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Tag: Sochi Olympics

  • Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir’s Expertise (And Fashion Sense) Land Them Top Figure Skating Spot for NBC

    Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski have been promoted from their secondary roles to become the top figure skating broadcast team for NBC.

    After attracting attention for their rapport and fashion sense at the Sochi Olympics, NBC announced on Wednesday that the duo would be the commentators for the 2018 Olympics in South Korea, making the former Olympians TV’s most visible personalities of the games.

    They’ll start their new gig alongside play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon on Sunday during NBC’s telecast of the Skate America competition.

    Weir and Lipinski became an instant sensation in Sochi last winter, when they announced live daytime broadcasts with Gannon on NBC Sports’ cable network. Weir, in particular, drew a large fan-following as many viewers tuned in to see what crazy outfit he would be wearing.

    ”We absolutely cherish this opportunity to bring figure skating to people,” Weir said. ”When we talk it is more like a conversation between us and the audience.”

    The three are replacing Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic and Tom Hammond, who were NBC’s lead figure skating announcers at four Olympics starting in 2002.

    Hamilton, a 1984 gold medalist who called three other Winter Olympics for CBS, will remain as a special contributor to NBC at big figure skating events, including the Olympics in South Korea.

    ”We take skating very seriously,” Lipinski said, ”but at the same time you really want to be real about what the sport is. If you call it as you see it, I think that is what the audience likes, and Johnny and I have to keep on that path.”

    After the Olympics, three-time U.S. figure skating champion Weir and 1998 Olympic gold medal-winner Lipinski also became a part of the fashion coverage for the Academy Awards and the Kentucky Derby.

    ”Any additional events are just icing on the cake,” said Lipinski.

  • Gracie Gold Backs Out of Malibu Prom Date

    Figure skater and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics bronze medalist Gracie Gold has backed out of a prom date with a teenage suitor from Malibu, California, who asked her via a YouTube clip, and later in person during an awkward taping of an episode of NBC’s Extra.

    Malibu High School student Dyer Pettijohn, 17, compiled a video clip asking Gold, 18, to be his senior prom date, which he describes as the sort of “quintessential high school experience, that (she) was never able to have.” The clip went relatively viral on YouTube, garnering over 275,000 views. While Gold was making an appearance on Extra, she was asked if she’d seen the video, only to have gentleman caller Pettijohn appear, holding a bouquet of flowers.

    Gold agreed to go to the prom in Malibu, and told Pettijohn, “If it works out, I would love to.”

    Here is Pettijohn’s initial YouTube peacockery:

    Here is the clip from the Extra taping:

    Gracie’s twin sister Carly approves:

    Alas, it’s been reported that due to her new gig with figure skating tour Stars On Ice, Gold was forced to cancel. Pettijohn claims to not be too let down, is keeping his options open, and commented, “She (Gold) was incredibly gracious and gave me tickets to see her show last Saturday in Anaheim. I talked to her after, and we’re still trying to meet up once her busy schedule permits.”

    Gold will join Olympic gold medalist team Charlie White and Maryl Davis, as well as Ashley Wagner and Jason Brown during her Stars on Ice appearance on May 16.

    According to the Malibu High School newspaper The MHS Current, Gold is disappointed about not being able to attend Pettijohn’s prom, and told Access Hollywood, “I want to say yes, but logistically it might be no.” Pettijohn commented, “It’s truly brilliant how they (Olympians) are able to balance their rigor of training with entertaining their fans and family. This experience has been absolutely amazing and hopefully my relationship with Ms. Gold will continue for years to come.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Mikaela Shiffrin Defends Her World Cup Title

    Mikaela Shiffrin defended and retained her World Cup slalom title this weekend. Adding this to her Sochi Olympics gold, she’s already received all the birthday gifts she could dream of–just a few days shy of her 19th birthday. Mikaela led the race from start to finish Saturday–just the way she did in Sochi only two weeks ago.

    Just a year ago Shiffrin claimed this title, and knew it was the beginning of something big.

    “My first win was just amazing, it was the start of all of this,” she said of the 2013 slalom title. “It was finally in my mind, I felt like I could be a good ski racer at the World Cup level.”

    Now her name is an exceptionally well known one–at least among those who watched the Sochi Olympics, and now keep apprised of her post-Olympic races. She was definitely one of American’s sweethearts during the Sochi games.

