Champion Q&A: Johnny Spillane
Nordic Combined
Thu, Jul 15, 2010 - By US Ski Team
He caught the attention of the U.S. when he won his first of three historic medals at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, shadowing his success on the World Cup stage. But what many people don't know about Johnny Spillane (Steamboat Springs, CO) is that he's a father to be and quite the traveler, enjoying different cities and cultures around the World from Belize to LA.
What are you doing now in the off season, although it's not really off?
Well for the off season that we did have I actually took a longer break then I ever had from training. I was exhausted after the season. So much more effort went into last season, so I took a little more time off than normal, to regroup, refocus and get my priorities in order. My wife, Hilary, is pregnant and we're really excited and preparing for that. I've also been fishing and just spending time outside and traveling. I've been on the road a lot!
Where have you gone?
All over. The Olympic nordic combined team did the Heavy Medal Tour in Iraq where we visited the troops overseas. I've also just been to New York, LA and Chicago. My wife and I went down to Belize for a vacation then I went to the Bahamas for a fishing trip. I've hardly been home. It's been a really busy spring, but a good spring.
So, you're going to be a father! When is your wife due?
September 15.
That's coming up very soon!
Yeah, it's coming up soon. I am in the process of trying to prepare everything I can around the house because I'm going to be traveling again until August 15. So, I'm trying to get everything done that I possibly can before the baby comes including getting the baby's room ready and basically whatever Hilary needs. It's up to her.
So you're taking orders?
I'm taking orders. I've got a lot of honey dos.
Where do you guys head next?
After Billy's [Demong] wedding, I'll come back from that then go to Montana almost immediately for the Big Sky Games and then I'll be going more or less straight to Park City for U.S. Championships from July 28-31. Immediately following Nationals I head to Europe through August 14. It's a busy next few weeks.
Then you have to come home for a special arrival.
Yes, and I'll stay home until the season starts to be with the new baby. A very exciting year is ahead.
What are you doing now in the off season, although it's not really off?
Well for the off season that we did have I actually took a longer break then I ever had from training. I was exhausted after the season. So much more effort went into last season, so I took a little more time off than normal, to regroup, refocus and get my priorities in order. My wife, Hilary, is pregnant and we're really excited and preparing for that. I've also been fishing and just spending time outside and traveling. I've been on the road a lot!
Where have you gone?
All over. The Olympic nordic combined team did the Heavy Medal Tour in Iraq where we visited the troops overseas. I've also just been to New York, LA and Chicago. My wife and I went down to Belize for a vacation then I went to the Bahamas for a fishing trip. I've hardly been home. It's been a really busy spring, but a good spring.
So, you're going to be a father! When is your wife due?
September 15.
That's coming up very soon!
Yeah, it's coming up soon. I am in the process of trying to prepare everything I can around the house because I'm going to be traveling again until August 15. So, I'm trying to get everything done that I possibly can before the baby comes including getting the baby's room ready and basically whatever Hilary needs. It's up to her.
So you're taking orders?
I'm taking orders. I've got a lot of honey dos.
Where do you guys head next?
After Billy's [Demong] wedding, I'll come back from that then go to Montana almost immediately for the Big Sky Games and then I'll be going more or less straight to Park City for U.S. Championships from July 28-31. Immediately following Nationals I head to Europe through August 14. It's a busy next few weeks.
Then you have to come home for a special arrival.
Yes, and I'll stay home until the season starts to be with the new baby. A very exciting year is ahead.