Mission Jamaica complete

As a volunteer at the Olympic sliding centre, I hoped and dreamed that the Jamaican bobsled team would qualify. Thankfully the two-man team did and I was there to greet them at the finish line! After run 1 & 2, I was able to sneak this little gem with Winston Watt.

The story behind this unique kiss roots from me telling Winston that I went to school in Calgary. He gave me a huge hug and spun me around. He was elated to see a Canadian and mustn't have been able to hold in his excitment. I personally like this next photo better. (It came before the kiss).

 

The next night was their final runs. Unfortunately, Jamaica came in dead last, but they had the most positive attitudes! Feel the rhythm. Feel the rhyme! Get on up - it's bobsled time

My trip has officially been made! This and running into Clara Hughes have been the highlights for sure. My ankle has been causing me some troubles, but these snapshots are all worth the extra pain to stand at work. I haven't been running, but I can't stop walking. There is so much to see and do. Today I visited the Laura cross country ski and biathalon centre. The views absolutely took my breath away. I have to admit, I am quite envious of the volunteers that get to work at this venue. A fresh dusting of snow sure helped. I was joined by my friend and co-volunteer Tania. (Also my translator)

 

Laura cross country venue

 

Don't forget! I'll be on CTV Edmonton Thursday, February 20 around 7am! Set your PVRs!!



Sochi setback

With all the smiling I've been doing lately, I was bound to come across a frown or two. Today I spent an hour with a Russian doctor who confirmed I have sprained my ankle. I wish I could tell you I sprained it while rescuing a skeleton athlete from tripping down the stairs, or better yet - that I twisted it while saving a baby from an oncoming train. Unfortunately, I can't even pinpoint the moment I sprained it. Maybe while running...maybe while running along the sliding track at work to get the start times. In the end, I've been prescribed two weeks of rest. TWO WEEKS! I guess I'll catch up on some Dostoyevsky in the sun instead of running :( but really I'll probably read game of thrones ;)

Other than the injury, the last day or two have been phenomenal! I snuck a snapshot with our Canadian women's skeleton athletes. Sarah Reid and Mellisa Hollingsworth were great! Beaming Canadian spirit.

Elizabeth Yarnold takes gold for Britain

To follow up on what exactly I do at work, it's best to know what work looks like. The sliding center is nestled on the mountain. Getting to work means trudging up hills to each position. I work in the mixed-zone (where athletes are interviewed by the media). There are shuttle buses available, which with my ankle I will now have to take. Every athlete walks right past me after they've been interviewed. No complaints from me on my position ;)

Sanki sliding center

Finish line

Canada is well represented at my venue

This is what I do for work. Press to the right. Athletes to the left.  

My Russian coworker. He was captivated by the Russia vs. USA hockey game. Then he was devastated when Russia lost.

Press conference. I get to pass around the microphone :)

Before I found out how bad my ankle was, I went to Rosa Khutor at the base of my mountain. Yes, the following photos were taken in the mountains at the WINTER Olympics. Yes, I am wearing a tank top. It was 15'C. I may manage to come home with a tan from the winter Olympics! 

This dude must have been dying in the heat.

This samovar can hold 150 litres of water. That's a lot of tea!

Ain't that the truth!

Taking the gondola to work. By the way...no one here knows what I'm taking about when I say gondola. It's called a cable way in these parts.

Sanki sliding center. My home.

Russian ramblings

I've been getting asked what exactly I do at work... well what I can tell you is I am basically a glorified security guard. I quite enjoy it. I keep the press and athletes separated, meaning all those Lugers walk right past me. Soon it will be our Skeleton and Bobsled teams. I quietly cheer for Canada and then get to give our athletes high fives! My group also manages the press centre. We have an information desk there and answer any journalist's questions. I prefer working in the mixed-zone where the atmosphere is exciting. After the flower ceremonies, we hold a press conference. I get to hand around the microphone to reporters. Not a bad gig in my eyes. My favourite part of almost everyday is working. The food is great at my venue, and it's just all around exciting!

This morning I cheered on our Canadian curling team to a win against Norway. It was nice to see Canada compete so well. My seat mate was an America with Norwegian family, so we cheered against each other. Curling may not seem overly exciting, but having a great team to cheer for made the match exciting. I would argue we have the best looking curling team of the bunch ;) No wonder my grandma bought the team's calendar...

Ryan Fry really gets down to ice level. Impressive!

Technological generation is missing out

At the Russia vs. Sweden hockey match, the crowd was insane! It almost reminded me of Canadian fans. However it saddened me to see so many youth behind their devices. These two boys in front of me literally videoed the entire match. Instead of living in the moment, they lived behind their camera. While most days I regret not bringing my iphone for ease of posting information, I am truly grateful I am experiencing each moment with my own eyes and all my senses. 

Hiding behind a device. Why not watch what is in front of your eyes?

Team spirit

At any given moment, one small voice would start shouting russia, and moments later the entire arena was cheering RA-SEE-YA! On a powerplay, I completely understand. But there were times when the crowd was going bonkers during a break in play. It was incredible to see. They also like to shout SHAY-BU (which means puck).
When the Russia team won, the fans went wild. They've got this team spirit thing down pat.

Hot dog....Sochi2014fail ;)

Russian mascot getting personal. He must know I'm a mascot at heart ;)

I was absolutely devastated to see the Canadian team relay fall short.

Back to work

After a day off, I am heading back to work. My shifts are all 5pm - 2am, so I haven't been able to take advantage of any activities at my residence. Tomorrow night there's a cultural preview for the Korean Olympics in 2018. On one hand, I get the most exciting shift with all the races at night, but the two hour commute to and from the venue sure eats up my sleeping time. 

Also, I've been getting into the pin trading excitement! Once I get a few more trades done I'll update you on my new collection!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

One February 20, around 7am, tune into CTV Edmonton morning show. You may see a familiar face ;)