    Mikaela Shiffrin’s time on Saturday was a combined two-run time of 1 minute, 50.66 seconds. This was 0.60 ahead of Sweden’s Maria Pietilae-Holmner. The only downside to all of this excitement for Mikaela is that her family and personal life definitely takes a way, way back seat to her skiing. She noted that on Saturday while at her competition, making it quite clear that she was missing her father’s birthday.

    As with many of life’s biggest accomplishments, Mikaela Shiffrin’s passion comes with sacrifices–like giving up family time or time to have normal teenage relationships with her friends. Given her tender age, however, it seems she will one day learn how to balance it all–if she hasn’t done so already.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Sarah Burke Honored in Olympic Tribute

    Sarah Burke Honored in Olympic Tribute

    Sarah Burke was honored in a touching Olympic tribute in Sochi on Thursday night. Burke was a ski pioneer, having pushed for freestyle competition, including the half pipe, at the Olympic level. She died in a ski accident two years ago.

    The sport made its Olympic debut in Sochi this week and when slope workers skied down the center of the half pipe following the finals, they formed a heart shape and clapped as they pointed to the sky in honor of Sarah. Burke’s parents and husband were in the crowd watching.

    The announcer in Sochi for that evening dedicated the night’s events to Sarah Burke.

    “[The tribute was] far beyond what I thought it would be,” Gord Burke, Sarah’s father, said during an interview with the Associated Press. “I never really imagined so much love for one person. So much passion and energy.”

    U.S. skiers and snowboarders tried to laud their fallen friend earlier in the Sochi Olympics by wearing stickers depicting Sarah Burke on their clothing and their equipment, but the International Olympic Committee put a stop to it immediately. Instead they opted to point up to the sky in honor of Sarah.

    Officials have said Sarah Burke would likely have been a favorite to win the event in Sochi. American Maddie Bowman won instead, receiving the gold medal. France’s Marie Martinod took the silver medal, with Japan’s Ayana Onozuka taking the bronze. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone involved with the U.S. Olympic ski team when these ladies stood on the podium. It must have been heartbreaking for Sarah Burke’s husband and parents.

    The Burke family no doubt took some comfort in the poignant tribute the skiers paid to Sarah, however, and they certainly felt pride seeing her dreams and hard work coming to fruition.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tara Lipinski: Covering Olympics Is Her “Dream Job”

    The Sochi Olympic Games have been a bumpy ride; from reports of horrid conditions by athletes and members of the media to the ups and downs in the actual games, it will be an event remembered for decades to come. For one analyst, it’s been a dream come true.

    Former Olympic figure skater Tara Lipinski, who has been providing commentary on this year’s events on the ice with the flamboyant Johnny Weir, says that it’s a one-in-a-million opportunity that she’s grateful for.

    But the games have also been a chance for her to revisit her own successes; when she was just 15, she took home the gold medal in figure skating and quickly became a media darling with her charm and poise.

    “I was obviously beyond elated,” she said this week after being handed a photo of herself captured in the moment she found out she would be taking gold. “I think I just felt a lot of relief. Because there was just so much pressure leading up to this — years of training. Then the months right before the Games were very stressful and that week in the competition I was so nervous. I don’t know what I was doing. Obviously I was losing my mind screaming.”

    Lipinski isn’t just a talented athlete; she made headlines earlier this year when she performed a routine called “The Big Lipinski”, which was based on “The Big Lebowski” and saw her skating in a ratty bathrobe, carrying a White Russian. It’s clear that her sense of humor is as sharp as ever, especially when she’s analyzing for NBC with Weir; the duo have captured the attention of just about everyone this week with their witty commentary and hilarious banter.

    Image via YouTube

  • Mike Rowe: Dirty Jobs Star Defends Walmart

    Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame is defending Walmart’s recent decision to spend more money in order to sell more products that are made in America in their stores. Rowe narrates a new ad for Walmart called “I Am Factory,” that premiered during the Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony. The ad was met with much skepticism, and this past weekend the former Dirty Jobs host responded on his Facebook page to the naysayers.

