Lull before the storm

Blogging backwards. There's an interesting article on MSNBC.com, by the odd Mike Celizic:

Try this on for size: The United States could win.

I’m not talking about winning a speedskating race or a medal in figure skating. I’m talking about the whole darned shooting match

And that would be incredible. The United States has never won the Winter Games. Never.

So maybe we’ve been looking at this all wrong. The object of the game isn’t to score as many points as possible, but to win. In every other sport, no one cares if you win the championship 1-0 or 140-138. All that matters is if you take the trophy home.

I’m as guilty as anyone on this, and it took a conversation with Jim Scherr, the CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, to notice what’s been in front of us all along. The first fact is that, as of Saturday – the midway point of the Games – the United States had 13 total medals, which, if you’ve been reading the papers, is supposed to be a total bust. In reality, it’s just one fewer medal than Team USA had at the same point in Salt Lake City, when the team record of 34 medals was set.

There have been disappointments – plenty of them. “We left at least 10 medals on the table,” Scherr admitted.

On the other hand, although the United States as of Sunday morning was three behind Norway in the overall medal race with 13, it had seven gold medals, which leads the Games. In Europe, medal standings are figured on gold medals, and over here, all the lists say the United States is winning the Games.

Scherr said that whenever he meets representatives of other Olympic committees, they congratulate him on how well his team is doing. In addition to the medals, Team USA also had 40 top-eight finishes in the Games’ first week – another record for the Americans. That’s not a sexy sounding stat, but it’s big in the international sports community, because top-eight finishes are seen as the true measure of the depth of a team. It’s only in the States, where we have fixated on total medals and medals not won instead of the standings, that the team is getting criticized.

Some good numbers in there--but given that Scherr's job, like any CEO, is to put a good face on things up until the company falls into bankruptcy, I'm not buying it. A lot of our medals and top finishes are in non-traditional or new events where our technology always gives up a few years domination until the rest of the world catches up.

Further, it's true that until recently the U.S. always did poorly at the Winter Games. But the the giant Russian and East Bloc sports machines are no longer around, their demise by themselves would ensure better results for the U.S.

Besides which, our historic poor results is why the USOC launched a huge fundraising drive and created a giant winter sports training facility at Park City, Utah. They told the American people that in exchange for financing a first-class machine they needed to corporatize our amateur athletic movement, and professionalize it by adding NHL stars and other pros to our team.

They've sold us a bill of goods. Take away the inflated home-site totals in Salt Lake, and all the new events, and it's debatable how much better we are than we always have been. But one thing that's definitely changed is the U.S. as a team no longer adheres to the Olympic spirit. Individual athletes still get it--but there's a reason why gold medalist Shani Davis trains on his own.

To the extent our tent in Torino is open only to corporate sponsors, in contrast to every one else's tents; to the extent athletes routinely have to interrupt their training to do grip-and-grin events for the bigwigs; to the extent it sometimes seems like it's more Nike or Reebok's team than ours, and it's almost like we've sold our soul to the devil for a handful of beans. And beans that most of the time don't even grow bean plants, let alone golden bean stalks.

Heck, forget the results--I'd be happier if the American team was the one everyone else pointed to as the epitome of the Olympic spirit, as being made up of athletes who respect the Olympics too much to do anything but always give their all, with full respect to sportsmanship.

Instead, the Norwegians and Germans seem to be besting us there just as they are on the medals tables.

HOUR ONE
Women's Super-G
Poor NBC, again forced to go foreign. I like it, I wish they didn't just do it out of default. Of course, they start with the American pretend-contender, Julia Mancusco. The non-Tim Ryan announcer even says one reason she hasn't done well here is cause the course isn't tough enough... oh jeez. How come that hasn't kept the other top skiers from winning, happily? Besides which, if you can only win on a course tailored to your abilities, you're not a champ, you're a specialist. Tim Ryan joins in the jibjab. Ms. 'Too good for this course' is into 7th, early.

