From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Opening Ceremonies, Greenlaces, Olympic Village

Written by

FasterSkier

XCFeeds

Here I am with two of the most important things I have in the Olympic Village, my rifle and my green laces!

Hi Everyone.

Just a quick Opening Ceremonies Day post for you all. I’m in the Olympic Village now and things the preparation for the first race is almost over. Today I just have a short jog and recovery day. And, I will be heading over to Whistler to meet up at an Opening Ceremonies reception that US Biathlon has set up for athletes not walking in the Opening Ceremonies. Unfortunately, since our race is only two days away, and the entire Opening Ceremonies is scheduled to take 11 hours from door to door, I won’t be participating. It’s a tough call since I missed the Torino ceremonies for the same reason. But, I’m here to compete, not for the pomp and circumstance! You should still watch the Opening Ceremonies because my friend Mark Grimmette from Lake Placid – a five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist in luge – will be the flag bearer for the U.S. Team. Congrats Mark!

In other news, Brian Martin (US Luge) and myself will be featured on the Greenlaces.org website as the Green Olympians of the Day, today, Ferbruary 12. Greenlaces will be featuring a different Green Olympian for each day throughout the Olympics. Be sure to check out their website