There was the Russia vs. Slovakia hockey game where Microsoft PR pro Art and I sat right behind the penalty box.
If I look a wee bit tired, I was. I'd been up for 17 hours thanks to my morning stint at the Today show.
I was able to stay awake because we were privy to an intense game and came face-to-face with superstar NHL players like Alexander Ovechkin.
I even caught Slovakia's winning shoot-out goal in what was a huge upset:
It was my way of redeeming myself after filming an empty ski slope instead of Bode Miller.
The USA House was brimming with superstars today.
Shaun White celebrated his gold medal in the men's snowboard halfpipe competition.
Then there was cutie pie bronze medalist in the same event, Scotty Lago.
Tony Dungy also dropped by. Not familiar with him? He is a former football player who was the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl. He is now a prominent analyst for NBC.
Impressed? Don't be. Robin tipped me off about him and fed me all this information. Wikipedia did the rest.
Former Olympians were also in abundance like Scott Hamilton.
But there was none greater than The Great One. You may have seen him broadcast to millions as he lit the Olympic cauldron.
I grew up with Wayne Gretzky who spent much of his career playing for the Edmonton Oilers, my beloved Calgary Flames' rival. He was the superstar we loved to hate, the one who threatened us the most and demanded our respect with every play.
And the man who Robin introduced me to without any warning or preparation on my part.
Did I tell The Great One I still remember when the Oilers beat the Islanders to win the Stanley Cup, their first of five in seven years?
Of course not.
I instead blurted out, "I have to confess to you I'm a Calgary Flames fan."
He was taken aback at first but in a forgiving tone, he proclaimed, "That's OK."
There's a reason he's called The Great One.
Be sure to check out athletes' bios and the latest Olympic news at www.usocpressbox.org.
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25 Comments:
Yea, I'd say choosing a favorite moment from all of those would be pretty tough. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself!
Is that drool on your shoes?
Foot prints on your tongue?
WAYNE GRETZKY?! I would have been speechless. Man oh man, you are living the dream girl!
What a DAY! How in the world are you going to be able to come home and wipe noses again?
Looks like a great time for sure! Wayne Gretzky is such a wonderful guy. A true hero and role model for sure. Great post Amber!
I was so taken aback it took me a while to regroup after.
I'm sure he's never had someone say THAT to him. :-)
I can't believe you said that to him. I totally would've done something like that. :-)
That was Kate!
I even more jealous now. I do know who Tony Dungy is--a great NFL coach (in fact when he was coaching the Indianapolis Colts they won the Super Bowl). But, THE GREAT ONE--how fun. At least you said something--I WOULD HAVE BEEN TONGUE TIED.
Enjoy
Wow! and WOW. You are one lucky girl.
At least what you said was coherent.
And he seems to be "leaning" into you. Wow.
See- I'm speechless with just seeing the pictures.
Such fun. I'll definitely look back upon all these moments with great memories!
OK - Super Jealous - I like Wayne - got his autograph at the 1988 Olympics .. Was meeting my dad for lunch with my mother and he was just checking into his room at the same hotel. HA HA -Aaron G
How are you ever going leave all the excitement and come back home?
-Rebecca
Good question! I think it helps that I am absolutely wiped out and my knee hurts. I think I'm ready for a few days of recovery at home. :-)
OK - you can sit next to Matt Lauer all you want!! Wayne Gretzky encompasses all that is Canadian...except that he left the Great White North! He still looks HOT HOT HOT!! There's a reason he is known as The Great One. If you see him again, tell him Edmonton needs his help with the arena - he'll be able to come up with a solution that our city councillors can't!-Stacey
Very cool!!!!
Don't forget to enter to win a tankini of your choice!
clothedmuch.blogspot.com
I love this story.
I grew up near Winnipeg and was a Jets fan (yup, back when they existed). I loved Dale Hawerchuk and Thomas Steen. And then I saw Gretzky play: I was in awe at his ability to put the puck on the sticks of his teammates, often a blind pass. The man epitomizes the 10,000 hours of practice that Malcolm Gladwell talks about. And then some.
He is The Great One, and now you are The Lucky One. Enjoy the rest of your time - we're living vicariously through you!
Amber, you're awesome! Scotty Lago-cool! He lives down the highway from me. Sweet!
Hey dearest niece!! I am a Calgary Flames fan???? He is a kind man for sure! You look darling in the picture with him. I am enjoying your flowered hat in all the photos! My purple and pink one is here in the hat basket, maybe it will get me to the olympics! I am so glad you are having such a wonderful time. Bring on the fame! DA Sue
I had such a crush on Wayne back in the day. Oh to meet him now...
Oh so so cool. Although as a Calgarian I might say the same thing too. =) But Wayne really is the Great One. Such a class act.
Jenn
Nice job, Momma. Though, I'm tired just trying to keep up with you via your posts.
But, my knee doesn't hurt [knocking on wood until knuckles bleed] so, there's that.
Having lots of fun reading your recaps!
Super Super jealous of this days events- Can my family come keep you company :) Of course we would confess to the Great One that we are Avalanche fans- and that we pretty much love Ovechkin and Crosby.
So- by comparison- you would look fabulous :)
Gosh- can't believe you were that close to O- Lucky!
haha ... I bet that's the first time anyone ever said that to Wayne Gretsky. Happy Birthday!
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