    “It’s a hell of a thing when someone you really don’t like suddenly does something that you actually agree with,” Rowe wrote. “At base, I think that’s what’s happening here. A lot of people who have fallen in love with hating Walmart are now wrestling with what the shrinks call ‘cognitive dissonance.’ Regarding a 250 billion dollar investment in American manufacturing, the choices are simple – a) continue to condemn them for whatever you like to condemn them for, b) offer support and encouragement, or, c) shoot the messenger.”

    “I’m not a spokesman for Walmart. I narrated a very specific commercial because I’m a fan of what Walmart is trying to accomplish with this particular initiative. In the interest of full disclosure though, I really do shop there. In fact, for nearly ten years, Walmart was my first stop whenever Dirty Jobs came to town,” he added.

    Mike Rowe’s all around best means of addressing the backlash he has received over this ad was done in true Dirty Jobs style.

    Post by Mike Rowe.

    Rowe believes that what Walmart is doing will benefit the country as a whole.

    “Dozens of American factories are going to reopen all over the country,” he wrote in his and Walmart’s defense. “Millions of dollars will pour straight into local economies, and hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing positions will need to be filled. … Isn’t this an initiative we can all get behind?”

    Walmart has confirmed that Mike Rowe’s defense of the company is of his own doing.

    Do you think Rowe’s defense of Walmart is based on actions the company will actually take? What will those naysayers have to complain about then?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Bob Costas’ Return Brings Twitter Joy and Jokes

    Bob Costas will return to covering the Sochi Winter Olympics on NBC tonight after being sidelined by the network because of a very serious eye infection in both eyes.

    “I’m not 100 percent, that’s for sure, but if I waited until I was 100 percent, the Olympics would be over,” Costas said in a phone interview with the Today Show.

    Matt Lauer covered for Costas on Tuesday night once the network realized Costas needed to rest his eyes. It was the first time since 1988 that Costas did not cover the games as prime time anchor for NBC.

    Lauer continued to cover the games for three nights until NBC replaced him with Meredith Viera, the first woman to ever anchor NBC’s prime time Olympic coverage on her own.

    Here’s what Costas looked like just before Lauer took over for him.

    Costas’ return was greeted with enthusiasm and a some teasing on Twitter.

    Image via YouTube

  • Meredith Vieira to Fill in for Bob Costas in Sochi

    Meredith Vieira will fill in as host of the Sochi Olympics for Bob Costas due to an eye infection the sports caster has been battling. Meredith took his place on Friday, but NBC fears Costas’ illness may linger, forcing the network to shut him down completely and install Vieira in his spot for the remainder of the Sochi Olympics.

    Meredith is actually making a bit of history by hosting the Olympics, as she is the first woman to serve as host. Women have served as commentators, but none have ever sat in the seat Vieira now occupies. She isn’t gloating, however, and hopes her time is cut short, saying she’ll host for “as many days as they ask me to, but I hope Bob is back tomorrow.”

    NBC executive producer Jim Bell is responsible for putting Meredith Vieira in Bob Costas’ seat, noting that, “For someone with an infection in both eyes and sensitive to light, a TV studio is a lousy place to be.”

    “He’s frustrated, of course, to have this happen but appreciative of the support he’s been getting both internally and externally,” Bell adds. “His spirits, relatively speaking and all things considered, are pretty good.”

    Bell also remarked that TODAY Show co-anchor Matt Lauer needs a break. Since Bob Costas’ illness he has filled in for him at night, has made himself available for stunts like riding the luge, and has managed to maintain his seat on The TODAY Show, too.

    Bell’s decision makes sense, as Meredith Vieira has been a staple at the Sochi Olympics already–interviewing several of the top athletes both before and at the games.

    Meredith was open about her security fears at the Olympics–as voiced in the video clip above–but said she believed the Russian government was doing everything possible to keep athletes and spectators safe during their time in Sochi.

    It will be fun to see Meredith Vieira make a bit of history at the Sochi Olympics, but fans no doubt wish Bob Costas a speedy recovery as well.

    Image via Twitter

  • Lara Gut Receives Bronze, Cries For More

    Lara Gut Receives Bronze, Cries For More

    Lara Gut is is proud to be a part of the Olympic games this year, though often it is difficult to tell due to the tears flowing from her eyes.

    On Monday, the 22-year old Swiss alpine ski racer began to cry after failing to finish the slalom leg of super-combined in the silver-medal slot after downhill.

