Some victories are sweeter than others

Starting my viewing day with NBC at 11 a.m. Planning to watch continuously for the next 13 hours, except for their local news breaks and maybe hockey.

HOUR ONE
Women's biathalon 10K pursuit
Yaay--an awesome event. Snow coming down heavily as the race kicks off, this is a 'wildly popular' event says the announcer--just not among NBC execs. Frenchie started off first, but just 2 seconds later the Swede went, who's now in first. It's bedlam on the course, lined with thousands of people blowing horns and jingling cowbells, waving flags and just yelling continuously. These two are way out in front. It's so awesome to watch.

One of the announcers, Chad Salmela is very good and knowledgable, the other plays the viewer. Coming up to first shooting stage, a big climb right before it. Five shots from prone position at 50M, with heavy snow. Swede misses once, Frenchie too, German makes all. Aswesome, other women quickly coming up and shooting, some others clean, leaders are totally different now, with Ukrainian in second. The graphics are great, show hits and misses, one of the best scenes ever with like 20 women lined up in the shooting gallery.

Kati Wilhelm is the leader, more than 16 seconds out front. Dyed her hair bright red after winning two golds and silver in Salt Lake with that look. Discussion of wax, then cutting of grooves in the skis. Wrong choice can really cost you, announcer says Frenchie has bad skis. Heart rate upwards of 190 beats/minute, gotta calm it down to shoot properly. Coaches can't talk to them 10M before and after the shooting. 1.77 inches from 50M, wow, Wilhelm hasn't missed at all, she's in the army. They show the target itself in a small circle, cool watching it get hit/the white sliding over. Everyone else is missing, except for a Belarussian; then a woman from China and one from Norway go clean too.

This is really the best graphic, an oval, with five circles next to each other, turns white if made, red then stays clear if miss, with a little yellow mark to illustrate a miss. The ovals are stacked on top of each other with a flag/name insde on the left side of each one. Well-designed; very exciting to watch, constant action and the background sound of firing bullets.

Next up is shooting from standing. Announcer says if your heart rate is too high, you go into some sort of 'red line' state where you can't shoot properly. No Asian has ever won a medal, but the 21st starter from China is now in 6th thanks to good shooting. This target is a bit bigger, coffee cup size. A miss. Wow, 4 of 5, Wilhelm hits all right in the middle. Nazarova goes, two misses shoots left to right. Chinese woman, Sun, in third now! A major story, says an announcer. She misses first shot. Russian goes clean, Norwegian; Sun misses 3 times. An Italian goes clean, too. Bailly of France more than a minute behind, followed by Poiree of Norway. Lone American way back in 36th, good shooter but apparently not great skier.

Russian now in second; Frenchie; then Norwegian. Another German, a police border guard, in 6th. Wilhelm shooting, far in front, can miss up to 2 and still be way ahead. Taking a long time, nails first. Second. Third. Fourth. Fifth. Awesome! What a display, she pumps to big German contingent, only missed one shot all day. Her lead is like 45 seconds before anyone else even starts to shoot. Next group is Akhatova, Bailly, Poiree, Glagow--who goes clean, the second German, she's apparently just 5'2.

Gosh, this is so exciting. Such a great sport, maybe my favorite so far. Wilhelm's out front by more than 1:30, she only started the sport in 2002. Race for 2nd/3rd is tight. Now she's lapping other skiers, once that happens those people are done. Funny, she's dating the ski wax technician for the U.S. Announcer says it's called the 'biathalon family', everyone's very tight, with lots of relatives and marriages involved. She's passing a bunch of people, including the one who started 7th. One of the most dominant performances in history, the announcer says. And she's not even pushing it; gets a small German flag, skis to the finish. Wow, these German women.

Glagow, who started 17th, passes Akhatova as they enter the stadium, but announcer says she's tired. She's pretty far out in front now, keeps looking back, looks totally exhausted, really slowing up, but holds off the Russian at the end and takes silver! Hugs for the two Germans, Russian finishes third. Another Russian grabs fourth, shakes hands with Glagow. Italian woman finishes 5th.

So odd, they return after that with sedate studio interview with American skater Evan Lysacek, who finished 4th after coming out of the short program 10th. He's fine, but talks in a monotone; Lampley is firing questions at him like he's on the stand. He was pretty sick before the long program, in the hospital with an IV the day before, but pushed through. They should ask him about Weiss being thrown off the game by a late bus. He's actually pretty inspiring, just went for it, wanted to show he's a true Olympian. He's gonna go for Vancouver in 2010, looking forward to seeing him.

That first hour went by so fast. Some nice shots of Torino going into break.

HOUR TWO
Cross-country women's 4x5K relay
Allright! Al Trautwig, one of my favorite announcers. They set it up as the Norwegians need to win gold in their national sport, have been shut out so far. Only 4 medals in 18 chances. German skier very Heidi-esque in pigtails.

Norway, Russia, Italy, Germany the main teams, 17 altogether. Mass start, it's awesome. First two laps in the classical style, traditional style in tracks. Everyone skis, interesting. Up and down style, like pistons. U.S. way back. Finn leads, announcers say early lead irrelevant, gotta have four strong skiers, most teams don't. I really hope the Norwegians win, they're traditionally true Olympians, take things like fair play and representing your country very seriously.

