While probably a second love to cycling, speedskating nonetheless is the sport/profession that dominated my life for a decade and a half – from making my first national team at age 13, to retiring 16 years later after the 1998 Olympic trials.
In between I traveled to more than 20 countries and tasted the highs and lows, travels and travails of an amazing, fast, occasionally dangerous and incredibly engaging sport. I’m very grateful to be able to continue to play a small part through announcing and working with the Olympic broadcast crew.
There doesn’t seem to be much written about this sport – I hope you enjoy some of what you read.
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Torino Journal #3 1/2 gives a primer of the sport
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Torino Journals #7, 8, & 9 provide a deep personal glimpse of the dynamics of the Olympic games and speedskating in particular.
John:
I met you yesterday at the “Olympic” birthday party for the kids. It was generous of you to spend some time with the kids to share your Olympic experience and to pass around your medal and ring. Thank you and congratulations on being an Olympian.
Scott Mattas
HI, John,
Have a great time at Vancouver. Emery and I can’t wait to see you on TV! Thank you for supporting our clubs and helping Emery out with his skating.
Best,
Marcia
Hey John,
Very cool blog site. I don’t know you, but know of you. Dee and Dave are neighbors here in Eden. Sound like you had quite the time in B.C. Congrats….
Tom
Hey John,
Too bad I wasn’t able to connect with you while I was in Vancouver . My Company was the F&B provider at BC Place, Whistler (including the US Ski Team House), and the NBC Media Center (where you probably ate a lot of your meals). I have enjoyed reading your Vancouver posts here. Fortunately, like you, I received credentials which afforded me great access througout the Games. What amazed me (in addition to the great athletic accomplishments that took place there) and what many people I don’t think realize, is the army of volunteers twho help to make the Games the unsurpassed event that it is. Again, I enjoyed reading your posts and glad to see that you are doing well.
Keith