Like many people around the globe, I am enjoying watching the winter Olympics in Vancouver. The grace, the guts, the glory--and I especially like the little behind-the-scenes stories that help me “get to know” athletes.
As a teen, I was completely in love with ice skating, especially the women’s solo events. So no surprise, really, that the backdrop of my 2008 young adult novel, How to Hook a Hottie, is an ice skating rink.
But as the years have passed, I have developed a new love. A fantasy, actually, because the event I want to “compete” it does not even exist: Women’s Ski Jumping. And let's not overlook the fact that I haven’t skied in years, get dizzy at high altitudes, and won’t ride on a ski lift because, well, I’m afraid it’s going to stall out and leave me dangling for many hopeless and frostbit-laden hours. And that my age and degree of fitness puts me entirely out of Olympiad competition range.
So I’ve settled for being an armchair ski jumper. When the event comes on the screen, I sit forward in my chair, my “skis” perfectly aligned on the carpet. Then, I, too, take off...hunched down, speeding...until the time comes to take off....soaring, soaring, soaring...in utter tranquility, just me and the sky...until the moment is JUST right for me touch down in a gentle, perfect, and of course, record-setting gold medal landing.
Lovely...
Okay, realistically, I know this is a super-challenging sport that requires years of hard work, training, and probably trips to the ER. But nothing of this is grounded in reality, so please, allow me to enjoy my fantasy. In fact, a few years ago, I visited the Innsbruck, Austria Olympic Ski Park.
And see that little speck walking toward the railing? That’s me! Assuredly, with ideas of grandeur running wild.
So now that I’ve dished, tell us. If you could enter one event--talent, conditioning and the like not at an issue--what would it be?
And as a bonus, leaving a comment will enter you in our giveaway, a signed copy of How to Hook a Hottie. Check back on Monday to see which random commenter will...well...staying in theme and at the risk of sounding immodest, "take gold."
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Winter Games: What’s Your Pleasure? (and giveaway)
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23 fresh comments:
I have always loved the ice skating, but this year I will have to pick Snowboarding/men’s. It's fascinating to watch them hurl their bodies into the air, flip around and expect a piece of shuddering fiber glass to catch them and land them safely.
i love to watch pairs skating. they always ware a beautiful and match dress. and Their move always full of LOVE. the music also great :)
Figure skating, without question. I have always loved watching the ladies on ice and they are just so beautiful, I'd like to be able to do that. I wouldn't want to do pairs skating only because I'd be too scared to have the guy throw me in the air like that!
Margay
Oh the skating always facinates me - and last night OMG I was soo excited when Evan won EAK I almost flipped out!
Though, this year the whole half pike thing has really got my eye as well, those guys are NUTS and Shawn is NUTS!!!
The olympic's is hurting my reading LOL I am watching so much more TV :D
I love figure skating. Each time I watch a competition, in my min I am picking out my costume, my music to skate to & my routine. And naturally, I'm the only woman who can do 4 quads in a row--ha ha.
Figure skating has always been a pleasure to watch during the Winter games. And Tina, just love that pic of you!
I would compete in speed skating. I love to ice skate and whenever I do (I actually went a few months ago) I imagine that I'm racing to finish line.
Kelly, the one of me on skis mid-air? Kidding! Thanks. That was a fun day, although just climbing all those stairs to the top got me winded. Haha.
I'm gonna go with the popular choice - figure skating! It's just so graceful and beautiful. :)
Oh, ski jumping would be so fun to do! What a great feeling it must be to fly in the air like that...
I would also love to participate in the hockey tournament, BUT on the men's team! (Cause no hitting, how fun is that?) ;)
I remember when I was younger my neighbors had one of those huge trampolines in their backyard and we would make up trampoline routines hoping that one day they'd have a trampoline event in the Olympics. Of course they do now, but my Olympic dreams will never happen either. But all that aside, when it comes to the Winter Olympics I've always loved the figure skating best. :)
Without a doubt, figure skating. I've always wanted to fly through the air and land a jump. :) In fact, I used to try on my roller skates.. Didn't work out too well. :)
I'm finding speed skating amazing this year. Their legs are so muscular and they're so sleek, gliding along!
For me it is ice skating. I have always loved the costumes and the choreographed routines. I would love to be able to do that.
Women's Ski-Jumping? Who knew there was such a thing?? :D
Lili, about women's ski jumping (a-hem, right?), I did hear that it's been considered for future Olympics. Apparently it was formerly thought women weren't strong enough! Then there weren't enough competitors. And now they're looking to add it. About time! :)
Synchonized swimming! I love their grace and coordination!
I've always liked figure skating, but Shaun White was AWESOME during the Snowboard Half-Pipe! Also the guy who was in 4th place [i forgot his name] that came from behind during Snowboard Cross was so cool!! so i think Snowboarding is my new fav :)
Short track speed skating! The sport is so intense, and I love how things can change at the very last second, like the two South Koreans crashing in the 1500m race in the final turn of the final lap.
I LOVE ski jumping just because they fly - they really fly! I'd love to be able to do that. I bet it's really quiet while they soar before landing!
Speed skating for sure! Just thinking about how much muscle is working in those skaters legs makes me exhausted!!! Thanks for the contest!!
I'm not much of a winter person but ice skating does look like fun. I guess if i could roller blade i might give it a try. that said, the only winter spot i've ever endured would have to be tubing/sledding. what a daredevil. =)
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