Now Finn and Norwegian out front; so far, so good. Norwegian looks to be drafting off her; Japan in third, now goes for lead, takes over first. They touch their teammate, second round starts, pack is more bunched up now, Japanese woman setting a fast pace. Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany up there too. This second trip goes up into the hills, more difficult, announcer says it starts thinning people out. Now Finns, Norway, Japan.

Back from break, Norway up front; but Russia way back. Oops, Japanese skier falls, gets back up, falls out of main pack. France up there too, Switzerland, France. What a great sport. Crowd is going nuts, Norway needs to make a move here. Announcers talk about Finns doing nothing ever since 2001 doping scandal, maybe this will mark their return.

Coaches run alongside skiers shouting instructions. Pack still bunched, Norway in front by very little, Finland, Germany, Switzerland too. U.S. is near last, 2 minutes behind. Handoff to third skiers now, Finn leading, Norway, Germany. Now Freestyle, faster skating technique. Italians, French, Swedes next buch. Everyone else behind.

Back from break, pack still bunched. Sweden in front, Finland, Norway. Halfway through third lap, back into stadium. Announcer says Norway still struggling, among pack of like 7. Someone's gotta make a move, heading into the hills now. Russia back in lead pack now. Fun bump into break, some racing highlights cut with coach and crowd reaction. Have put Beethoven on for commmercial breaks; today's definitely been my favorite Olympic day so far.

Now Germans are out front on a power move by Evi, the Heidi-ish skier, Finns, Russians, Norwegians, Swedes, Italians. Finn hits fence, keeps going. German totally out front now. Man, this German team today... out front by 13 seconds now as the final skiers take over. But Norwegian looks like she's closing gap, top cross-country skier in the world; wow, five straight 2nd place finishes in this event for the Norwegians.

The pack's closed on the German, with the Norwegian doing the work. Just 10 seconds back now. Germans are 'tough as nails' Trautwig says, have spent time in military training. Halfway through final lap, pack is definitely closing, just 5 seconds behind now.

Wow, Russia is now in front, Norway has toally fallen back. German back too; Sweden and Italy in front on this crazy hill. Russian waaay in front now. No energy for Norwegian, it's horrible. Closing in on an hour into the race. German trying to pass the Italian, able to do it. Russia first; Germany second; Italy third! Wow, Swedes/Norwegians/Finns all fade, it's amazing. 'Inconceivable' in cross-country skiing to have Norway out of it. Interview with Germans afterwards, 4th leg skier says she was maybe afraid of the pack, and was tired, very candid interview.

HOUR THREE
Men's 1000M speedskating preview
Ah, black vs. white--Shane Davis vs. Chad Hedrick. Supposedly Davis is the biggest favorite in any race, hasn't lost for two years. But he's been criticized for not participating in team pursuit. Mainly by his teammate, Hedrick. What Olympic spirit! He's only skated this event five times in his life. So odd, the guy's not supportive of his own teammate the overwhelming favorite, it's all about 'me', doesn't even mention Davis' name.

Dan Jansen says the tension is definitely there, surrounds the team. Third guy, Joey Cheek; Jansen predicts 1-2 finish, with Cheek a shot at gold. Gosh, can hardly wait!

Men's 12.5K biathalon pursuit
Oh man, am so excited. Norway' Olen Einar Bjoerndalen who won four golds in Salt Lake is favored, but has struggled so far. German Sven Fischer first, based on finishes in sprint competition. Back with Berman and Salmela announcing. Legendary Bjorn Dahlie, with 8 golds in his career, is in the field too. They start in packs of three, each one has to wait a set number of seconds. What a great event. Poilee, of France, another favorite.

German in front, followed by two Norwegians, 10 and 20 seconds back. Other another 20 seconds behind that. Coming back fom break, Norwegians! catching up, it's gonna be decided by shooting. Wow, Fisher misses right away; then misses his final shot. Norwegians both make all five! Awesome.

Hanevold and Andresen your new leaders. Frenchie Vincent Defranse makes all five and Bjoerndalen makes all five too, into fourth. German slips to fifth after penalty laps. This is indescribably exciting; NBC is idiotic for not featuring this in prime time. Whoah, Bjoerndalen's already made up a minute since the start, Trautwig says phenomenal. Maybe the Norwegians can sweep.... Top two in front by 30 seconds, they seem to be working as a team. Man, this is so great.

Hmm, Norwegians seem almost lacksadaiscal coming into shooting stage. Andresen misses three times! Hanevold makes all five. Bejoerndalen misses once. Defrasne makes all five. Fisher misses twice more; Bricis of Latvia sixth. Bjoerndalen now 45 seconds back, 15 seconds behind Frenchie, Hanevold 30 seconds up front. Andresen 1:17 back in fourth.

Third shooting stage is standing. Hanevold is 36 years old, has already won a silver and a bronze. Trautwig says age helps in this sport, actually. People skew late 20s/early 30s. A miss; another miss; third miss! Wow, horrible. Defrasne and Bjoerndalen. Defrasne makes all five; Bjoerndalen misses one, both shooting quickly. Frenchie in first. Andresen misses once, shooting quick. Fischer taking his time, makes all five. Bjoerndalen is 34 seconds behind going into the last leg, Hanevold 50 seconds back.