    Two days later, the waterworks began again after earning a bronze medal for her high-speed downhill run. She came in 0.10 seconds too slow to force a three-way tie for the gold medal, beaten by co-winners Dominique Gisin and Tina Maze.

    As reported by The Washington Post, her exasperation was obvious when she crossed the finish line and threw her arms wide in the air, not seeming to understand.

    “It’s cool to win a bronze, but when you know you can do more, at the beginning I think it’s normal to be a bit disappointed,” Gut said at the finish line.

    She later posted a more-collected response on her official Facebook page.

    Post by Lara Gut.

    But, despite Gut’s outward disappointment, the Swiss have nothing to be ashamed of. They now have two gold medalists from the Sochi Winter Olympics: Iouri Podladtchikov in snowboarding and Gut’s competitor, Dominique Gisin.

    In 2009, Gut won silver medals in The World Championships for the Downhill and the Super Combined, just two months before her 18th birthday. However, she dislocated her hip later that year and had to miss the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

    “Four years (ago) I wasn’t able to start in the Olympics,” Gut recently said. “So I have no reason to be unhappy with my bronze.”

    Iimage via YouTube

  • Shaun White Relinquishes Halfpipe Throne

    Shaun White was the reigning champion of the men’s halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics since 2006. However, at the end of the competition in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, he had to step down from his throne when he was unable to grab the top spot on the podium.

    In the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, White’s first run became the winning run of the competition. However, in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, this was not to be. White’s first run had him falling down twice, leaving him with a score that was low for his standards. His second run had no falls, but it was riddled with close calls. He garnered a score of 90.25 for his second run, which was better than his first score. However, his final marks were not high enough to land him on the podium. For the first time in his eight years competing at the Winter Olympics, Shaun White finished the men’s halfpipe event without a medal on his neck.

    White was in the run to make history if he had won the Olympic gold medal in this event. He was aiming for a third consecutive win in this event to be recognized as the first American to do so.

    The top spot at the podium for the Winter Olympics men’s halfpipe event now belongs to Iouri Podladtchikov, representing Switzerland. He executed his trademark maneuver, the YOLO flip and finished with a score of 94.75. Fifteen year old Ayumu Hirano followed close on Podladtchikov’s heels with a high-flying run. The young Japanese’s performance was rewarded with a score of 93.50 and the silver medal. Hirano’s teammate, Taku Hiraoka bagged the third spot on the podium with a run that earned him a score of 92.25.

    Iouri Podladtchikov’s YOLO flip involves two aerial somersaults and a rotation of 1,440 degrees. Shaun White had also mastered this maneuver, and in other events executed it even better than its creator. Shaun performed this maneuver in his Olympic run, but failed to defend his throne from Podladtchikov’s performance.

    The former champion of the Winter Olympics men’s halfpipe event said that he was happy to take what happened for what it was and move on. He ended by saying it just wasn’t his night.

    Image via YouTube

  • Sochi’s Empty Seats Difficult To Ignore

    There’s always a buzz about the lack of spectators that show up during the Olympics. The same goes with this year’s Sochi Winter Olympics, which has been said to cost around $51 billion and took 7 years to prepare for. The question that Olympic officials are asking is why are people not attending. This has been evident during one of the most awaited events, men’s downhill, where there were more than a thousand empty seats in a venue that filled 7,500.

    Although some of the seats in events such as figure skating are fully packed, less popular sports events were just half-full. According to travel experts, this year’s Winter Olympics might have the lowest number of American attendees they have seen in decades.

    Robert Tuchman, who operates a travel firm in New York, says that there are a lot of reasons why Americans didn’t show up in Sochi. The location, lack of accommodations, and other additional expenses when traveling are all major factors that may have affected their choice to stay home and watch the 2014 Winter Olympic Games from the television instead of traveling all the way to Sochi. Another main reason for the lack of spectators is the fear of security with all the political issues in the city.

    One of the members of the policy-making executive board, Anita DeFranz, also says that Russians are more reserved. They need time to get used to the celebration to get more excited, since it is the first time for most of them to see these sports events.

    Sochi organizers say the lack of spectators will be addressed by filling the empty seats with volunteers. An IOC member also suggested filling the empty seats with unarmed soldiers and school children. This was also the solution at the 2012 Summer Games in London where they filled up empty seats by inviting troops and volunteers.