Next is Croatia's Jana Kostelic, who's won more medals by herself than the entire U.S. alpine team. She's taking advantage of the non-tough course by skiing aggressively, and is into first (of course). Ryan says something hilarious, wondering if the time will hold up with tough skiers still to come, like Michaela Dorfmeister, Anja Paerson and Lindsay Kildow. Kildow?! She's a lot of things, but a 'tough skier yet to come' is not one of them, not with her injury. NBC's remaining shreds of credibility drain away on blindered happy talk comments like that.

Paerson of Sweden, who's not happy with multiple medals here and wants gold, goes next. She's not quite as aggressive as the fearless Kostelic, is well back into ninth, big surprise. Next, Kildow. Announcers talk about how impressive it is that she's skiing at all, the same things they've said the last few days already. They make excuses for her in a quite sickening fashion--it's like Lucy on Peanuts when she's in the outfield. Into fifth, a pretty decent showing.

Next, Alexandra Meissnitzer of Austria, good run up the top. Staying low and in her tuck; loses time at the bottom, into second. Her Austrian teammate Dorfmeister is the final skier, is skiing well and aggressively. Announcer says she's very fluid, and good at staying in the tuck. And she wins her second gold, by quite a bit too. Funny, she finds out from Kostelic that she won gold, where are her coaches/teammates?!

Men's giant slalom
Hermann Maier is the first one they show, he's just barreling down, as the announcer says it's a typical run for him, he's just going for it--and into first by 1.39 seconds, amazing. Next is fellow Austrian Benjamin Raich; whoah, a little out of control, into second. These Austrians are just so aggressive. They introduce Bode Miller as 'controversial' American star... how about just disappointing at this point. They show a medley of his flubs--what they really ought to do is show parts of his Nike lecturing commercials.

It's okay if a heralded athlete doesn't win medals at the Olympics, it happens all the time, and to better men than Bode. Problem is when the guy refuses to work hard and then has the gall to talk as if his way is the best way. In which case, you better back it up, buddy.

Bode next. Whoah, shedding a ton of snow up top. Announcer says most skiers use the full hour allotted for inspecting the course; Bode took 11 minutes. He's not at all precise, just dumping so much speed, this is gonna be a poor run. Announcer says he looks tired crossing the line--into 6th, and pretty far back. Next, Daron Rahlves, who's done nothing here either but because he works hard and isn't arrogant people aren't on his back. His run is slow, then he misses a gate and is DQed. Poor Daron, it's the last race of his Olympic career.

Next, Canadian Francoise Bourque, who's apparently had a good season. Nice run so far, is fast up top. And he grabs the lead.

HOUR TWO
Dance, dance, dance
Americans Gregory/Putkhov skating to Romeo and Juliet, appopriately and tastefully attired in pink for her and maroon for him. Very classic, nice to watch. Choreography is good, matches the excellent music, isn't just random. Slight bobble on an upside-down lift, but overall well-done. Button also enjoyed it.

Odd interview with Silverstein/O'Meara, she talks really straight, not like she's used to being on tv. They're young, unpolished, we'll see where they are in four years.

Who are these guys
Jimmy and Chevy check out some 'oddities' at the Olympics. NBC, by the way, seems to be shooting these Games assuming everyone has an wide-screen tv. An athlete from Kenya, someone from Scotland... very strange that they'd run a segment asking more or less openly what are these guys doing here. Then a look at a millionaire athlete, then someone who's scraping by on government assistance.

Bode and the boys
And he's up first. Obviously does nothing. More aggressive up front, almost skiing angry. Burning a lot of speed on hard turns though. Looks pretty fluid, in first by over a second, then bends over in fatigue. Party on, dude! Announcers say there's no question he's not in the shape he wants to be... I'd say he's pretty much in the shape he's willing to be.