Let's see if the Frenchie can spoil the Norwegian party. Bjoerndalen quite a ways behind; a French woman also won a biathalon gold earlier. Defrasne at the shooting range by himself, looks very calm. A miss. Another miss! Bjoerndalen comes in, he's just got to make all of them to win. Man, he's locked in, shooting very quickly; just one miss. This is so amazing. Hanevold now. Defranse is in front, by--just 6.5 seconds! Hanevold and Fischer both make all five, 30 seconds back, fighting for the bronze. My gosh.

Go Norway! Rough calculation, Bjoerndalen made up around 15 seconds on the course. Now, only 1.8 seconds apart! Fisher into third, by quite a bit. Hanevold may even fall into fifth. Bjoerndalen trying to pass Defrasne, they're neck and neck. Announcer says Bjoerndalen isn't as good of a sprinters as Defranse. And Bjoerndalen is in the lead, announcer says he needs to just take it over here. Boy, he's beginning to pull away a little. 'The king of biathalon' coming into the homestretch, Frenchie is just there--and the German is sprinting, just 14 seconds back himself. Man, this is so tight, final climb.

Bjoerndalen is not pulling away, Defranse making a move, and the crazy German too, the final stretch, Bjoerndalen still in front, Bjoerndalen still winning, Frenchie right there, my gosh. Frenchie looks back, one final uphill than the finish. Fisher slips, Bjoerndalen just a bit in front, this is so amazing. Frenchie passing him on the outside, totally destroying him, this is amazing. Wow! Announcer totally predicted it, the French army soldier wins by 2.7 seconds. Fischer takes third, Bricis in fourth, Norwegian in fifth.

That was great. Biathalon is officially my new favorite sport.

HOUR FOUR
Hockey
1-0-1 U.S. vs. unbeaten Slovakia, live. Not gonna watch all of this; thinking the U.S. has no business losing to anyone but Canada. But we probably will, our Olympic team as a whole doesn't get the most out of our talent, we don't get the boost from the almost maniacal patriotism and team spirit other countries feed off of, maybe because we dominate enough in the real world.

Whoah, the Swiss beat Canada earlier in the day! That's astonishing, a huge upset. Poor Wayne Gretzky.

HOUR FIVE
Still hockey. U.S. just scored on a power play goal off a face-off, ties game at 1. Slovaks have at least three top-level NHL stars, Mirsolav Satan and Martin Hossa, and Peter Bondra. And Bondra scores to make it 2-1 early in the third. So maybe the U.S. would do well to come out of this with a tie....

HOUR SIX
This has been a great third period, U.S. missed some chances on the power play, then actually had two good shots short-handed. They're trying to tie it up as soon as possible, seems a little rushed at times--as usual, the other team's goalie seems to be having a great game against the U.S. Slovaks have a huge 6'9 guy, Charra.

Hmm, power play coming up for U.S. NBC's shown this entire game without commercial breaks, not even those annoying in-game sponsor things. U.S. is just peppering the net on this pp, about 6 minutes left in the game; but no goal. Buddaj has really had a good game in net, 28 saves so far.

A frenetic final two minutes, Slovaks not playing it safe, going for the extra goal. About a minute to go, now U.S. shots for a while, they pull the goalie. Looks like a bad call by the linesmen, on a hand pass that wasn'tl; face-off at center, goalie back in, about 30 seconds, no sense of craziness yet. Goalie pulled, U.S. will lose, about 15 seconds left. Good game, U.S. doesn't seem devastated. And afterwards they make a line and shake the other team's hand, so much better than the idiot form a line and shake your own team's hand.

Women's 1500M short track qualifier
Alison Faver of U.S. in field of five along with Japan, Belarus, Canadian, Dutch; three advance to semifinals. Faver out front; like 15 laps altogether, first half they just cruise; she doesn't wanna let anyone pass her, race starts in earnest with four left, leads along with Canadian out front, qualify easily along with the Dutch skater. It's a packed night on NBC, otherwise they could show this in prime time.

Next, legendary Yang Yang A of China, along with other favorite, Korean; and Japanese, two others. Two favorites pull into front with 6 to go, cruise, along with Japanese skater.

Returns with a look at Apolo Anton Ohno, who's been called the 'most hated' athlete in South Korea. Piece makes the country seem so parochial. Hmm, also reminds us judging error put Paul Hamm ahead of South Korean at the Athens games. Interview with South Korean skater, who says he has nothing against Ohno, that after what's happened the last few years, he may have something against Korea.

Next, Haley Kim of the U.S., who's had a nagging achilles injury. Bulgarian, Canadian, Russian, and someone from Hong Kong. Wow, Kim is way slower at the start, doesn't wanna hurt her ankles. Now passes everyone in one smooth move. Then passed herself. Back in third now. Now in last again; now 4th, a lot of action in this race. She passes into second right on the final lap, qualifies along with Russian and Bulgarian.

Next heat, South Korea, Romania, Italy, Czech Republic, someone else. Korean Jin Sun-Yu is the favorite to win gold, at just 17. Announcers talk about how deep the Korean team is, people routinely win gold and retire as next generation pushes its way up. South Korean is just hanging back, letting everyone else fight. Now she makes her move, passes everyone, straight into first, easily pulls away. Wow.