    Image via YouTube

  • Shaun White Will Leave Sochi Empty-Handed

    Shaun White Will Leave Sochi Empty-Handed

    The snowboard king has been dethroned. Shaun White was vying for his third straight gold medal in Men’s Halfpipe at the Sochi Winter Games on Tuesday night. But this time, the Flying Tomato did not even medal. Iouri Podladtchikiov, known as I-Pod in the snowboarding community, won the gold with a score of 94.75.

    I-Pod, who is only 15 years old, was born in Russia, but currently lives in Switzerland. His token move the YOLO (you only live once) is a two aerial somersault with a rotation of 1,440 degrees.

    Both the silver and the bronze medals were won by Japanese snowboarders. Ayumu Hirano took home the silver and Taku Hiraoka won the bronze. White never seemed to get comfortable with the course on Tuesday. His best run, his second, scored only a 90.25 which was good for fourth place.

    There is some controversy surrounding the event, like many events so far at the Sochi Games. American skiier Bode Miller complained of the snow conditions during the Men’s Downhill Finals on Sunday. A favorite coming into the race, Miller finished a disappointing 8th. White also pulled out of Sunday’s slopestyle event, after two years of preparation, due to safety concerns regarding the course’s construction.

    Last night, some of the riders expressed concerns regarding the condition of the halfpipe. At one point, there was even talk of delaying the event due to loose snow which makes tricks dangerous. However, crews set out last night and today to fix the issues, and the event went on as scheduled. Some riders had a tougher time than others navigating the halfpipe, several riders wiped out, including Americans Greg Betz and Danny Davis who finished 10th and 12th.

    White was the last snowboarder to go in the event. He knew what he needed to win the competition. However, he had two mistakes on the final run. This will be White’s only time in three Olympic appearances that he will go home without a medal.

    Image via Twitter

  • Shani Davis Tries To Make History In Speed Skating

    Shani Davis is hungry for another gold medal. Davis is a 31-year-old Olympic veteran, and the man to beat at the 1000-meter speed skating event in Sochi. He is the reigning champion of the event, taking home the gold medals from the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.

    Winning the gold medal in this event for the third time is something Shani Davis is striving for. He wants his name to go down in the history of the Winter Olympics as the first male athlete to win a particular event three times in a row.

    Shani Davis is considered the most popular male athlete in speed skating despite having a reputation for being remarkably unavailable to his fans and using what some consider introverted training methods. He usually trains without a coach, away from his teammates, like a lone wolf.

    He has been recorded as saying that he prefers training on his own for his individual games but would consider joining team competitions if asked by the coaches.

    The last two Olympics saw Shani compete in three events, the 500, 1000 and 1500 meter speed skating events. Sochi will see him try once again to win in those races.

    “I go out there and try to win any race I’m in,”  said Davis. “But I’m realistic. I know I’m not much of a 500-meter skater.

    Davis has never medaled in the 500-meter, but he has taken home the gold in the past two Winter Olympics in the 1000-meter event. He has also taken home the silver in the past two 1500-meter Winter Olympic speed skating events.

    Coach Ryan Shimabukuro has reportedly said that the 500-meter speed skating event is like a picker-upper for Davis. Coach Shimabukuro goes on to say that competing in the 500-meter will help Davis get rid of the ‘rust’, and prepare him for his main event.

    Shani Davis knows all his competitors are gunning for him, but he’s determined to defend his title and make history.

    Watch Shani Davis win gold in 2010 and 2006.

    Image via YouTube

  • Sarah Burke’s Memory Lives On Despite Sticker Ban

    Torah Bright, an Australian snowboarder, was banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from wearing a memorial sticker of her friend’s name on her helmet during competition. The sticker was worn to honor Canadian skier, Sarah Burke, who died while training back in 2012. According to the IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, the Olympics is an inappropriate place to mourn, as it is an event where people celebrate. The IOC has also instructed all athletes to do away with any type of memorial for their lost competitors and comrades.

    Burke died 9 days after an accident, due to injuries resulting from a crash that happened on a halfpipe while training in Utah. She was a forerunner in freestyle skiing and is one of the reasons why the sport is now part of the Winter Olympics Games.