Svindal of Norway next, looks like a giant candy cane. Nice run, ties Bode. Next, Raich of Austria. Very small helmet. Man, he is just going for it, way faster than Bode. And he's into the lead, over a second. Next, Maier. His usual barreling run, Tim Ryan just gushes. Into second. Next-to-last is Chenal, just sweeping down the course; man, these Frenchies have really exceeded expectations. Into second, by 7/100ths. Which of course means no medal for Bode--which NBC doesn't mention. Final skier, Bourque of Canada; announcer says he's skiing defensively--waay too deliberate. Into fourth....

In post-race interview Raich says he had a lot of pressure on him, but now that it's over, it's great. Costas mentions Bode has one last shot for a medal--he won't get it.

More aerials
Peterson shown first, nearly biffs the landing, but makes it into finals anyway. St. Onge next in the all-American show, same landing problem--not into finals. Last American, again, not a good landing--out of finals as well. So only one American advances... another failed team effort. And all they showed were Americans, NBC has kindof hitched their wagon to the wrong stars.

Dancing to the end
Dedicated coverage of the last two groups. Interview with Dubreuil/Lauzon of Canada, he's very emotional, they seem like good people. They had to pull out because of her injury, reporter asks how come he touched Olympic rings when he was out on the rink today, he couldn't answer, she steps in and says she asked him to do it for him. By contrast with the Italian team, she of the glare. Hammonds says they arrived today separately, didn't speak to each other, didn't hang out--and now they're gonna skate together?! 'Unbelievable' says Tracy.

Russians Domnina/Shabalin of Russian in tan, Pochahontas-like for her. Very flowing music, some sort of Enya-like singing going on, it's pleasant. They have good emotions out there, not totally cheesy and not all the same. Announcers really like
them, remark on their obvious chemistry and good potential.

HOUR THREE
Next are the Lithuanians Drobiazko/Vanakas, she in white/pink, he in black--to Phanton of the Opera music--not anything well-known, starts off so ugly and atonal. Tracy says they have one of the best programs in the competition. Wow, a great lift, he turns her in a somersault while skating. Another upside-down lift. Her facial expressions are so dramatic. And now the more familiar Phantom parts. Odd, their choreography doesn't really match the music, it could be a totally different song; they have none of the heaviness of the music, it's like they're dancing a folk dance. Announcers have said nothing for like minutes. Wow, they do this move where's she's upside, with a leg crooked around his neck. Hmm, Tracy says they matched the moves to the music; I don't agree. Into first, but not such a high total.

Yaay, the crazy Italians are next. Hammond calls her a diva, leads into preview of ladies figure skating tomorrow. Man, tomorrow will be an absolutely huge day with that and the men's speedskating 1,500.

Crowd gives Fusar-Poli/Margaglio a big hand. They just look at each other, in harem-like outfits, blue and maroon. Skating to music from 'Prince of Egypt', what an odd choice. If they do well it'll be a miracle. Seem slow; something is definitely lacking, crowd is silent. She has an almost painful fake-smile on; they're probably just going on muscle memory at this point, so far though it's a pretty interesting program. He has some trouble putting her over his back. Funny, there are some almost violent parts, they perform with gusto; afterwards she's on the ice grimacing, they finally embrace, and it's a heartfelt one too, she's like in tears, she kisses him, all is forgiven. So crazy. But that's this event, a soap opera on ice. Into first, barely--and appropriately.

Israelis Chait/Sakhnovski, she in tan, he in blue (very Israeli), skating to Bolero. Which of course is insane, will only pale by comparison to Torvill/Dean. Interesting choreography though. Wonder how much ice dancers read about their music... whether it's as intellectual a process as when an orchestra learns a piece. It's kindof becoming boring... NBC if it was at all imaginative would rerun the T/D version afterwards. At one point he carries her like a bagpipe, it's very odd. It's not at all effortless. Button goes off on the end about trying to copy iconic performances--Maria Callas' Tosca, Judy Garland's Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Whitney Houston's
Star-Spangled Banner (?!) They're into third.

And backstage, Margaglio is caught sobbing by the camera... sheesh.

