Up’s and Down’s on Tuesday
Matt Lauer filled in for Bob Costas on NBC Primetime. Costas has had an eye infection since the start of the Olympics and took the day off to recover. This is his first time not hosting the Olympic coverage since 1988. He said he would have continued but he could physically not do the job anymore. His eyes became blurry, watery and light sensitive.
USA’s, Logan Devin took silver in women’s ski slopestyle. Dara Howell took gold and Kim Lamarre took bronze. Both are from Canada.
Erin Hamlin became the first American to win a medal in the singles luge claiming the bronze.
Men’s snowboarders fought rough conditions on the halfpipe. I think every single competitor fell during at least one of their runs due to the slush. Shaun White entered the competition on Tuesday as the favorite to win his third straight gold medal. He ended in 4th place. It is the first time ever an American has failed to medal in the halfpipe. Louri Podladtchikov of Switzerland took gold with the “Yolo Flip.”
Both men’s and women’s curling teams are not doing so hot in general. Women’s lost both of their matches today and men lost as well.
Russian cross-country skier, Anton Gafarov, finished the men’s sprint after several crashes and a broken ski. Thankfully, Canadian coach, Justin Wadsworth, helped Gafarov by giving him a replacement ski. I’m glad to see there’s still great sportsmanship during these highly competitive games.
Germany’s, Carina Vogt took the first ever women’s ski jumping event gold medal.
Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, of Russia placed first in figure skating pairs short program (in their Cinderella and Prince costume once again.) They scored 84.17 points which is a new world record. A second Russian team finished third. USA teams are sitting 9th and 14th. The top sixteen teams compete today performing free skates where medals will be awarded.
Other events happening today include: men’s & women’s curling, women’s alpine skiing, women’s hockey vs. Canada, men’s 1000m speed skating, luge doubles, and women’s snowboarding halfpipe.
Norway on top with eleven total medals, Canada in second with nine, Netherlands third with eight, and US tied for fourth with Russia with seven.
I would like to also mention the gracious interviews our athletes have post competition. I like seeing their overall love for the sport they do, whether they have a good outcome or not. They love representing our country and that’s all it is about! Some of our NFL players could learn a thing or two from watching!
What will happen today?
Check back tomorrow for the scoop,
-Sammy!