HOUR SEVEN
Daron Rahlves
An off-beat look by NBC about a rumor that U.S. skier Daron Rahlves' dog Chevy has a credential. They track it down, find that indeed it's true. It's like a minute-long, kindof pointless.

The Great Race
Have been waiting the whole Olympics for this. A look back at the legendary battle in Lillehammer between Norway and Italy for gold in the men's cross-country skiing relay. February 22, 1994--about 150,000 people gathered to watch the race, many having camped out for days. It's astonishing; the race is named after a legend that took place exactly 800 years ago, about an infant king saved by two warriors on skis.

Watching this is giving me chills; man, that was the best Olympics, so odd that the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding mess was going on. 'An American comedy' is what a Norwegian calls it. 'What a silly people the U.S. must be' another Norwegian says, in contrast to the land of cross country skiing.

"The greatest Winter Olympian of all time," Bjorn Daehlie, leads the Norwegian team. With reigning world champs behind him, the team's individuals have won all 8 of the individual skiing races over the past two Olympics, coach says they were so sure of victory they didn't even talk strategy.

Italians only possible competitors, but they were far behind coming in. Huge roar as the race gets underway; interesting, I think NBC is showing film of the race, has a richness of color to it. Italian coach had his team training at a retreat beforehand--includes a 43-year-old racer! Coach says they started thinking like a team, less like individuals. Come up with a strategy of staying close until speedster in anchor leg can make final push, rather than putting him first--gold medal, or nothing.

Italians in 3rd early on, 43-year-old says he feeds off the crowd even though they weren't cheering for him. Norway and Finland try to shake Italian at end of first race--but gap is only 9.8 seconds.

Second leg for Norway is 3-time gold medalist from previous Olympics, Vegard Ulvang, 'the Viking'. He's apparently lost his brother in a snowstorm right before the Olympics, breaks down at a news conference talking about it; will return after the Olympics to continue the search for his body. Not surprisingly, he doesn't race as well, race is still tight. Italian skier had lost his father right before the Games too, for once this personal history explains rather than impedes the
competition.

Third leg, all tied up, crowd gives Ulvang a huge cheer anyway. Norway racer has already won gold, Italy puts up a journeyman. Finland is right there, too. Italian coach says their strategy is to let Norway drive the competition, they just wanted to stay close until the end. Italy apparently doesn't share the work in the lead pack, violates the unspoken rule of taking turns being in front and breaking the path--Norwegian skier says it's very annoying and we hate them for that.

Interesting, Norwegians had their best sprinter in 3rd, not anchor leg, didn't think it'd come down to a sprint and wanted veteran Daehlie to get the honor of the last leg. Wow, a sea of Norwegian flags.

And Daehlie goes off. The highest oxygen capacity ever recorded... twice that of a normal man. My gosh. Daehlie pushes it, Finns fall off the pace; and Italian just lets Norwegian do the work. Man, Italian is right on him the whole time. Daehlie says he just kept attacking; no dice. Then he stops to let Italian go ahead, but Italian stops too. With finish 1/2 mile away, Italian moves in front. So now Daehlie just drafts off of him.

Italian comes into stadium in front, Daehlie right behind him; makes his move to pass, crowd is going crazy, the two are just sprinting like crazy--and Italian wins! The crowd is totally stunned. Wow, what a huge disappointment, it must have just totally ruined the games for them.

Daehlie says well, that's life, you can't win them all. He's a good sport; Italians celebrate by spray painting everyone's hair gold. And in the spring, Ulvang goes back to look for his brother's body. They looked for four weeks, before finding his body in a lake just a few miles from home. In 2005, his brother's son, born 2 days after his dad's body was found, skis in a race in their hometown.

Wow, what a nice little documentary. Norwegians win the next two races, also by fractions of seconds, in Nagano and Salt Lake City. But Italians got the big one on Norway's home soil--wouldn't the Norwegians love to do the same tomorrow....

HOUR EIGHT
Men's 2-man bobsleigh
After a couple hours of break, prime time starts with the two-man bobsled. First up is Switzerland's 1 team. I think it's the shouting announcers from skeleton, in at 55 seconds and change, sets track record. Next, Russian 1; their sled for some reason doesn't look as advanced, it may just be its paint. Skids a bit into wall, tied with Swiss. Top German team, I assume they'll be good. Sled made by government-supported company, designed to suppport German amateurs with top technical equipment, announcer says. Into first.

Canadians next, streaked red outfits. A bit wobbly early, touches wall a few times, won't beat Germans. Into 4th. Next, Todd Hays in USA 1, sleek black. Nice start, best yet. Bit slow up top. Some mistakes too, touching wall, into 6th, ugh. This isn't his best event announcers say. Germany 2, apparently people not sure why they've been so fast. Whoah, really moving around on track, but into 4th. Next, U.S. 2. Slower getting into sled than Germans were. Boy, they're really wild, all over the place. Waaay slower; made out of some sortof space-age technology, but drivers aren't as good.

Women's combined--downhill
Sweden's Anja Pearson and Croatia's Janica Kostelic are the headliners here, don't even mention the Americans at the open so they definitely don't medal. Top one is Resi Stielger in 9th overall.

