As spectacular as it was anti-climactic: Simon Ammann took gold on the LH and was on a level all his own. "Level all his own" a bit of a cliche but quite amazing to witness first-hand and ponder. This is the same Simon who (gracefully) struggled with mediocrity 4 years ago. Who by all but current standards (which allow "amateur" athletes to make 6/7 figures) would have retired to a career in banking or begging and never known the exaltation of re-rising to the top. Imagine if Ammann had gone out the goat after 2006. Such a different arc. Video link below is post-event Ammann thoughts on his jumping.
Pole Malysz in silver position was likewise separated from the field but still a couple of floors below Simon. Young AUT star Schlierenzauer again hitting big in round 2 to sneak up for bronze. The kid that arrived happy go lucky was less so in the days leading up to this event. Happy or not (and he appeared to be after today's comp) the heavy lifting is over for him as he now gets to partner with fellow AUTs and go through the motions required to collect gold in the team event. Motions that should not require much perspiration at all.
Everything on TV live today, that now familiar thrill ride down the double-edge sword. I need to come clean and thank both Doc Donohue for his "oh doctor!" suggestion that made the NH show and the Meyer/Colberg syndicate for the "that dog'll hunt!" line used today, both surreptitious shout outs that improved coverage and elevated moods in the booth!
Down in the "mix zone" at the end of the outrun (press gauntlet athletes have to navigate to leave the jump) I have met and enjoyed a kind and thoughtful Canadian (redundant, I know), Bob Babinski- a journalist, producer, director, broadcaster, teacher who has a provocative sports blog- http://good4sports.wordpress.com/ Check it out.
Pole Malysz in silver position was likewise separated from the field but still a couple of floors below Simon. Young AUT star Schlierenzauer again hitting big in round 2 to sneak up for bronze. The kid that arrived happy go lucky was less so in the days leading up to this event. Happy or not (and he appeared to be after today's comp) the heavy lifting is over for him as he now gets to partner with fellow AUTs and go through the motions required to collect gold in the team event. Motions that should not require much perspiration at all.
Everything on TV live today, that now familiar thrill ride down the double-edge sword. I need to come clean and thank both Doc Donohue for his "oh doctor!" suggestion that made the NH show and the Meyer/Colberg syndicate for the "that dog'll hunt!" line used today, both surreptitious shout outs that improved coverage and elevated moods in the booth!
Down in the "mix zone" at the end of the outrun (press gauntlet athletes have to navigate to leave the jump) I have met and enjoyed a kind and thoughtful Canadian (redundant, I know), Bob Babinski- a journalist, producer, director, broadcaster, teacher who has a provocative sports blog- http://good4sports.wordpress.com/ Check it out.
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