Mark’s Musings – February 19, 2014
Mark Fortune
There are so many wonderful stories that rise from the flame of the Olympics. Stories of perseverance, courage, faith and more come to mind. I used to consider figure skating one of those “other” sports. You know, sports that don’t require much in the way of athleticism. Certainly not like other winter Olympic sports – skiing or hockey.
I have changed my mind after watching the favored Russian figure skater – four time Olympic medal winner and Russian national hero – Evgeni Plushenko – bow out from excruciating back pain following his warm-ups. Don’t kid yourself, this is one tough guy. He will be missed on the figure skating circuit.
That was followed by American Jeremy Abbott falling hard on the ice and then getting back up to finish his performance in what I would consider a humbling experience. I am sure it is not the first time he has fallen during a competition but the Olympics are certainly considered the largest world stage. That takes guts. The crowd understood and applauded his effort and courage.
There are many more stories of courage and conviction. U.S. skier Bode Miller won the bronze medal as the oldest alpine ski medalist. Often called “the old man of the mountain”, Miller was emotional following his win, due to the loss of his brother last April. As with many other athletes who are calling this Olympics their last, Miller went out with a flourish, competing against, and beating, athletes ten and more years younger in what is considered a grueling sport that beats the body and knees senseless.
And then you have the U.S. two man bobsled team winning a medal – the first for the Americans since 1952. Steven Holcomb and Steven Langton won the bronze medal in the event.
How about the U.S. mother of two – Noelle Pikus-Pace – that won gold in the women’s skeleton event. Pace won the silver medal after a decade of perseverance, positive attitude and faith. Her career was filled with moments of injury and near misses. Finally, she gets to stand on the podium.
And then you have the U.S. men’s hockey team – besting the Russians in a shootout. The American women have the opportunity to win gold this Thursday.
The Buckeyes bested the Illini in a low scoring affair in Illinois on Saturday with Northwestern this week. The Buckeyes should not be looking ahead to the Big 10 season ending matchup with Michigan State. Riding on that game will be the Big 10 tournament seeding’s. I don’t see the Buckeyes going too far in the big dance this March but they could be one of those surprise teams – it will depend largely on who they are matched up against.
Someone said the crows are back. Crows? What crows? I have not seen any. Just kidding. Hard to miss the creatures. In fact, I just heard one crowing outside the office.
Come downtown this Saturday for the ice carving and chili cook-off contest. This event will be a fun time and an opportunity to get out of the house.
Spring is only a month away. Thankfully.
Category: Mark's Musings
