Dakota Diamond Griffith introduced us to AQHA Judge, Lisa Krohn who is the proud aunt of Olympic skiier, Lindsey Vonn. Vonn sustained a much-publicized injury to her shin during slalom training earlier in the month and American’s were hopeful of a complete recovery for the highly-favored skier. Krohn is in Vancouver with her son Cody to cheer on her niece and will report exclusively for GoHorseShow during their adventure in Whistler.
Thank you, Lisa!
Report #3
Wednesday, February 24
On Saturday, February 20th, the day of Lindsey’s Super G race, it was another glorious sunny day, perfect for ski racing. I didn’t want to take any chances on not getting a spot on the finish line fence, so my brother, son and I headed up the to finish area 2.5 hours early to ensure a spot on the fence. She had a great run and ended up in the Bronze medal position, which was wonderful.
We then headed to the Red Bull house for more celebration and champagne with her coaches, sponsors and family. We decided to head to Whistler Village earlier than we did for the Downhill medal ceremony since we almost missed that one! We were able to get much closer, and the pre-ceremony festivities included dancing girls, a DJ, huge beach balls thrown into the crowd to bounce around, and trivia.
Once they got ready to announce the Super G medal winners, we put Cody on the shoulders of a big guy, and when Lindsey came out she immediately saw him, laughed and waved at all of us. It was so great to know that she knew we were all there, since she didn’t find us in the crowd for the Downhill medal ceremony. After that, we went back to the Spyder House in the village for more revelry, and Lindsey gave a speech about how great it was that her family and friends were there to support her.
We then headed to the USOC house (a monstrous log home at Creekside) where there was more to eat and drink, and Lindsey gave two awards to her coaches for their tireless efforts to get her to the top of her sport. One went to her husband, Thomas, and the other went to the four U.S. Ski Team coaches who also lend their support. Sadly, this was our final night in Whistler, but a fine end to a magnificent experience. One I certainly will never forget.
Thanks to the GoHorseShow.com readers for following this journey with me!
Lisa
Report #2
Thursday, February 18
I’m sorry these check-ins have been so infrequent, but we have been invited to so many parties and gatherings that we’re only in our condo to sleep! As you can imagine, we are all so very proud of Lindsey, and thrilled for her that she has reached the pinnacle of her sport by winning a Gold Medal. The conditions were very difficult and it took Lindsey’s best effort to make it down the fastest with her sore shin. But now people in the U.S. will finally realize that she is indeed the best female skier our country has ever produced.
The experience of being on the hill when she won her first Gold Medal was spectacular. After the race she climbed over three railings to get to us and gave us all hugs. It was very emotional for Lindsey as she realized that all the hard work and sacrifices her family made for her, had paid off. After the flower ceremony on the hill, we all went back to the Red Bull house to celebrate with her team of technicians, coaches and sponsors. Then off to get ready for the medal ceremony in Whistler Village at 7pm. That was so moving for both Lindsey and all of us. To see your family member on the top step of the podium while the U.S. anthem played was a moment I’ve only dreamed of and I was so incredibly happy for Lindsey. After that, we went to another celebration at the Spyder House in the Village with U.S. Ski Team officials, friends, family and sponsors gathered with great food and champagne. Soon after we arrived, Lindsey and Julia Mancuso were introduced and each had a few moments to speak.
What an amazing day for Lindsey and all of us who were there to cheer her on!!
Today she raced in the Super Combined which was rescheduled from the 14th because of poor weather. The day began with crystal clear skies and cold temperatures which were great for a ski race. Unfortunately, even though she was leading the Downhill portion and was the last to race in the Slalom run, she went for broke and caught a tip on the wrong side of a gate about 2/3 of the way down. She was faster than the leader at that point and was so close to bringing in another Gold Medal. But that’s the way ski racing goes and when you know you have to pull out all the stops to be in the top three, things like this happen.
We’ll get to see one more of her races on Saturday…the Super G which is one of her best events. She won the World Cup title in the event last year (first time ever for a U.S. female) and has already secured the title again this year with 4 races left in the season. We’re all hoping for another great race and hopefully another medal!
Lisa
Report #1
Monday, February 15
With the weather being so warm and rainy, there hasn’t been much action for the alpine skiers. They finally were able to run the Men’s Downhill today and had the first full Ladies Downhill training run that was actually in two parts. Before the Men’s Downhill they had the women race the top half of their course then after the men finished, they were able to run the bottom half of the course. I’m not sure that seems like a fair full training run, but I guess the rules state that it is.
We saw Lindsey for a short time yesterday and she seemed happy and upbeat. One more day to rest her shin before the Downhill on Wednesday.
Cody and I went skiing at Whistler today and were able to watch part of the Men’s Downhill from the hill adjacent to the race course. The skiing was great at the top half of the mountain but like mashed potatoes on the bottom half.
Here are a few photos from Whistler Village and on the hill today. The first one is at the start of the Men’s Downhill and the one with Cody and the stuffed animal is one of the Olympic mascots, Quatchi.
More soon!
Lisa