Uninterrupted coverage of the last six skaters. NBC is insane; it's nice to have a break to build anticipation. Grushina/Goncharov of Ukraine first, both in white--she's nearly nude, like a bikini with some stuff hanging off it. Announcer says they're right at the limit of what's acceptable. Music is Indian tabla or something. Wow, nice moves though, not rushed, deliberate like music--but as Tracy says, that also means they're slow on the steps sequence. Slightly mistimed lift, not quite matching to music. Also, pace isn't building to anything, it's like a slow heat. They won't get great scores I don't think. Button says they lost his attention; neither he nor Tracy liked the music. They're into first, Italian crowd boos as their teams moves down by a lot.

Navka/Kostomarov from Russia, she in red, he in bull-fightingish black and gold. Very intense opening, fast movements and big stares. Boy, they're right into it. Dramatic classical music, Carmen. So fast and confident. Tension, as Button says. She does a nice spin in time to a trill. It's totally a warhorse performance--but well-done and enjoyable. Man, no wonder they're champs, so precise and classic. Wow, some imaginative moves, they're mesmerizing to watch. Big finish, she's really happy. Button didn't think the heart was there, but it was beautifully executed. I think he's right, but so much of the Olympics is about just doing it; if Belbin and Agosto execute and bring the heart, they'll win, but short of an extraordinary performance the Russians will get gold. Scores are 101.37--less than their season average of 102, but given that B/A's season high is 102....

Bulgarians Denkova/Stavinski, in red/black. Skating to 'Adagio'--uh, ok Tracy. Next pair is skating to 'Minuet' I assume.... Man, she is powerful. They're ok, lots of hair and outfits flying. Music is very stringy; nice, though. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart, their hair is like exactly the same, big and floppy. Wow, and he jumps like a girl at times. Tracy says they're the fastest team so far, the most aggressive performance. I guess; no sense of danger like with the Russians. Or, heck, the Italians. Into third.

HOUR FOUR
Hey, they promised without interruption--yet here they are going to commercials. Hmm, maybe they consider that part of their programming?

Belbin/Agosto. She in dramatic red, he in black. They look confident, a lot of it comes from her I think. U.S.'s only ice dance medal was a bronze 30 years ago. Oh-oh, music is a selection of flamenco rhythmns--I think too much last last night, they definitely can't win with that, not classic enough. She's very vampy; they're pretty precise, and fast. Odd, like they want the audience involved--but doing what? I'm looking forward to when a pair dance to rap. The music is actually very poorly chosen, there's no flow to their program, just a series of sharp movements to percussion; hard to get into it. Second part is better, more lyrical. Announcers are silent. It's a very demonstrative program, all hand flourishes by her and dramatic gestures, gest tiring to watch after a while. I mean, they're good--but by no means great. Too bad. They'll get silver, probably deserve bronze; nobody's gonna say wow! when they end. Well, ok, they end with a nice long lift and the crowd likes it. What do Button and Wilson think? Hmm, Tracy was swept up in it, but it's almost like she's trying too hard to like it--she does say Belbin touched down at one of the twizzle sections, could lose a point. Button was riveted--found it very interesting. Oh well; my guess is judges will agree with me. A bit of USA rah-rah-rah on their parts, I think. Too bad Sandra Bezic isn't here, she's eagle-eyed and tough. Into second, barely ahead of Bulgarians.

Show Russians backstage woken up from their nap, hug when they realize the gold is theirs. And another commercial break--this is uninterrupted?!

Final couple Delobel/Schoenfelder of France, who I didn't like yesterday. They won't medal. They have similar prince/princess red/gold outfits, music is Carnival in Venice. Very French song, all declamatory and dramatic at the start. Slightly mistimed first lift, but nicely done. Simplistic choreography, like he's miming out a story. And the French singer keeps intoning stuff. Tracy reads off the plot--they're exploring a carnival wearing masks, unable to see each other, at the end they discover one another. Pretty fluid and pretty, actually. Their best score ever is 99, need 100 to get on podium. It's actually really not a bad performance, not as difficult as the Americans and Russians, but enjoyable in its own right. Mainly because the music is interesting, I think. Tracy doesn't think it'll be enough for them to medal. They're in fourth, just off the medals.

