Sliding Around

Sliding Around

February 9, 2022

1–2 minutes

For the second time in three days, I went to the Alpine skiing center to spend the day gathering photos and info for a piece I intended to do later next week on how Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympics had gone. As I’m sure you know, they haven’t worked out so well for her so far. She’ll have other races, downhill, super-g and Alpine combined, but the two she skied out of, slalom and giants slalom are her two best events. She was favored for gold win both of those.

More than as little heartbreaking for her. I’ve spent some time with her over the years doing ski-related pieces for the Olympics. She’s a good person, always gracious, even though everyone in the world wants a piece of her time. These sports can be cruel to everyone.

It did, however, free up my time yesterday afternoon so I headed over to the sliding track, a magnificent venue. Here are a few shots from there.

Right now, I’m at men’s figure skating waiting for it to begin.

Athletes’ Village at the skiing and sliding venues.

Sliding is one of the places we can get super close to the action. This is my colleague Jeremy White.

In the start house during skeleton training.

8 responses to “Sliding Around”

CTJANDA

February 9, 2022 at 9:30 pm

Really cool pics! I can’t imagine how they slide down that thing head first. It looks terrifying! So surprising watching Mikaela Shiffrin, hopefully she does well on the upcoming ones. Will look for you in figure skating!! Perhaps a sparkly outfit like the skaters would help us find you!
Mary Pat

February 9, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Loved the sliding shots. My nephew , Dave Kiernan, really expected to be in China with you all as he had worked at Placid for a couple of years with the women sliders ; THEN he got into the Syracuse Fire Academy 3 weeks ago , so no China on his agenda !
BradyL

February 9, 2022 at 9:58 pm

How about some bling on your hat, mask or camera? You might blend in with the skaters, But stand out to us! So distracting watching the skaters, knowing you are at the rink, but unable to find you. How about a little wave?
Nice pics!
SpectatorWannabe

February 9, 2022 at 10:39 pm

You and Jeremy have your coats unzipped, it must be a bit warmer at the sliding track. Fingers crossed things start going better for Mikaela! And, I agree, a constant wave or something to make yourself stand out would be VERY helpful!! In all seriousness, are there regulations about what you can wear, so that you’re not a distraction?
Annie Wintour

February 9, 2022 at 11:32 pm

Yes, I’m with the sparkle and bling people. Enough of this blending into the walls. Take some inspiration from Johnny Weir ! What would Bill Cunningham say?
On a different topic, why do the athlete’s teams security tags say “KISS AND CRY” ??
eatatjoesblog

February 9, 2022 at 11:37 pm

Only dark clothes for photographers in the arena. The area where the athletes and coaches sit while waiting for the scores is called the Kiss and Cry area. Those credentials get you into that area
johnfilz

February 10, 2022 at 4:33 am

Mikaela Shiffrin’s pre 2022 Olympic accomplishments are legendary. I’ve talked to you about her in the past because I thought I recognized an extra special something in her approach to her sport, something that cannot be coached, that I admired. You not only affirmed my hunch, but you related to me what a great person she is. I hope she is able to win in Beijing; however, the grace and humility she has demonstrated in not winning thus far speaks volumes about who she is and how she was raised by her family.
Annie

February 10, 2022 at 2:04 pm

I’ll bet it was extra great being there for Nathan Chen’s performance. Pretty awesome!
There were a few quick Joe sightings. Taking your hat off was helpful, if you know what I mean. Some good cheering by the small crowd.