P: Smugmug/USSA Skiing
“This year’s Olympics should be exciting for Nordic ski fans
based on the fact that the women’s team is so strong and has
a real chance at winning medals. It is also encouraging that
many of the athletes known to have used performance en-
hancing drugs will not be able to compete and that makes for
a fair event .”
- Mary Wellington
(XC Oregon team, competitive nordic skier)
P: Smugmug/USSA Skiing
“As a ski racer, I have always looked up to the Olympics as the
pinnacle of all races. It encompass what it means to be an
athlete and a well rounded human being. To obtain the privi-
lege of going to the games, you must work long and hard to
be recognized. It not only takes dedication, but also a commu-
nity of people around you that support you and your dreams.
This athletic achievement and these games encompass not
only the best of the best racers from around the world, but
also some of the best people you may ever meet; they are full
of determination and optimistic thought. To me the Olympic
Games represent what it means to come together in peace,
work hard, and follow your dreams!”
- Sierra Foster
(Competitive OSU Nordic Ski Racer)
Tommy Ford P: Smugmug/USSA Skiing
“I have been an Olympic fan for most of my life and spend
way too much time watching them whenever they are on,
winter and summer, but winter is my favorite. I follow Al-
pine, Nordic, Nordic Combined, Biathlon and a little jumping
and am super excited for the American women’s chances for
medals in Alpine and Nordic this year. Also excited for the
Biathlon possibilities after last year’s performance at Worlds.
I generally watch every race of these events.
I also watch some speed skating and hockey finals but have
no interest in figure skating, curling, or sledding events.
The olympics are at a crossroads and need to fix a lot of stuff.
The banning of the Russians is a first step, but there is dop-
ing everywhere and definitely not just Russians.
The corruption in choosing sites is ruining the Olympics as
are the cost and demands of putting them on- It’s hard to find
places willing to host and the ones that are being chosen are
nuts.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I am not very opti-
mistic about the possibilities for continuing as a viable event
and for upholding the motto and creed and bringing people
together for many more years.”
- David Smullin
(Redmond High School Nordic Coach, long time Nordic
coach, promoter and adviser)