T-minus 8 Days.
So pumped for Biathlon.

I really like the winter Olympics. I like biathlon too, but especially enjoy the hockey, luge, and short track speed skating. Four years ago, I was enthralled by curling for some reason.

On a semi-related note, one of the few luge tracks in the US is about 15 miles from us, and I have vowed to try it at least once. I should get on it and make it happen.

I was joking.
But I'm sure I'll spend some time with it on in the background while I'm laying on the floor recovering during Mardi Gras.

i like watching the snowboard racing. wasn't it 4 years ago that someone was way ahead in a race, did a trick near the end, fell and then lost? very entertaining.

The name for which you seek, Z, is Lindsey Jacobellis.

I love the winter olympics, except for the figure skating. I have a real problem with events based on subjective results.

My wife usually really enjoys them because it's one of Finland's chances to shine, but their hockey team is supposed to be one of the worst ever so her olympics is already ruined before it began.

This summer while we were in Whistler we went and visited the "Nordic Events Center" where the biathlon takes place - my wife had never fired a gun before and for a couple of bucks they let people shoot at the biathlon targets with rifles like they use in the events - There was just something ironic and unreal about my wife shooting a gun for the first time in Canada where there are much stricter gun laws.

Having said that, we're stoked as well - love the Olympics as well - especially the skiing related events

Especially the downhill ski events!!!!!

I'm in full-on hockey mode. My Caps are doing well (understatement), and the Hershey Bears are sharing the glory in the AHL.

this is war, son

so you're pumped for some bi action?

Or, as they used to be called, the Hershey "B'ars"

Yeah. Haha. Oh those pun-y sportswriters back in the day...Call 'em whatever you want, just make sure you add "defending champions" before it.

Damn. Reports are in that a Luger from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia flew off the track during a practice run today and hit an unpadded metal pole. He's dead.

Helluva start to the games.

why would there be an unpadded metal pole right next to a luge track?

for what it's worth, a lot of lugers say this is one of the fastest tracks they've ever raced on. i wonder if they'll do anything about that before the competition starts. still, skeleton freaks me out more than luge.

was just reading that...

holy fucking horrific video

i'll buy you a cd if you still do this.

Yeah, it sucks about the luger.

REALLY excited about this, and am looking forward to: hockey (US hasn't got a chance), speed skating and the various ski events.

Oh, and anyone have any guesses on who will light the cauldron?

Jesus. He was 21 years old.

Fucking horrible.

Video link's been removed, and probably a good thing.

def. a good thing.

ok, need some better imagery in my head right now....




ahhhhh, much better now.

so what's the latest with her, J?

hopefully every day they cancel the training runs gives her more of a chance to go. i don't think she'll miss it.

Just the way she was describing the pain sounded awful. I've gritted my teeth through painful injuries like that (mostly because I was on a bike and had no other transportation to get back home!), so I can't even imagine how painful it must be when every millisecond counts, even if it is a short run.