Monday, February 22, 2010

Own the Podium?

Earlier today I wrote this tweet: "I don't blame D. Morrison for his comments. I'm not saying this because I'm biased either, I've been thinking the same thing."

I still definitely agree with his comments about Own the Podium. If Canada wants their athletes to succeed and do the best that they can, why can't they train with whomever they want? Shani Davis is an American speed skater who pretty much owns the ice/oval. Before the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Own the Podium pretty much gave Davis the boot and told him he can't train in Calgary and with Denny Morrison, who is his training partner, friend and rival. When they trained together, they pushed each other and taught one another. When the Turin Olympics came, Denny didn't do well at all, and Shani got his gold medal. It looks like history repeated itself this year.

Yeah, they've both been on the World Cup circuit and Denny has won medals and excelled, but that was without the pressure from Own the Podium telling him "YOU BETTER WIN FOR YOUR COUNTRY!"

Denny spoke out about Own the Podium, and now people are pretty much giving him shit for it. Why can't an athlete speak out in frustration and say what's on his/her mind? Yesterday, he apologized for his comments, and I don't really think he needed to. It's a matter of opinion. HIS opinion. If you're a competitive athlete and been in a similar situation (not necessarily Olympics or anything at a national level, you'd understand.)

Another example of this is when Melissa Holingsworth, the skeleton sled girl (for lack of a better word), came in 5th place, she was all in tears and apologizing to the country. Why would someone have to apologize to the country? It's because of Own the Podium. She was a favourite to win a medal, and she didn't. There is too much expectation set for the Olympic athletes. Why can't they just fly under the radar and relax? She felt like she let the country down. No one should be let down from her 5th place finish. Everyone should be happy at her achievements and the fact that she did fairly well.

Look at the men's hockey team... They're expected to win gold this year to redeem themselves from 2006. Again, all of that pressure is there. Now they're going to have to play against Germany to get into the quarter finals, which is against Russia. I honestly think it's going to be a struggle and a big challenge for Team Canada in hockey.

I am not a pessimist, and I am a big supporter of the Olympics and Canada. I want all of our athletes to do well. If they don't get a medal, not a big deal. They did the best that they could.

[/end rant]

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Who wants to see my little jumps?

Today John, Chris, and myself went to Talisman to get more boarding into our lives. While snowboarding, I made attemps to do little jumps. This video is one that my brother took. Right after going down a black diamond hill (I suck by the way, I'm not very good at the steep parts... but I finally know what my problem is and what I need to fix/work on.) I cut through the very tiny bunny hill and did my little "jumps". Enjoy, and laugh all you want, it's pretty funny.


Thursday, February 18, 2010

Why I Love Snowboarding...

I've been in love with snowboarding for 2 years now. I know, I'm definitely still a n00b. It's a great way to stay in shape in the winter time and it's just plain fun. Who cares about getting hurt, because you just get over it and hop back on your board and shred.

After watching the men and women's snowboarding halfpipe at the Olympics, I now have another reason as to why I love the sport: It's because of the professional atheletes! They have such class and aren't sore losers like in other sports that I've seen. If they mess up on their run, they don't pout. A lot of them say. "oh well, next time!" and they keep on smiling. I think that's a great attitude. (I wish I had their attitude when I competed in individual sports...) Sure deep down there's some disappointment, but life goes on. At least, that's the vibe that I got from watching it on TV.

By the way, do you know how much core strength a snowboarder has, especially the ones doing the pipe? GEEZE! I wish I had their strength and talent, and artistic ability!

Friday, February 12, 2010

2010 Vanvouver Olympics!

First of all, the tragedy that happened earlier today with the Georgian luger is extremely sad, and I give the Georgian team kudos for continuing to march in the opening ceremonies and be in the Olympics.

There is just a few more minutes before the Olympics opening ceremonies begin. I can't even say how excited I am for them. This is Canada's chance to step up. When Canada wins the first gold medal, I know that it's going to be a HUGE moment for everyone in the country.

I'm going to be cheering for everyone, but my biggest cheers will go to Denny Morrison. Denny is John's first cousin, and he is a long track speed skater. He will be competing in 4 events. He is actually a favourite for the 1000m and 1500m. So good luck Denny!

GO CANADA GO! Let the games begin!

February 14th is NOT VDAY

To me, February 14th is Weezer t-shirt day. What will I be doing on this day while others are having a romantic dinner or enjoying themselves at the John Mayer concert? Well, I'll be showing the snow some love... by that I mean that I'm going snowboarding. Do you know what I'll be wearing? My Weezer hoodie!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

BOOOORRINGG!

I was just reading through my blogs, and I noticed that I'm a really boring blogger. What can I do to make things more interesting?

- J

Monday, February 1, 2010

jen-ventures

I know that I can hardly update my 3 blogs, but I am starting ANOTHER one. This one has to do with my trips and adventures. I don't really go on many trips, so I don't have to feel bad if I don't update. I haven't posted anything yet, but here's the name of it: Jenventures.

Anyway, when I do start posting on it, it will include my BC trip, Tremblant, and the upcoming California trip.

Speaking of Tremblant, this is a note to skiers. When getting off the chairlift and if there's a snowboarder next to you, DO NOT put your ski pole on the person's snowboard when getting off... More on that story later.