) left to make sure you are completely ready!”
Melissa Hollingsworth, Eckville, Alta., 2006 Olympic bronze medallist, skeleton:
“I have stepped outside of reality for 16 days as I am obsessed with the Summer Olympics! It started with all of the Olympic trials. Thank goodness for my PVR at home so I can stay updated on my own time.
“I have to admit, I had a hard time finding anything out about our Canadian athletes with Olympic trials, so I was caught up on the American drama heading into Beijing.
“I was inspired every time I was witnessing an athlete put it all on the line. Our Canadian athletes were spectacular, setting new Canadian records and bringing home more medals than they did in Athens. I was so impressed with our Canadian athletes’ class in interviews. Regardless if they won or lost they were positive.
“I cried watching Mike Brown finish fourth in the 200m breaststroke. My heart broke when I saw him look up at the board after his race. I could relate to his experience, except things turned around for me in Torino.
“I’ve been trying to learn as much as possible from all of the athletes in any sort of situation, good or bad! Whenever I see someone passionate about what they do, it gives me goosebumps and inspires me to want to be better, not only at sport, but as a person.”
Patrick Biggs, Orleans, Ont., alpine skier
“There’s seven of us right now training in Argentina. It’s a bit of an interesting situation down here, not quite ideal for watching Canadians compete. On the 8th we headed down to the ski lodge/restaurant to grab a bite and watch some of the opening ceremonies. With our limited Spanish, we weren’t able to get the servers to adjust the volume on the speakers. So we ended up watched the elegant dancers and drummers beating to the sounds of South American pop music that was on the radio. I’m hoping someone at home were kind enough to tape it for us.
“The main disappointment is that the Argentineans are great at soccer, women’s field hockey, and not so strong at paddling, wrestling, and many of the other sports Canadians excel at. We haven’t been able to watch many Canadians compete.
“Interesting to see how passionate the Argentineans are about sport. The waiters are always gazing at the TV to watch their countrymen.”
For more of Randy’s columns go to: TheStar.com