Interview with Belbin/Agosto--she says clearly I had a stumble or two, but it's incredible, and I'm proud; and she makes sure to send will wishes to injured Canadian, nicely said. They're a nice pair, both happy--and they will be gold medal favorites in Vancouver. They also thank their legal team, and Michigan Senator Carl Levin and Representative John Conyers for helping them, with her citizenship. Never heard that before at an Olympics!

Team ski jumping
German Michael Uhrmann first, not bad. Then Martin Koch of Austria, who the announcer terms their weak link. He does well though, announcer says they'll be hard to catch with him contributing. Next, Norwegian Tommy Ingerbrigtsen--an okay jump, apparently his selection for the team by their Swedish coach was very controversial. Janne Ahonen of Finland, a good jump.

Gold comes down to final three jumpers for each country announcers say. Although really, Norway too far back, Finland and Austria are close. Germans have a shot; their worst jumper, Georg Spaeth, rips off a good one. Wow, Norwegian comes back with a great jump, Roar Ljoekelosoey sets a new hill record. Finnish jumper Matti Hautamaeki rips off a huge jump too. Announcers pile superlative on top of superlative. Thomas Morgenstern anchors for Austrians. Wow, he nails it too! Clutch efforts by all four final jumpers; order doesn't change, everyone seems happy, they all won rather than got their medals. Norway gets its 4th of 9 possible jumping medals in the Games so far....

Costas tells us this U.S. team with Beblin/Agosto's silver and the bronze from the women's hockey team earlier becomes our second most successful Winter Olympic team ever, behind only the home field-inflated Salt Lake squad. Of course if you take away our five medals in the debut made-up sport of snowboarding....

They end prime time talking about Curt Gowdy's death; he apparently covered 8 Olympics too, I never knew that. He had a very distinctive voice... very odd, the tribute to him doesn't end with the Olympics clips. Have people forgotten how to do the little things right?

HOUR FIVE
They recap ice dancing in the extra hour; first time I've heard that Tracy Wilson used to be in this event. Then Jim Lampley theatrically interviews Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto. They're a very sweet pair, and totally professional. I can see them winning gold in 2010--it'll be interesting to see what kind of reception she gets from the Canadian fans. She pretty much says they'll end their careers in Vancouver.
One reason they're a good team is because they say the same things and are in sync.

After the usual speedy recap of the day, they look ahead to the men's 1500M speed skating event. Dan Jansen talked to Shani, says he's disappointed Chad Hedrick didn't congratulate him after his gold, especially since he did congratulate Chad after Hedrick's gold. Also, turns out Shani just recently moved out of the house he shared with Chad in Torino....

Icy Melissa Stark uses her bug-eyed aggressive style to briefly profile Enrico Fabrice, the Italian who could make a run at gold (I don't think he will). DJ says he's definitely a big factor. Oblivious Lampley says it reminds him of 1968, Jim Ryan vs. Kip Keino... he doesn't say why it reminds him.

Ugh, interview with Sarah Hughes. So Hughes-centered. Let's see if she mentions Michelle Kwan once. Hmm, she opens the door for returning to skating in Vancouver. That'd be interesting. Especially if Kwan does too. Hmmm, no questions about Kwan, and no mention of her either. How about 'How does it feel that nobody knows who you are and everyone knows and loves Michelle despite the fact that you have the gold?'

They finish with some Austrian getting a gold, with Lampley lamely playing off the Sound of Music. SO odd.

Tomorrow is going to be a great Olympics day. Unfortunately, it's also the first of the American Idol live shows. NBC will get slaughtered; they have no one to blame but themselves.

Photo of Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov in the ice dancing competition by Jerry Lampen/Reuters.