 | 19 Feb 10 |
I should start by mentioning that I’m not much of an athlete. Never did the swim team thing, or soccer, or basketball. Now, I am an avid runner, but let’s be honest. How much athletic talent does it really take to jog down the street successfully? When I think about my complete lack of athletic ability combined with my severe aversion to cold (I grew up in Houston, capital of the Mosquito Belt), it’s pretty ironic that one of my very favorite television events is the Winter Olympics.
I’m a Winter Olympics junkie. Love to pop the popcorn, throw on the fur-lined moccasins, and curl up on the sofa to watch all those fabulous winter wonderland sports.
Maybe it’s the romantic in me, but my favorite is usually pairs skating. The costumes, the music, the poingnant love stories behind some of the couples. And of course, there’s also the built-in melodrama. (Who doesn’t remember Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding?) With all the rivalries, romance, and conflict, Olympic skating is almost like a good romance novel.
I sat down this year prepared to be swept away by the triple toe loopers, but I quickly realized that this year, women’s downhill skiing is totally where it’s at. Have you been watching?? Do you know what I’m talking about??
First off, how about those stunts? Did anyone see the Swedish skier who rocketed about sixty feet in the air before crashing on the downhill course? This year has been skids, cartwheels, and face-plants all over the place.
Of course, action sequences are fun, but what really makes a great story is the characters, and there is no shortage of interesting ones here. Start with the stunningly beautiful Lindsey Vonn, dubbed by the media as the Olympic Cover Girl after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. (Some people protested that the magazine ‘sexualized’ her by showing her crouched down on skis and heading down a mountain with her bum in the air, but she’s a skier and that’s what they do, so I don’t really get all the fuss.) At any rate, she captivated audiences all over the world the other night when she beat out childhood rival and fellow American Julia Mancuso as well as her best friend, Maria Riesch of Germany, for a gold medal.
And on the subject of Julia Mancuso, what’s with the tiara? Not that I mind, really. I mean, every good fairy tale needs a tiara. It’s just that it looked a bit weird up there twinkling atop her head while she was standing around after the race. It wasn’t until I Googled her that I discovered why Mancuso (as opposed to Vonn) might be the real face of the New Olympics. Turns out, she has a line of lingerie called “Kiss My Tiara.” (Men across America are discovering a new enthusiasm for women’s skiing.)
Athletic and business savvy, this woman. Her products include thongs and boy shorts. Only problem is, you have to have an Olympic athlete’s body to wear them. Yes, I checked them out. Sizes range from Small to Medium (the thong) and One Size Fits Most (the boy short). Hmm…. Clearly this girl is landlocked and hasn’t been to a public beach in a while. But as she’s tied with Bode Miller for most career Olympic Alpine medals by a U.S. skier, I’m going to let it slide.
What Olympic moments have you loved or hated lately? Please share. And since I always enjoy a good contest, I’m going to give a prize to one lucky commenter. (Don’t worry, it’s not a thong.) I was thinking more along the lines of a signed copy of my latest romantic suspense novel, UNTRACEABLE. Good luck and happy Olympic viewing!
© 2010, Laura Griffin. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including a 2010 RITA (WHISPER OF WARNING) and a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award (UNTRACEABLE). Her debut novel, ONE LAST BREATH, won the Booksellers Best Award for romantic suspense. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on the next novel in her popular Tracers series.
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Laura! I wish I were a runner. I tell my youngest all the time to get in the habit of some sort of exercise now! I’m walking to get fit but I’m terrible at it (how that is possible I can’t say but it is true). I’ve never really watched the Olympics…except the gymnastics stuff a few times. So I guess that would be my favorite. However, in 1985 I did sit in the stands at the Berlin Olympic stadium (where the 1936 Olympics were held beneath the shadow of the Third Reich) and watch my “Army” husband, along with his allies, French, British and German, complete a 25K run. Does that count? Same place where Jesse Owens won the Gold!
by Debra Webb February 19th, 2010 at 6:41 amHow exciting to be in that historic stadium! That sounds amazing. As for the Olympics, I’ve never seen an event live, only on TV.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 9:11 amMy daughter for reasons known only to some higher power has become a triathlete. I figure she gets enough workouts for the rest of the family. She started on a “whim” to help raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society by joining Team In Training, and is now a coach. Her regime exhausts me. And where was this healthy eater when she was growing up surviving on bread, potatoes and peanut butter.
My idea of exercise is 30 minutes on a recumbent bike, reading while pedaling.