    Bright and Burke were good friends and as a sign of protest to the IOC, Bright posted an image on Instagram saying that she always rides with a sticker on her helmet and snowboard. Sarah still remains an inspiration to her despite the IOC having banned athletes wearing the memorial sticker.

    Although the IOC has permitted the Olympians to wear a memorial tape on the bootstraps with Burke’s name, they have decided that wearing a sticker on the helmet was too noticeable and deemed it as a political statement.

    Through the years, the IOC have always banned the display of political messages during the Olympics. However, the public may not have the same sentiment when it comes to memorials for lost athletes.

    Apart from the said incident, the IOC also warned the Norwegian Olympic Committee about the armbands that 4 Norwegian girls wore during the 15-kilometer skiathlon as a tribute to cross-country skier Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen’ brother, who unexpectedly died on the eve of the Olympics opening ceremonies.

    Image via YouTube

  • Chobani Yogurt Feud In Sochi Continues

    Chobani Yogurt Feud In Sochi Continues

    Many of us here in the United States enjoy our Chobani yogurt, a well-known strained yogurt that has been in business since 2007. We, here in The States have the freedom to eat the well-known yogurt; however, this is not the story for our athletes competing in the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, and this is causing quite a bit of a stir.

    According to The New York Times, 5,000 containers of Chobani yogurt were arranged to be sent to Sochi, Russia, for the American athletes. The shipments are currently being held at a storage facility within close proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey due to the Russian government stating that the correct paperwork has not been processed. The United States explained that the certification required by the Russian government to import the yogurt would be “impossible to attain.”

    This yogurt issue has escalated rather quickly. The Obama administration has become involved with this feud. A senator from the United States has penned an urgent letter, asking for the help of the Russian ambassador. American officials are hoping to receive special permission from Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (which entails the jurisdiction of the American-made Greek yogurt).

    Chobani yogurt has also been causing another dispute. A recently published tweet (shown below) from Chobani’s Twitter account displays various multi-colored containers stacked on top of one another to portray the colors of the rainbow.

    According to The Huffington Post, the rainbow-based tweet exclaiming “Naturally Powering Everyone” comes just after the yogurt maker “denounced” Russia’s anti-gay laws. Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO of Chobani, stated the following pertaining to this feud:

    “It’s disappointing that in 2014 this is still an issue. We are against all laws and practices that discriminate in any way, whether it be where you come from or who you love — for that reason, we oppose Russia’s anti-LGBT law.”

    Even though the cartons of Chobani may not make it to the Olympics, Chobani holds strong to celebrating Team USA’s involvement in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.

    Image via YouTube (0:33)

  • Lolo Jones Falls Ill. Will She Be Able To Compete?

    Lolo Jones, the U.S bobsledder and former track star, isn’t feeling too well, as she’s come down with cold symptoms, and the timing couldn’t be worse, considering she’s gearing up to compete in the Sochi Winter Olympics.

    Jones tweeted about her illness earlier today and said she’s been kept in a room away from the rest of the U.S. team, and she feels kind of lonely.

    “Just released,” she wrote. “Been in quarantine room in Olympic Single room was nice, just wish I had one of those stray dogs to keep me company.”

    Alex Shibuntani, an ice dancer for the U.S. team, also took to his Twitter account to talk a little smack and to post a comedic photo of him standing clear of Jones. “Lolo Jones has been sick, so this is as close as I’ll let her get to me,” he wrote.

    But will a mere cold keep Jones from competing at this year’s Olympic games? Time will tell, but if that is the case, she’ll likely be replaced by alternate team member Katie Eberling.

    This year’s winter games is possibly Jones’ last chance to win an Olympic medal, considering she fell short in the 2008 and 2012 games. And it could also be redemption for her, since she’s gotten a lot of backlash from her teammates and others, for getting too much media attention. Many have said her supermodel looks is the reason she’s been on magazine covers and received so much press.

    In an interview with NBC Sports, Kellie Wells, who won a bronze medal in the 2012 games, took a verbal jab at Jones and alluded to the fact that she didn’t win an Olympic an medal, because she didn’t work hard enough.

    “Well, I think that, on the podium tonight, the three girls that earned their spot and they got their medal and they worked hard and did what they needed to do, prevailed,” said Wells. “And that’s all that really needs to be said.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Hijacker in Turkish Airport Wants To Go To Sochi

    As the opening ceremonies begin for the winter Olympics in Sochi today, reports of a person trying to hijack a plane and take it to the games are beginning to circulate.