Start with Kaylin Richardson, who's in 15th. Announcers say it's a hard course to make up time on, short and everyone can just glide, it's relatively flat. She's into 3rd, with many skiers to come. Next they show Julia Mancusco, 11th. She's into 2nd. Next they show Resi Stiegler, are really getting all the Americans out of the way. Wow, she's fast up front. Announcers still talking about something else. Hmm, she's losing time as the course goes. It may be a combined time differential that they're showing. Yeah, she's into 4th, oddly enough is celebrating.

Next, Pearson, who talks like an American, lazy relaxed accent. They've skipped a bunch of skiers of course. She's very smooth, staying in that tuck. Bleeding off some speed coming around a big turn. Man, she's in first by nearly 2 seconds. Next, Kathrin Zettel of Austria. Again, announcers just talk over the race, pay no attention whatsoever to it. Into second.

Now an interview with Kostelic, who doesn't wanna talk about all the stuff NBC wants to push about her tough background. It's a tight-knit family that's created something out of nothing--it's unbelievable that American skiers, with all their advantages, can't compete. Reminds me of our school system, that loses time and time again to third worold countries on international tests. It'd be even worse, if it weren't for all the immigrant kids boosting our scores.

Kostelic races. Into her tuck right away; still sick. Wow, she's fast coming down. And is into first, by more than half a second. Awesome. One racer left, Marlies Schild of Austria, comes in with like half a second from slalom. She's slower already up top in this race, Kostelic is gonna win! Schild takes second, Paerson gets bronze. Everyone's happy but the Swede. Americans finish 9, 11, 17. She actually says her brother's medal means more to her than hers, because of what he's gone through with injuries.

Back to bobseligh
USA 1 back up. Just too many mistakes. First, but so many more to come. Canadians next. Wow, smoked U.S. on start time. Up by a lot halfway down, into first by half a second. Russian 1, driver's wife and daughter back in Siberia watching on tv. Hmm, into third, Germany 2--who they didn't show--in second. Swiss 1 now, also behind Canadians. Into second. Our neighbors to the north are having a good run. Top German sled. Whoah, horrible mistake by pusher, slips, dragged into the sled. Still in first amazingly enough, really benefitted from good previous heat.

HOUR NINE
Short track men's 1000M
It's just the quarters; but it's the event where Ohno wiped out four years ago. Top two in each quarters advance. First up is American Rusty Smith; good combination of startegy and speed in this event. China, Italy, Slovakia, Russia as well. Smith into first. Now passed by Chinese. Hmmm, unusually tight and lots of jockeying early. Smith--with an Olympic record--and Chinese qualify, Italian kept hitting into 2nd place guy.

Next, Ohno--and the South Korean Ahn Hyun-Soo. They've raced against each other 68 times since Salt Lake. And Pole and German. Ohno slips past into first so easily. Then back into second. Back into first, so smooth. Korean makes his move, Ohno lets him by, both into semis.

Third quarter, they don't show, China and Belgium in. Final quarter, Italian--who's a cop in Torino--Canadian, South Korean--who's tops in the world at this distance--and German, Ukranian. South Korean has the same strategy as his countrwomen earlier, just hangs back in last for the first part of the race. Whoah, Italian pushes Canadian, but he gets past him anyway, now South Korean passes everyone on the outside, just blows past them; Canadian in second. Can Ohno compete against that kind of burst? Two Americans, Koreans, and Chinese; plus Canadian and Belgian in the semis.

Men's Super-G
They're really pushing Bode Miller and Rahlves in this event; and Hermann Maier. Not sure Bode does anything, they haven't been hyping him as much as usual. Conditions earlier looked really tough, Swiss man who went down missed gate, sprayed officials with snow. They wound up canceling race, erasing results. Looks better now.

Pierre Dalcin of France, who was leading before it got scrubbed. Super-G is a combo of downhill with slalom-like sharp turns. No training run--except for the guys who got to go today before they scrubbed the results. French guy misses a gate, swears loudly. Announcer says it was just 'plain weird' how he missed. Next, segment on American Scott Macartney, whose mom was in an accident--his dad was skating after, saw a boot moving, went over to help, didn't realize until then that it was his wife. Wow. Scott's emotional in the interview, seems like a nice guy. Oops, break first... kindof jarring to go to commercial right after that.

Odd, instead of coming back to Macartney, they show American Steve Nyman. Is a chimpanzee running NBC's booth? He's having a good run it looks like. Tim Ryan announces his time, partner goes back to a conversation he had earlier today. Losing time coming down, whoah, he screws up, almost gives up, nearly off the course, keeps going after a bit.

Next, Macartney. Is this U.S. coach who yells things in their ear like 'Let's see how much you want it!' helping or hurting? Just 1 medal for the ski team so far. He's clipping the gates, that doesn't seem to me to help your speed. Although maybe his line is so precise. He's just a little wild, losing time. Whoah, picked up a ton of time at the bottom, where he was very precise, into first. Announcer for once gives us an illustration of why he was fast on the lower section, he essentially set up his turns better than others. Hopefully this knowledge gets passed on to his teammates.

Gosh, so many of the same commercials. The United airlines one, with the paper cut-out figures in a children's story, is a good one, although it's funny, the white male hero trope is so obvious. Also the Exxon Mobil ones, showing kids who like doing certain kid-like things--jumping, spinning, going around backwards--using those skills as Olympians--snowboarding, ice skating, playing hockey.

