Cost of a ticket to the women's bobsleigh final, plus 11 hrs babysitting (at $12/hr): a little over $200 (which is why I could only afford the one event ticket.)
Standing 4 feet away from our girls as they took gold and silver: priceless.
Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown knew good things were afoot when they posted a blistering run in the final heat:
But when the ('til then) second place Erin Pac of the US failed to better it, they collapsed to the floor of the leader's box:
Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse, who dominated throughout with incredible driving and unshakeable focus, finished up with the winning run:
Notice the handknit maple leaf hat to the left? That would be me. Had to stand in the near-freezing rain for four hours before race time to secure the spot - no regrets!
I didn't get as many shots of Kaillie and Heather, because they were so busy waving and celebrating after crossing the finish line that they rather neglected the braking and slid waaaaay up the outrun before finally coming to a halt.
The crowd was wild with joy, and the girls were more than willing to share:
The flower ceremony:
They get their medals tonight in Whistler, and though we don't have tickets, I plan to take the kids down and stand outside the plaza to see the flags go up and sign along to Oh Canada.
And did you catch any of the women's hockey final? I'm not a sports fan, but I am excited! How much fun would it have been to see any of the games in person! You are so lucky to have had the opportunity. How long do you think it will take for you (and the town) to come back down to earth?
Posted by: Judy G. | 25/02/2010 at 06:43 PM
Was so glad you could be in so close for the best day ever. We saw it all and joined the excitement. Thought I saw your red hat a couple times, but couldn't be sure.Didn't know quite where to look. What a super spot. We did see Rob 6 or 7 times. We also noticed you got Rob in one of these shots. -- Just off the shoulder of one of the winners! That's fun. Watched the girls hockey get gold tonight. Curling should give a couple more golds as well. Yeah Canada!!!!
Posted by: Mom | 25/02/2010 at 07:00 PM
What a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Good investment :)
Posted by: Karen | 25/02/2010 at 09:35 PM
Oh what an amazing thing to be able to experience!! Congrats to you and the girls :-)
Posted by: Leonie | 25/02/2010 at 09:57 PM
I thought of you while I watched this, and I'm glad to hear you got to witness it so close. First medals ever in women's bobsled, AND we end up with two, AND they're gold and silver? It was pretty wicked sweet.
Posted by: kingshearte | 26/02/2010 at 04:51 AM
I'm generally a lurker, but I'm coming out to say thanks for the wonderful Olympic coverage!! I'm especially happy to see this win as Heather Moyse is from my hometown - I went to school with her and her sister and we're all very, very, proud!! Thanks again!!
Posted by: Lisa | 26/02/2010 at 05:00 AM
Wow! I watched and thought I saw Rob taking pictures, which somehow made it much more real and personal for me than TV usually does. It's amazing..... I only know you through the blog (and knitting with your lovely yarn) but it felt like I was living it through a friend's experience. I have enjoyed the whole Olympic experience so much thanks to you! (And of course, it helps that my mom was born in Vancouver...... I've only been there once, but it's also real to me through her experience and stories.)
Barbara M
Posted by: Barbara M. | 26/02/2010 at 05:44 AM
More good pictures. I watched the event with extra interest and was rooting for Team Canada. Glad they came thru for you.
Posted by: mary lou | 26/02/2010 at 06:07 AM
I have so enjoyed your Olympic posts--great photos which convey the excitement--and wonderful behind the scenes glimpses.
Thanks!
Posted by: kathleen | 26/02/2010 at 09:06 AM
I'm having so much fun reading your Olympic posts with my 7 year old. Thank you! They're so much more immediate than the dratted recorded and edited and cherry-picked TV coverage we're watching. (He really liked the close views of the sleds)
Posted by: Gwen | 27/02/2010 at 08:31 AM
http://vimeo.com/9451898 Here is a wonderful video of the spirit in Vancouver, it's been awesome following Whistler through your posts, my volunteer job doesn't take me very close to the "action" but I have loved the spirit of the people that I see and drive around.
Posted by: Shiela T | 27/02/2010 at 11:35 AM
So. Totally. Awesome.
I'm so glad you had such a great time!
Posted by: Mrs. A. | 27/02/2010 at 12:48 PM
I'm late to your blog but am enjoying all the Olympics coverage. Is the maple leaf hat your own creation? Thanks for sharing all the stories and pictures.
Posted by: StephanieG | 07/03/2010 at 09:46 AM