Today saw many of our athletes gearing up for a fight. Both long and short track skaters were set up for a busy day. Although I did mention so much about trying not to be too negative on my previous post, it is difficult to have a sensation of happiness with Canada's day today.
The Hamelin brothers, Charles and Francois, were ready to pounce on their enemies tonight at the Short track venue. The crowd was noisy and the American Apolo Anton Ohno appeared to have a fair share of countrymen in the stands as well. Both the Hamelins placed to get themselves in the final. 5 racers, 3 medals, 2 Canadians who are feared on the circuit. It did not end well even as the Hamelins took the lead for most of the race. At the end of the 1000 metres it was Korea, Korea and USA. The red and white crowd was silenced but the Americans picked up the cheers. This happened after we saw Tania Vicent fail to make the podium in her final. There is a lot of support for our Canadian athletes but today was not very positive.
The speed skaters at the Richmond Oval were equally set aside by stronger legs as only Denny Morrison broke the top 10.
The evening finished well as our men's curling team came from behind to log in their 6th victory against Great Britain. They are the only undefeated team in their round robin. The women are also undefeated but did not play today.
One item that is gathering attention is the medal count. Everyone has predictions and our progress is scored against a timetable of expected medals. Canada considers itself about minus 4 and possibly worse after this evening's short track performances. The US is about plus 9! They now have 23 medals. This is quickly becoming the US show. They have 9 in alpine skiing events alone. The Koreans are sneaking ahead as they always pick up in the short track events.
Hmmm, there are worries about predictions. Where will we be in 1 week.....nobody knows. Hopes are high for ski cross. At one event last year: the Canadians swept the podium: 1,2 and 3. Will that happen? Watch it Sunday. It's going to be an intense event.
The biggest issue brewing over the last few days will finally take place tomorrow: Canada against USA in men's hockey. It will be a scene likely never experienced. The crowd will be intense for both teams. I'm planning on attending...if I can get in. Let's see what my "infiniti pass" can do for me tomorrow.......
On a lighter note, what would you think athletes do when they have some time off or want to relax between training sessions? We have, in our residence's lobby, 2 regulation nets and a bunch of sticks. It therefore comes naturally to have our freestyle aerials team get in some road hockey in the afternoon.
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