Next, Austrian, Marko Buechel who does the usual Austrian thing of being so aggressive it almost looks like he's out of control. He'll breeze into first, already has 1/3rd of a second up. Good line, too, losing some speed going down. Barely into first, 1/100ths. Ambrosi Hoffman of Switzerland, looks a bit slow/too in control up top. Fastest so far though to this point. Very tight line, wow, he's half a second ahead now. Into first. The guy's a bricklayer at the resorts in Davos, how can you not root for him?! Wonder if any of the guests ever recognize him.

Next, Bode. Loks very rough coming down the top, the winds look like they've picked up. He's fastest so far though. Now he's half a second slower; crashes through a gate, and he's out of the race! Heh heh... thinking of all those Nike commercials they've been running where he's lecturing us on what a winner is. First, ya gotta finish the race, for the third straight time he hasn't. Crazy Tim Ryan manages to turn the crash into commentary on 'the incredibly acrobatic things he can do.' Suddenly NBC stops talking about him.

Kjetil Aamodt of Norway next. The most decorated medalist in the history of the sport. Wonder if he's shooting commercials about what it's like to be a winner. He's fast, just totally in control and attacking. Into first by 3/10ths. Nice close-up camerawork showing his skis. Next is Rahvles. Funny, Miller lectures during the break on our failure to have our kids exercise enough.

Not a lot of promos tonight for what's coming up next, usually means no gold. Next, Erik Guay of Canada. First Canadian I've seen; how come the Germans aren't any good in this sport? This guy's doing well, he just looks sleek. They compare him to Bode, an instinctive skier, no need to prepare much. Gains time, then loses back. Into third. Next, Rahlves. Last U.S. hope. Looks a bit out of control early, but that could mean speed later. Losing time though. Man, no U.S. medal, he's almost a second behind, sliding out of control. Picks up some time... but well back, into 8th.

Only Maier left to ski. Man, this U.S. team. They need to go find the skiers, ask them what's happening. Rahlves shakes Aamodt's hand, a classy guy announcer says; I think Body just went back to his RV. Rahlves says it was pretty bumpy, not a clean ski. And that's all he's asked. Sheesh. Now the veteran, in his best event. Announcers says he's very serious about examining the course, everyone else defers to him when he's out there. He's just a larger-than-life figure. He's a little slower; very aggresive though. Into second, by just 13/100ths.

Everyone's congratulating Aamodt--no obvious reason why this guy's so good, except he skis clean. They show the two side-by-side on their runs, cool look. Now they show a pointless super-slo-mo shot of both, just to show it I guess. The two legends shake. Aamodt first won gold 14 years ago in this event, how great is that; defended his win in Salt Lake. And now Norway has a second gold.

HOUR TEN
Car moments
Jimmy Roberts and GM take a look at Apolo Anton Ohno. Just a review of the last four years. A lot of which was a celebrity blur, until he realized he needed to get back to training. So he did. Kindof a disappointing piece, anyone could've done it. I think Jimmy's getting a little smug, he thinks a few pat phrases will do it--needs to go back and dig deeper, stop living the celebrity lifestyle.

A lot of these Olympics commercials are so smarmy; I think that must be the trend for ad houses this year. It's especially jarring when American athletes keep losing. They're oh-so-clever, a wink and a nod.

More Apolo
They show the clip of the crash from Salt Lake yet again. Ha, the guy that won the gold after the crash apparently has written a book about it, called 'Last Man Standing'. First semi has Rusty Smith up, against a Chinese, South Korean, and Belgian. Whoah, total bump, then Rusty pushes Chinese guy out of the way--no way, this ain't gonna fly! South Korean in first, Rusty in second, he qualifies into final--but judges will look at that push, he totally shoved him down.... Commementators don't think he'll get DQed--and indeed he isn't, the Belgian is DQed. Chinese guy gets advanced into finals.

Next, chinese, Korean, Canadian--and Apolo. Apolo just goes into the front early. Commementators say he should stay out front. Now Korean passes him; Ohno back into first. This race is totally nuts from the start. Korean passes, Canadian tries to pass, Ohnno won't let him, he makes it in in second.

Cool. Two Koreans, two Americans, and the Chinese in the finals. This will be great. One problem, so far Ahn's passed him twice in two races....

1000M men's speed skating
I'm really concerned about the lack of promos for the speed skating final, also they haven't shown any of the preliminary heats. This can't bode well, it's not until 10:30 that they show this event for the first time. Oh, maybe it's cause the way the event is set up, they just skate once? Odd... nobody tells us anything.

First up is Chad Hedricks, who I've soured on. The guy has just been running his mouth, as if everyone is there only to help him go for five golds. His nickname among the Dutch is apparently 'Paris Hilton', cause he parties a lot. Sheesh. Vs. a Polish guy, Konrad Niedzwidezki. Not a speedy race for either so far. Now he's speeding up, Jansen did say the longer it goes the better he skates. Into first, but Jansen doesn't think it'll hold up, that he'll wind up being almost a second behind. Dan breaks down the race, points out why he's not faster--nice to get some analyis.