Olympics — I like them, but it’s getting too frustrating to watch. They seem to be commercials interspersed with the occasional event, and the international experience is lost because 90% of what they show are the Americans. Not that I don’t want to follow our team, but I’d like to see more of the competition.
by Terry Odell February 19th, 2010 at 7:38 amTerry, I hear you about the commercialization. It is like a big long ad. My main frustration is that we don’t get the events in real time, so by the time some of them come on, you already know the winner and it is being spoon fed like a reality TV show with all the hype, etc…
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 9:13 amThis has been the main reason I haven’t watched this year–I think this is my first that I’ve missed most of the events… but I don’t want to sit through all the commercialization. I figure half of the good stuff (if not more) will be on YouTube and I’ll catch it there. (I hope.) I would love it if HULU would put up the various sports, but I haven’t seen it yet.
I love love love the pairs skating, and even the singles. (Despite the crazy costumes sometimes!) I also enjoy the skiing events, especially now that my youngest son snowboards. It’s amazing to see what those athletes can do with a mere board and air. I’m not entirely sure who had the idea, originally, to hurtle themselves down the side of a mountain on a thin board and then jump in the air with the potential to faceplant from an even greater height… but it’s pretty awesome to watch.
by Toni McGee Causey February 19th, 2010 at 12:22 pmOMG… Shaun White’s final run has to be the highlight so far. I mean, he didn’t even really have to do the run because he already had the gold with his awesome first run score. But instead of blowing off the gimme run, he nailed it and improved his winning score.
Of course, I could be wrong, since I went to bed early and missed Evan Lysacek’s gold medal performance. Still, Shaun was pretty hard to top.
by B.E. Sanderson February 19th, 2010 at 8:54 amShaun’s run was amazing!! I saw him interviewed, too, and was so impressed with how he said he just wanted to go for it even though he didn’t have to for the gold. He was really flying out there.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 9:15 amThe high in this house was Shaun White. My 7 year old son is all about anything X-Games like and snowboarding is definitely that
He has watched the snowboarding over and over and OVER. As a matter of fact, he watched it before catching the bus this morning!
I will say that I am not thrilled with the coverage this year. It seems like a lot of talking and commercials but not much action. But my kids are definitely enjoying what they are showing.
by Aly February 19th, 2010 at 9:34 amHi Aly,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 10:05 amI love to watch snowboarding, too! I think it has really reinvigorated the Winter Games by getting the young viewership. And yes, could do without all those commercials…
I do love to watch pairs skating. their move always beautiful and ‘full of love’
by Mariska February 19th, 2010 at 9:59 amHi Mariska,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 10:06 amIsn’t it pretty? I cannot even imagine how they do all that in sync with another person. The psychology behind that sort of teamwork fascinates me. Wow.
I’m not as interested in the Olympics this year. I just don’t watch much TV anymore. I did enjoy the men’s Halfpipe Snowboarding…White is just fantastic!
by GSM February 19th, 2010 at 11:13 amYeah, gotta love that half-pipe.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 12:58 pmI have to admit I’m a bit ambivalent about the Olympics this year. I’m a week away from a hard deadline on proofs and that may be part of it. (Of course, I’m making time to make my blog rounds and twitter–LOL).
The USA hockey team win has to be my all-time favorite Olympic moment. And Larry the Eagle, the Brit ski-jumper from long ago. Who could forget the Jamaican bobsled team? Did I mention I find the underdogs the most intriguing?
Okay. Break time over. Back to galleys.
by Silver James February 19th, 2010 at 12:13 pmMy husband’s a big hockey fan, so we always watch some. I hear the tickets up in Canada were astronomically expensive for the gold medal game.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 1:03 pmI havent had the chance to really watch this year. Its the first year I have really almost missed. However my favorites have always been the pair skating, it just looks so cool. And the skiing esp. the jumps and stunts. Those just amaze me. All the work and practice that goes in for something that even when you practice is still so dangerous.
by Donna S February 19th, 2010 at 12:30 pmhi Donna,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 1:05 pmYes, the amount of practice that goes into it all is mind boggling. It makes it all the more tragic when someone falls or gets disqualified. I saw a skier the other day who barely made it out of the gate. How heartbreaking after all that work.
I enjoyed watching Lindsey Vonn win her gold medal. She was so happy and emotional afterward. It was amazing how she accomplished this when she was in so much pain. You have to admire those who work so hard to achieve their goal.
by CrystalGB February 19th, 2010 at 1:10 pmHi Crystal, I watched it, too! Have never seen such a display of pure jubilation.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 1:56 pmeek. I’m one of the minority, I think… I’m not into watching the olympics. unless I can actually BE there? I don’t much like watching sports on TV. Occasionally will watch ice skating or something, but that’s it… o_O
by Shiloh Walker February 19th, 2010 at 1:34 pmYou’re right, Shiloh, it is more fun to be there–I think for any sport. I saw a live match with the men’s U.S. Olympic volleyball team (not during the Olympics) and it was really exciting. Lots of energy in the stadium.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 1:58 pmI’ve been into short track speed skating during this Olympics. Has anybody noticed the Canadian skater Olivier Jean? Dreadlocks and a funky beard, very interesting. I’ve also been watching curling during the daytime and realize now that it involves a lot of strategy.
by Janel February 19th, 2010 at 2:17 pmHi Janel, I’m going to keep my eye out for Olivier Jean. I tried to watch curling, but it feels like horse shoes to me. I don’t have a grasp of all the strategy, I guess.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 4:29 pmHi Laura!
by Ina February 19th, 2010 at 2:48 pmfor me it’s the first time I follow the Olympics and I’m currently watching the super-g (men), but I think I’m definitively more a ski jumping girl
have a great day,
Ina
Hi Ina,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 4:30 pmLove the ski jumping, too! I can’t believe they do that. It’s really amazing. Enjoy your weekend!