    Apparently, one of the passengers on Pegasus Airlines said there was a bomb on board that was located in the overhead baggage area, and afterwards the hijacker demanded the pilot fly the plane to Sochi, Russia, instead of its intended destination of Turkey. And the demand was made when the aircraft was still in the air.

    “While the plane was in the air, one of the passengers said that there was a bomb on board and asked the plane to not land in Sabiha Gokcen [Turkey], but rather to land in Sochi, said Habip Soluk, Turkey’s Transportation Ministry official.

    But instead of complying with the hijacker’s wishes, the pilots landed the plane in Instanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport, where it’s still parked on the runway.

    Based on an update from an airport official, the pilots believe it’s now safe for the police to come on board the airplane. “People are still inside, but the pilot called security and gave them a signal that they can enter the plane,” said the airport official. “There is a translator, a Turkish man near the [hijacker] Ukrainian to calm him down.”

    There has been no word yet whether the hijacker is working alone or is part of a large group, but some experts point to the fact that a threat was made, and not an actual attack, which means it’s likely that this person is a lone wolf and not part of some terrorist organization, since many well-known terrorist groups would have detonated the bomb without warning.

    Plus, there has been no official confirmation if a bomb really existed, however it’s safe to assume security is doing all it can to ensure the safety of the passengers and airline crew. There’s sure to be more information about this incident in the hours and days to come.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Gracie Gold: Poised to Bring Home Gold

    Gracie Gold: Poised to Bring Home Gold

    Gracie Gold may very well be the United States’ golden girl of the Sochi Olympics. Some believe she will likely win significant gold during her time on the ice, too.

    Some of the biggest names in the Sochi Olympics for women’s figure skating are Yuna Kim, Mao Asada and Gracie Gold. The general consensus thus far, however, is that all eyes will remain on Gold–to win gold.

    Gracie won her first national championship in Boston last month. She will need to continue improving her game, however, as both Kim and Asada mean some incredibly stiff competition for the 18-year-old who seemingly came out of nowhere in the past two years and burst onto the U.S. figure skating scene.

    ”There are so many different variables, and the women’s field is so good this year,” Gracie said during a recent interview. ”Yuna Kim and Asada and then all the new kids on the block.

    ”I think the U.S. definitely has a strong team for the team event, definitely a chance to medal, if not win. I definitely think in singles I have a chance to medal; so do a lot of people. Who is going to leave everything out on the ice? The Olympics is about, ‘This is what I have, go ahead and beat it,”’ she added.

    Gracie Gold has an attitude that will be hard to beat.

    ”Going to nationals, I was not going to just participate, but to compete, going for the top spot, going for gold,” she said. ”I dedicated myself to that moment and I was able to hit it pretty well, and I am more than happy with that.

    ”I think the year is 2014 and it’s a new Gracie. With Frank (Frank Carroll is her coach) every day after I am done jumping, we just take time to appreciate the nuances and the music and connecting with the audience and judges and have that warmth with my skating, the things that light up the rink.”

    Right now Gold is enjoying the camaraderie of her U.S. Women’s Figure Skating team friends as they navigate the path that is the Sochi Olympics. There is definitely some fun to be had while at the Olympics.

    All work and no play–well, you know how that turns out.

    Will you be watching Gracie Gold at the Sochi Olympics? How many gold medals do you expect the golden girl might bring home?

    Image via YouTube

  • Todd Lodwick Elected As American Flag Bearer For Sochi Games

    Avid Nordic sports skiier, Todd Lodwick, was chosen on Wednesday by fellow Olympian colleagues to carry the United States flag during the opening ceremonies on Friday.

    As America’s first Olympian to compete in six Winter Games (yes, he has participated in six games!), the 37-year-old has so many achievements under his belt, so it’s no surprise that the nation’s most successful Nordic player would be nominated to take on such an honorary role.

    According to Fox Sports, Lodwick was born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he initially developed a love for skiing. His first Olympic game was at the age of 17 in Lillehammer, Norway. He then went on to win 10 world champions-including two gold medals. Following a brief two-year departure from the Winter Olympics, Lodwick returned to his first love and earned a silver medal in the 2010 Vancouver Games.