Next, Dmitry Dorofeyev of Russia, and Erik Zachrisson of Sweden. Russian's in that crazy paisley red outfit. They both start way ahead of Chad. Loses some time on the crossover, but Russian still doing well. Losing more time now, can't hold on; Chad's time still best, Jansen said he had a fast last lap.

Ugh, Chad's interview. He's arrogant; just jerky, and cheesy. Next, Beorn Nijenhuis of the Netherlands, 21, looks 12. Risto Rosendahl of Finland with him. Dutch guy is way out in front, Finnish guy slips. He's ahead of Chad, managing to maintain it. Ooh, falling now--wow, totally falling behind now, maybe Chad's time will stick a little longer.

Yevgeny Lalenkov of Russia and Mickael Flygind-Larsen of Norway. Hmm, these guys aren't as much ahead of Chad, that could be good if it means they have more endurance. Russian skating well. Jansen doesn't think he'll do it. And it doesn't look like he will, second by 1/100ths of a second. DJ says that tells him the faster skaters still to come will knock him out.

I do think race is an issue with the whole Davis thing--in the back of his mind Chad still thinks the black guy should ask how high when he says jump. And the American announcers are very easily making it a he's not willing to sacrifice for the team thing, which plays upon the whole blacks aren't as patriotic undercurrent that most visibly came out of the 1968 black power salutes in Mexico City, and Muhammad Ali getting thrown in jail for draft dodging. And that hasn't been buried by blacks making up a disproportionate part of our armed forces--and dying at a greater rate--ever since Vietnam.

Next, Canadian Denny Morrison and Mun Joon of Korea. Why aren't Koreans any good at this event? Nobody mentions it. Denny out slowly, Jansen surprised. South Korean ahead, but won't be a factor. Hmmm, Chad may survive another pair. They both fade into oblivion.

Next, Casey FitzRandolph of the U.S., I've always liked him, this could be his final race. They mention 12 years ago DJ won gold in his final race in Lillehammer in this race, despite a little slip. Stefan Groothuis of the Netherlands the other skater. Let's go Casey! Think both guys will beat Chad. They're building their lead over Chad, and still gaining; ooh, Dutch guy slips a bit. Casey is fading; Dutch guy is behind now; wow, Chad's time still first, Casey into 4th, Dutch guy 3rd.

Just 3 pairs left. Shani Davis up next. U.S. should definitely get at least one medal here, essentially have 7 shots at 3 slots. The timing bodes well actually, nearing 11:00. That means Apolo doesn't win gold, probably. Or else NBC has an embarassment of American riches, for once. We've totally fallen behind the Germans, Norwegians and Germans today in terms of total medals, hopefully we can pick up multiple medals in these skating events.

Davis, trying to become first African-American to win an individual gold in the Winter Olympics. So odd, they do a segment on the controvery before he skates--and it's all Chad's point of view. Per usual, white males frame the debate. He's outof Chicago, seems like a nice guy, said he used to wear a Bonnie Blair sweatshirt and get made fun of. He's tight with his mom, who raised him by herself. He's definitely a good guy; his best friend here is Apolo, since he started in short track--man, these are two good guys, they've faced the same things. Why hasn't he been the face of this game, instead of that idiot Bode? His mom doesn't like the U.S. skating federation, says they rule by intimidation, and she isn't intimidated. He's turned down requests for interviews, crazy Chad says he's the one with the gold medal, doesn't wanna talk about him.

Come on, Shani! Looks very focused. With Jeremy Wotherspoon of Canada. He looks very fast, early. Long, elegant skater is what they're calling him. Jeremy up ahead now. But Davis will get stronger as it goes on. He looks a little tired.... Up half a second going into last turn; and he's in first by more than half a second; allright! Not quite a second faster, but the track may be running slower than Dan thought. Americans 1-2 right now, Chad not happy.

Next, American Joey Cheek, who I like. Against Lee Kyou-Hyuk of South Korea. Wow, both super-fast opening. South Korean doing well too. Wow. Korean fading; Cheeks still going fast. Fading though; yaay--still finishes second! And idiot Chad bumped to fourth.

Just one more pair. Two Dutchmen, Erben Wennemars--who's World Cup champ, and Jan Bos, two-time defending silver medalist. Oh-oh, this is their speciality. Huge roar in the arena from the Dutch fans. They're both ahead early. Dutch always have a strong last lap Jansen says. They're both fading; one guy still ahead, but fading, Jansen says they can't do it! Allright--and they don't! Perfect outcome, Davis and Cheek 1-2, Dutch guy takes 3rd. Davis is calm, a smile. Chad down in 6th. Heh heh. Afterwards, he skates with a teddy bear, looks emotional.

HOUR 11
Black and white
Interview--he's actually stoic. Hard work has paid off; I'm pretty happy about it; he doesn't seem very pleased with reporter, says his mom earned the medal too. Says he's at a loss for words, reporter uses that kind of sarcasm whites use with blacks, even as he flashes a smile and walks away. I think the African Americans watching will understand Davis, the whites will think there's something wrong with him.

Apolo vs. South Korea
Announcers say Apolo's a marked man, South Koreans will be working together against him. Oh-oh. Go Apolo! Smith into first, no Chinese guy, Apolo second. Man, this is so tense. Korean passes on the inside, Apolo right up behind him. Chinese guy; other Korean, Smith. Whoah, two Koreans in front they take over, take 1-2, Apolo gets bronze. Oh well. Smith fourth, Chinese last.

