b_a88 wrote:

Might I point out that the US Mens curling team picked up USA's first medal in Curling ever, with a Bronze. They were the ones that beat the Scots.

I meant to mention that. They did surprise everyone I think, and they won it on the last rock too. Perhaps this will gain some new interest of curling in the US.

augie wrote:

b_a88 wrote: Might I point out that the US Mens curling team picked up USA's first medal in Curling ever, with a Bronze. They were the ones that beat the Scots. I meant to mention that. They did surprise everyone I think, and they won it on the last rock too. Perhaps this will gain some new interest of curling in the US.

I think curling caught a lot of people's eye in the Olympics this time and that was some last shot they made to win it too.

All I can say is, after 2 weeks and hundreds of hours of relative disappointment and boredom, tonight was my "Olympic moment." Apolo's gold medal made the games for me. Best moment of the Olympics.

It was his 5th medal lifetime (2 in Salt Lake City), 3rd of these games, and his first and only gold medal of these games. More importantly, since he won his gold medal in Salt Lake City only because the first place finisher was disqualified, this is the first gold medal he has won where he crossed the finsih line first. It was the best race of his career. Imagine being 23 years old and having a race that you have been waiting for and dreamed of all your life, the "perfect race" (his words).

And he's a nice, generous, friendly, intelligent guy as well.

I just saw a replay of the 500m race, Apolo had a great start and never relinquished the lead. The Canadians were never a threat to him this time. As he's only 23 I'm sure he'll be in Vancouver in 2010 for another battle. I saw a mini interview with Apolo and he did seem to be very gracious. The Canadian announcers had only praise for his ability and humility.

Oh, we did get the silver.

Also, in the mens 5Km relay the Koreans got the gold in several lead changes with us, then the Canadians silver and the US a bronze in a clean race. Too bad we couldn't get a 3peat.

augie wrote:

I just saw a replay of the 500m race, Apolo had a great start and never relinquished the lead. The Canadians were never a threat to him this time. As he's only 23 I'm sure he'll be in Vancouver in 2010 for another battle. I saw a mini interview with Apolo and he did seem to be very gracious. The Canadian announcers had only praise for his ability and humility. Oh, we did get the silver. Also, in the mens 5Km relay the Koreans got the gold in several lead changes with us, then the Canadians silver and the US a bronze in a clean race. Too bad we couldn't get a 3peat.

That's what made it the "perfect race" for him -- he led from start to finish and it was clean, with no contact and no unfair moves, which is rare in that race. It was his strong start and "extra gear" at the finish that did it for him. He had trained and waited four years for that one race. That's so hard to imagine. He actually may retire before Vancouver, believe it or not. He really had to give up his life and live like a monk these past four years.

He is noted far and wide for his graciousness and humility. He was actually more excited about the relay bronze than his own gold, because it was shared with his teammates. And that relay bronze was actually huge for the US, because we had only one relay medal in history. So just to get a medal was amazing, which is why you saw such celebration. The Canadians were terrific.

And now it ends. It was great olympics except for the fact that even though the venues were sold out or almost, didn't translate into butts in the seats. It looked dismal to me seeing that and I'm sure it affected the athletes as well. Man, there's many areas for the closing that aren't filled!

For 2010, Canada is already looking to reduce the amount of corp/family seat availability and/or have them given to charity groups etc. for the noshows.

augie wrote:

And now it ends. It was great olympics except for the fact that even though the venues were sold out or almost, didn't translate into butts in the seats. It looked dismal to me seeing that and I'm sure it affected the athletes as well. Man, there's many areas for the closing that aren't filled!

Hmm...I wonder why that is? That has not been mentioned at all in the coverage here.