Laura, being a runner is awesome! I admire you for it!
I really haven’t gotten into the Olympics this year. Usually I love the skating, but I’ve only caught snippets.
“Kiss My Tiara”–that makes me laugh! Gonna have to check it out! (Not to buy anything–NO ONE wants that!)
by Jen Lyon February 19th, 2010 at 3:54 pmHi Jen,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 4:32 pmYes, running is fab. Not much fun to watch, but fun if you’re the runner! I did a half marathon this fall, and I got back into those runners’ highs, which are really great.
Shaun White was amazing and I also enjoyed seeing Seth Wescott defend his gold medal in the snowboard cross. I’ve also been watching a lot of the biathlons. They’re incredible athletes.
by Jane February 19th, 2010 at 4:32 pmHi Jane,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 4:44 pmI have not seen snowboard cross. Will check that out! I like the biathlons, too. Always reminds me of a James Bond movie.
I have not been watching any of the Olympic’s this year! Although I do enjoy the skating, it just seems so graceful to me. I have just not watched that much TV lately.
by Quilt Lady February 19th, 2010 at 4:59 pmThis weekend should be good, if you decide to tune in. Some ski jumping, speed skating (Apollo Ohno), and also luge.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 5:13 pmI enjoy the skating the most. I cannot skate but when I’m watching the Olympics I wish I could.
by Maureen February 19th, 2010 at 6:33 pmHi Maureen,
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 7:21 pmI can relate. It’s like going to the ballet and wishing you could dance. And the thing that never shows on their faces is how much it hurts falling on that ice, and yet they get right back up and keep going.
I usually like to watch the skating, but this year, I finally find what I want to watch, see a bit of it, it goes to commercial and comes back showing a different event or interview.
by chey February 19th, 2010 at 6:58 pmLots of commercials this year!! Yes, it’s pretty frustrating. They’re trying to squeeze every sport plus all that advertising into prime time.
by Laura Griffin February 19th, 2010 at 7:23 pmHi Laura
2 words–Shaun White!! That boy is amazing (let’s not even start on that awesome hair )!!!!!
The best part of the Olympics for me, my girls 11/13 are enjoying them. They’ve gotten into watching the various events, esp. the half pipe and downhill skiing.
It’s great to be an American!
Catherine C
by Catherine February 20th, 2010 at 12:05 amIsn’t he great? Liked him in the interview, too, after his gold medal. Glad you’re watching with your kids.
by Laura Griffin February 20th, 2010 at 10:23 amThe skating this year just hasn’t had much spark. I too have enjoyed the skiers and snowboarders. They are certainly full of life. Am watching the skeleton race. Canadian coverage is so much better. It is live and runs most of the time.
by Patricia Barraclough February 20th, 2010 at 1:20 amI need to get to bed, I’m falling asleep at the keyboard.
How wonderful to have Canadian coverage! I would love to see this live. Most of the big competitions I’ve already heard about who won the medal on the Internet before I see it on TV. Takes the suspense away.
by Laura Griffin February 20th, 2010 at 10:24 amWe’re olympics junkies too, and we’ll watch any sport, we’re not picky. Last night my dad and his wife came over for dinner. They don’t own a TV and don’t usually care to watch, but we suggested seeing what was on, and it was ice dancing. They just couldn’t tear their eyes away, and they both said they wished they could try it. They are both active and fit, and the evening ended with my dad’s wife threatening to call a friend of theirs who owns a dance studio to start them up on lessons, so I guess you could say it was pretty inspiring!
by sophie littlefield February 20th, 2010 at 10:46 amThey are hooked! How cool that your dad is so young at heart!
by Laura Griffin February 20th, 2010 at 5:17 pmI’ll probably get stoned, but I don’t watch the Olympics. At all. Summer. Winter. Meh.
I did have a serious crush on speed skater Eric Heiden in the 1980 winter Olympics, and I did cry when the 1980 hockey team won the gold — but I haven’t watched any Olympics since.
by Lori Armstrong February 20th, 2010 at 11:41 amHe he. Just totally misread your comment about getting stoned, Lori. My husband’s been a hockey fan since Miracle on ice.
by Laura Griffin February 20th, 2010 at 5:19 pm