Interview, Apolo is gracious; he's really a good guy. They have arms around each other on podium too. South Korea must be ecstatic, probably like when we beat the Russians in hockey in 1980.

Ski Jumping K125
Alan Alborn of U.S. first, does okay. Next, Simon Ammann of Switzerland, aka Harry Potter. Double-gold medalist from Salt Lake still looks 15. Hmm, nice jump, but doesn't rank high. Lars Bystoel of Norway next, who's already got a gold here on the normal hill. Nice jump, into first. Andreas Kofler of Austria next, wow, soars--longest so far, announcer says he came in from outer space. Next, another Austrian, Thomas Morgenstern, also has a long jump--into second. Finally Janne Ahonen, the favorite. Hmm, not as far as the Austrians, into 9th. Next, Jakub Janda of Czech Republic. A short jump for him as well, way down in 13th. American winds up 43rd, won't get to jump again.

Ammann first one shown in second jump, it's not bad. Next, Janda. Not a great jump. Ahonen next, another not bad jump--so far nobody in the second round is blowing anyone away. Takanobu Okabe of Japan next, 35. Another okay jump. Next, Matti Hautamaeki of Finland, a decent jump. Bystoel goes, a good jump. Norway's Roar Ljoekelsoey has a short jump. Morgenstern next, whoah, looks like he hung forever. His coach is totally happy, too. Teammate Kofler jumps, wow, he goes far too. They hug, both seem really happy. And it's Morgenstern, by 1/10 of a point--Kofler slipped a bit on the landing.

More from Ohno
In the studio with Costas. Hope he asks him about his friend Davis. He's calm, and direct; says he's happy just to be on the podium after being down after the 1,500. Too bad, Costas doesn't ask.

Close with speed skating, Cheeks donated his silver medal winnings to Johan Olaf Koss' foundation. Unspoken implication is Davis didn't. NBC has really done a bad and inaccurate job of covering Davis.

HOUR 12
Women's 1500M short track
Hmm, Americans must not do anything, otherwise it'd be in prime time. American Halely Kim in this semis heat. She's out front at the moment, leisurely first few laps. Now Japanese woman in front. Halaey tries to pass back, caught in pack. Oh-oh, she's not gonna qualify, back into last. She's given up, oops, skaters go down, finishes fourth.

Next semi, American Faver in this one. She's trying to move up, can't. Stuck way back. South Korean leading, pretty easily. She qualifies, Canadian second, Yang Yang A doesn't make it. Final semis, South Korean and Chinese makes it. Seven skaters in final, three South Koreans. Wow.

Streets of Torino
Big African American reporter goes looking for philly cheesesteaks. Editing of piece is so weird, not totally chronological. Reporter talks with mouth open. Dumb segment, although it's funny, at end old Italian proprieter leans out window to say 'Bonjorno Otis.'

South Koreans
Finalists are South Koreans Byun Chun-Sa, Choi Eun-Kyung, Jin Sun-Yu (the favorite), Wang Meng of China, and Amanda Overland of Canada. Jin just blasts into first; others go past her. Whoah, Koreans make a break, Choi in first. Jin way back, odd. Just 2.5 laps left, Jin is now trying to blast past everyone, she's able to do it, 1-2-3 sweep, wow! Now, craziness, officials disqualify the third Korean, Chinese skater gets the bronze. Now that's gonna make the Koreans crazy! At least it wasn't a Japanese skater.

HOUR 13
NBC scooped
How embarassing is this--NBC is forced to cite the L.A. Times in reporting the Austrian biathlon headquarters was raided by Italian cops tonight. My goodness, they've got thousands of people all over the city, and yet they can't seem to do any reporting.

NBC wraps up
First, Tracy Wilson talks about ice dancing. She's apparently been one of the commentators--I probably kept thinking she was Sandra Bezic. Oh well. It's a standard feature, nothing super-insightful or dumb.

Then, NBC's highlights wrap of 'the longest day' at this year's Games gave each sport just seconds. The clock got as much air time. If I were counter-programming the games, I would run highlights--even if just photos--at the top of every prime time hour.

Then Lesley Visser goes off looking for the best party among each country's 'hospitality house'. Vokda for Russian; ice rink for the Dutch (and beer); staid USA's house is for sponsors (ok...); Vancouver house is a log cabin; Italy's is huge, with lots of food and wine.

Then, oddly, a segment with Joey Cheek on a night when Davis was the man of the hour. He drives a Ferrari on the roof of the Fiat building. Which leads into a plug by Jim Lampley for the Daytona 500. Which, of course, leads into the French biathalon winner's medal ceremony. And naturally, they cap off the night with Aadmodt's medal ceremony.

Photo of Shani Davis of the United States smiling after competing during the men's 1000 meter speedskating race by Dusan Vranic/ AP.

Photo of Apolo Anton Ohno behind Ahn Hyun-soo, of South Korea, center, and Lee Ho-suk at the finish of the men's 1000M short track speedskating final by Mark Baker/ AP.

Photo of Germany's Kati Wilhelm on her way to the gold in the Women's Biathlon 10 km Pursuit by Mark Duncan/ AP.