Our very own Lake Placid 'Man in Van', and other local on-sight dignitaries will be submitting ongoing reports from the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver!  (times are eastern, and his real name is Sandy Caligiore!)

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02/22: As we enter the second week of competition, our Canadian hosts are a bit out of sorts. They are getting hammered in the press for not living up to their "Own the Podium" marketing mantra. Canadian athletes are well off the medal pace that the Canadian Olympic Committee set for them prior to these Olympics. The pressure that Canada's athletes are/were under to perform must be intense, particularly for those yet to compete.

Playing into that scenario is last night's men's hockey loss to the United States. Commentators on CTV started the criticism in the first intermission and it still has not relented. In this nation, the loss is perceived to be a national disaster. After watching the first two periods on television, I walked across the street to pick up a few groceries as the American team rode the outstanding goaltending of Ryan Miller for a 3-2 advantage. As I walked the aisles, a store employee came on the PA system and delivered more bad news.

"We have an update....the U.S. has scored again and leads Canada 4-2."

I walked back to our condo, and in that time, Canada battled back with their third goal. They pressed for the tie, but instead, our boys tallied into an empty net and won, 5-3.

Then the blood-letting and second-guessing began in the press. As I write this on Monday, CTV is grilling Wayne Gretsky on the problems within the team. Goaltender Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils is bearing much of the brunt as are some of their older players. But Gretsky is saying that Canadas best games are ahead of them.   

Meanwhile, one can only imagine how Don Cherry must feel about the Canadian loss. The CBC hockey analyst might be the country's most loyal fan, and he must be stewing over this.

Canada is now in a situation where it doesn't get a bye before the medal rounds begin and must defeat Germany and win their way into the playoffs.     

Meanwhile, the Americans, riding the talented Miller, are in the final eight and received the bye with Sunday's victory. The rest will help before the playoffs commence.

"I would still say we would be the underdogs on our lack of experience," said forward Chris Drury, who scored in the win over Canada. Certainly now that the tournament takes on a whole new meaning with single elimination, we do need to get a lot better."

Sunday was another special day for U.S. skiing as Bode Miller continues to display how enthusiasm for your profession, coupled with a smile on your face, is a recipe for success. These have been wonderful Games for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association as they have piled up 16 medals, five of them gold, including Miller's first Olympic gold, which came in the super combined. Bode has garnered one medal of each flavor at Whistler.    

Miller's demeanor on these beautiful slopes is in stark contrast to the disinterested party boy of Torino. His skiing has exhibited a unique combination of aggression and joy. To see him smiling and looking at his parents in the finish area might tell us that the real Bode is this version.

Miller has two more races in him, the giant slalom and slalom, before calling it a day. Unfortunately, we will not see him at the U.S. Alpine Nationals next month at Whiteface.

But we will see his teammate, Andrew Weibrecht. The locally-produced Olympic bronze medal winner in the super G has concluded his three Olympic events. After admitting that he skied tentatively in the downhill - his first career Olympic competition - Andrew reverted to the pro-active style that has given him the nickname, the War Horse.

Weibrecht will race at the nationals. When back home, he is expected to stop by his parents pub, The Cottage, that is part of the Mirror Lake Inn. He'll be surprised to learn that while he was away, The Cottage named a drink after him as part of their Olympic specials.

The War Horse is a black and tan, created by micro-brews UBU and Long Trail Ale. Like the War Horse himself, this one goes down smoothly, has a stout body and is ready to stand the test of time.

02/19: CONGRATULATIONS to Lake Placid's own Andrew Weibrecht on his bronze medal in Super G!

TEAM USA Luge team members Erin Hamlin and Mark Grimmette visit the Lake Placid Friendship Center in Whistler  LINK

02/18: The Mayors of Lake Placid and Vancouver signed a Protocol of Friendship, as sister Olympic Cities.  See photos here: LINK

02/17: 1 pm: Man in Van - It's been a whirl-wind since last week when our poor Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, lost his life in a training run. Accidents occur but the athlete is not supposed to leave the track as Nodar did. It begs the questions: what are the international standards that allow inexperienced racers to compete on difficult courses? And why was there no protection on the track that would have prevented this loss of life. The International Luge Federation (FIL), the Vancouver organizers and the architect/designer will be wrestling with these and other questions for quite some time.
 
