The skis behind the Björgen win

Olympics: Cross Country Skiing

Sun, Feb  21, 2010 - By Steffen Hoos

Greetings from Whistler
 
In the 15 km Pursuit Women's Cross-country competition, Marit Björgen of Norway was able to repeat her Olympic victory in the sprint. She had received super material "under her feet" from her serviceman Perry Olsson.
 
There is an interesting story. Perry is responsible not only Marit but also for the skis of superstar Petter Northug. After Marit had won bronze in the first race the Norwegian media expected a victory from Petter in the afternoon.  Petter was only 41st. The Norwegian media only gave one explanation: the ill-prepared skis were definitely the reason why! The newspapers have torn Perry apart and given him the blame. A superstar in Norway is often perceived as infallible. I think this is unfair to servicemen and condemn this type of treatment.  Marit then, as reported, won two gold medals in the subsequent races. Northug also won bronze in the classic sprint.  All I can say is "Perry keep up the great work!"
 
Outside of the competition courses, the athletes have the option to ski on very well groomed trails through wonderfully beautiful scenery for a great many kilometers. You feel like you are all alone with yourself and the nature.  Canada is truly a dream, especially so when the weather is like it was today.  It's amazing how much snow is still lying in the woods at Callaghan Valley considering that in the last four weeks it was very warm and rained a lot. The snow is very compact.
 
The Alpine competitions were again Olympic worthy and went off as planned. Men's Super G was held in very hard and icy snow conditions and the racers were tested. With two more medals the U.S. built on their medal account.  Bode Miller had decided in September to continue his career and is for me one of the outstanding athletes in the Men's Alpine ski circus having already won two medals.

Until tomorrow
Steffen