“Rain drops keep falling on my head, . . .” We woke up to partly sunny skies this morning, but the clouds moved in quickly and we’ve been getting some serious Pacific Coast rain all day. Fortunately, there are at least two meters (we are in Canada, eh?) of snow on the ground at the venue, so we’re not going to lose much. Race organizers actually spread salt on the biathlon course today, which made the snow a lot more firm and fast. It’s very likely that they’ll do the same for our race on Monday.
I’ve been dreaming of the Olympics ever since I was old enough to eat my Cheerios. My parents bought their first television so we could watch the 1988 Games in Calgary at home. It’s hard to believe I’m on the doorstep of my first Olympic competition. My folks get into Vancouver tomorrow and will make their way up to Whistler for my race on Monday, the 15km Skate. Stay tuned live on NBC from 3 – 4pm Central Time to watch the competition live. Check out your local listings here – click TV listings.
I enjoyed dinner tonight with Todd Lodwick, a US Nordic Combined skier in his 5th Olympics. Todd’s first Olympics was in Lillehammer in 1994 and was an inspiration for me to start ski racing. Keep an eye out for our Nordic counterparts, Todd, Billy Demong, and Johnny Spillane in the Nordic Combined on Sunday. I can only hope to be an inspiration for younger skiers like these guys have been for me.
A special shout out to Grace and Mrs. Pomeroy’s entire 1st Grade class in Winona, Minnesota and to Garrett in Mrs. Houston’s class and all of Meadowbrook. Do what you love and have fun with it!
Garrott: Another shout-out if you please to Mrs. Vyncke’s 7th and 8th grade Social Studies classes at Matt’s school – Lindbergh Middle School. They are putting your blog up on their Smart Board to read about your journey! Ski fast on Monday – we’re behind you 100%!!!
Garrott, good luck on Monday. We have no school so we will all be home to watch! Like your blog.
Garrott, I’m really enjoying reading your posts about your time at the Vancouver Games. It sounds sooo incredible.
I’m a good friend of Laura’s here in New Hampshire, and we are all rooting for you here in the 603. Good luck!
Anne Hodges
Congratulations Garrott on being an Olympian!! Good luck in your race tomorrow from old friends in your GV neighborhood.
Bob,Linda,Bobby and Alyssa
“I can only hope to be an inspiration for younger skiers like these guys have been for me.”
Don’t forget about inspiring us older skiers too.
Have a great race on Monday!
Good luck tomorrow!!! Doug, the little guys, and I will be rooting for you! We’re really enjoying your blog… ; )
Aricca
Hi Garrott – Congrats on getting this far, and thanks for sharing your experience with us so personally! Have fun tomorrow, and rest assured you’re already inspiring more than just young skiers!
Good luck!
Julia
Garrott good luck to you! All of Hopkins Nordic is cheering! You arre the best .
From all of us Go Garrott Go Hopkins Go USA
Johnny Spillane’s race was GREAT! So much fun to watch. Hope you’re having a great time!
Garrott! We are here in Vancover!! Can’t wait to see you ski! We are so excited to share this experience with you and your parents!!! Ski Fast!!
Garrott! Happy Heart Day to the heartiest, VO2-ist, cardiovasculariest DOOOOOD! Go git ’em, Garrott. We are soooooo proud of you. Thanks for letting me come to the P & G hospitality room. Lovin’ my free latte.