Tributes to Nodar have emerged around Whistler. One such tribute was placed near the medals plaza where mourners photo, flowers and candles at the base of the Olympic rings. A similar, yet chilling tribute was placed at the base of the metal stanchion that he struck.
 
The mishap caused the FIL to lower all starts to allow the entire field to negotiate their respective courses safely. In the process, the women's and doubles starts were dropped to the junior start upsetting many in the field. It caused the American men and women to undergo a significant disadvantage and their results showed.
 
In every sport, there are inherent difficulties. In the major championships, such as the Olympic Games, it is expected to be so. The U.S. Open and the Masters would never be contested from the forward tees. In addition, you have to qualify to compete. And then there is auto racing.
 
I guess the message is: don't cheat the field due to the administration's inability to govern the quality of its athletes. Like other sports, in luge you should be closely observed to get into the field.
 
Enough pontificating. It's almost time to watch Lindsey Vonn race the women's Olympic downhill. Tonight, Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin will race for their third luge doubles medal at the Whistler Sliding Center.
 
You've heard about the bizarre weather patterns around Whistler. Not today, however. It is a stunningly beautiful morning and competition is about to start.
 
02/16: Lake Placid Mayor Randall and James McKenna, President, ROOST participated on a panel in a roundtable discussion at the 4th Tourism and Development Forum on the topic of "Harnessing the synergy of tourism and sport for sustainable development and poverty elimination."

02/14: Lake Placid Mayor Randall met with Mayor Brelaz of Lausanne, President of the World Union of Olympic Cities. The Mayors discussed future partnerships of Olympic Cities which can promote the Olympic ideals of world peace through sport and ways in which all Olympic Cities can work together with future bid cities to ensure that the Olympic games provide sustainable economic benefit.  The meeting took place in Vancouver at the IOC headquarters hotel. Image LINK  (submitted by James McKenna, President, ROOST)

02/12: Mark Grimmette meets the press

02/10 - Mark Grimmette has been selected as the U.S flagbearer: From Ron Rossi, USA Luge / CEO:

"Mark epitomizes the definition of an Olympian - hard working, humble, and unassuming, a person who always looks to give back before he ever accepts something for himself, and an individual who always thinks of the team first, even in an individual sport. In fact, if I open the dictionary to the word Olympian, I wouldn't be surprised to see a picture of Mark smiling back at me."

"While all of us at U.S. Luge are extremely proud that Mark is being honored this way, my first reaction wasn't on an organizational level - it was personal - for an athlete that has become a friend."

"Becoming an Olympian is a special moment in an athlete's life. Winning a medal is a special achievement, but to be selected by your peers - your Olympic peers - to carry the flag for your nation into the Games may be the highest honor any Olympian could receive."

02/09- Pictures posted from the main press center this morning in Vancouver HERE 

day 3....hello whistler.
 
32 and sunny upon arrival at 11 am today after a most stunning drive from vancouver which required less than 2 hours. picture driving along the Cascade Lakes on a 4-lane road for mile upon mile. spectacular drive on what is known as the Sea to Sky Highway.
 
down in vancouver, once again the weather broke cloudy with temps in the 40s today.
 
spoke to US women's bobsled coach bill tavares last night. he's an ardent golfer who told me that some teams were trying to make tee times in the city. grass was being cut, he said. golf enters the SUMMER games in 2016....maybe it will be a demonstration sport in 2010 :)
 
US Luge Team will inspect the track at 1pm today followed by a press conference with the singles teams at 5pm. training begins tomorrow afternoon.
 
Athlete processing took place yesterday. this is where they get the all-important swag. nike and polo ralph lauren took very good care of all the teams. PRL is responsible for the US delegation's opening ceremonies attire. it is themed after the lake placid 1932....
 
furthermore the first intersection in the area is route 99 and lake placid road.... more feathers in our cap and further connection to these games along with the many athletes from the adirondacks competing here.

02/09- 6:14am: raining in vancouver as we speak. when weather breaks, however, this we be a beautiful site! it's VERY green around the city but that's normal.
 
02/08- 3:15am: arrived last night in vancouver. plane got in 40 min early so the games are off to a rousing start!
 
weather was mid 40s upon arrival and some people dressed in short sleeves and baseball caps. extended forecast is warm....40ish even in whistler.
 
VANOC staff here VERY hospitable and going out of there way to be helpful. hotel staff is the same.
 
bumped into andrew weibrecht this evening. he's ready to attack!!