    In addition to everything he has accomplished, the skiier says that this probably takes the cake, making it one of the most exciting moments he has yet to experience in his Olympic career.

    Lodwick told the Denver Post how thrilled he was about his election:

    “Being nominated to carry the flag at the opening ceremony is one of the greatest honors that has ever been bestowed upon me. I couldn’t be more humbled and excited to be selected among all of the great athletes who were vying for this representation. Going into my sixth Olympic Games, it feels like I have already won a medal, and to cap off my career by representing the United States of America and Team USA is truly a privilege.”

    Teammate, Bill Demong, was the closing ceremony flag bearer in 2010 for the U.S. Olympic teams.

    Lodwick, however, will be following in the footsteps of retired Olympian Bill Koch, who was chosen in 1992 as the first cross-country skiier to carry the American flag for opening ceremonies.

    Located below is an interview with Lodwick about the 2014 Sochi Games: 

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Toothpaste Alert To Be Taken Very Seriously

    A surprising new alert has been issued to airlines, and you will not believe what it is. We all know that terrorists will go to all measures possible to complete the job that they have set out to do, but the new methods being used are a tad bit bizarre. Apparently, there is a new way to sneak bombs on planes … using toothpaste and cosmetic tubes.

    Currently, there are no known threats directly to the United States, but based on new intelligence that was uncovered, the alert was immediately issued to U.S. and national airlines. The government is emphasizing that this is a real threat, and is urging all airlines to take precautionary actions by checking these items before allowing them on the planes.

    “It’s real. It’s real and we got very good information,” a government source told CNN. “It’s based on a credible source. We’re taking it seriously so are other countries taking it very seriously.”

    The alert comes just before the start of the Sochi Olympics, which has already been the target of several terroristic threats. Russian airlines have started cracking down on what items passengers can take on their planes, even banning liquids.

    “There are a number of specific threats of varying degrees of credibility that we’re tracking,” Matthew Olsen, a top U.S. counter-terrorism official said. “And we’re working very closely with the Russians and with other partners to monitor any threats we see and to disrupt those.”

    Despite the threats, many American athletes are still planning on making their way to Russia to compete in this year’s Olympic games. However, there are some people, including Rep. Peter King, who think it is not worth the risk to attend. “Just as a spectator, I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I mean, odds are nothing is going to happen, but the odds are higher than for any other Olympics, I believe, that something could happen,” King said.

    What do you think about the threats? If you could go to the Olympics, would you? Leave your comments below.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Billie Jean King Will Be Absent at Sochi Opening

    Billie Jean King won’t be at the Olympics opening in Sochi this week, but it has nothing to do with her sexual orientation. She won’t attend the opening because her 91-year-old mother is ill.

    King, who is openly gay, was selected by President Obama to lead the U.S. delegation. She has been extremely outspoken about the anti-gay law in Russia. Family comes first, however, and the former tennis great is spending time in Arizona, along with her brother, Randy Moffitt–a former pitcher for the New York Giants–tending to to their mom, Betty Moffitt.

    Billie Jean King said in an interview with The Associated Press that due to her mother’s “failing health, I will not be able to join the U.S. Presidential delegation at this week’s opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics.”

    ”It is important for me to be with my mother and my brother at this difficult time. I want to thank President Obama for including me in this historic mission and I look forward to supporting our athletes as they compete in Sochi,” King said.

    Billie Jean King wants to see some changes made to the protections in the charter of the International Olympic Committee. When she was told that Russia passed a new law in June, “banning gay propaganda” to minors, she was outraged.

    ”It should be a non-issue,” she said. “It’s just like people of color in our country and other places, it has to be a non-issue.”

    President Obama has voiced his dislike of Russia’s anti-gay law, too. This will be the first Olympics since 2000 where a president, former president, vice president or first lady hasn’t been in attendance. Hopefully the absence will speak volumes.

    Billie Jean King would have made a bold statement about Russia’s anti-gay law had she been able to attend the Olympic opening ceremonies in Sochi this week. She will no doubt find a way to continue voicing her support for LGBT athletes whether she is there or not. A trailblazer in the tennis world, she will no doubt one day be known for the trails she blazes for LGBT people around the world as well.

    Image via YouTube