It takes a village…
November 5, 2009
It takes a village to raise an Olympian.
And, I’m now officially a villager.
We spent the day in Truckee with 3 time Olympian Daron Rahlves. He’s coming out of retirement to go for a 4th Olympics in a new event called ski cross. Think Nascar on skiis. Think max-ing out your health care deductible.
Daron built a start gate in his backyard.
And that’s where I came in.
Go David … and David!
August 22, 2008
David Payne and David Oliver won silver and bronze in the 110 meter hurdles.
I interviewed David O. before coming to Beijing — he trains at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
I was rooting for him all the way!
In the end, Dayron Robles from Cuba took gold, David P. from Cincinnati took silver, and David O. came away with the bronze.
I interviewed both Davids today, and they’re so proud of their medals.
They’re really friendly and funny guys. Everyone loved them at our workspace!
Way to go guys!
-Aixa
Seeing Gold
August 22, 2008
Jaime Brassard/Berlin, Vt
Last night the U.S. Women’s Soccer team won the gold, in match agaist Brazil, and today they stopped by to talk about it.
One of these things is not like the other…
August 20, 2008
…and that’s what we love! Check out the look this gal is rockin’ — 2008 cell phone headset + traditional chinese clothing!
A combo that is clearly less jarring than plaid sundress + 3 credentials + thumbdrive necklace.
Congratulations Dawn!
August 20, 2008
I admit I was rooting for Damu Cherry.
She trains in Clermont, and I interviewed her twice before coming to Beijing.
During Tuesday night’s women’s 100 meter hurdles final, I was on Team Damu and my colleague Andy Ireland from KCCI in Des Moines was on Team Lolo (as in Lolo Jones, the woman many believed would win the gold).
Neither one of our ladies won.
Instead, Dawn Harper, the third American in that event, finished first.
I interviewed Dawn today, and I have to confess … she’s great!
I asked Dawn if she cared that people considered her the underdog, and she said she didn’t mind. Dawn said she and her coach always knew what she was capable of, and she proved it Tuesday night.
So even though I’m sad Damu didn’t medal, I’m also on Team Dawn!
-Aixa
United States Of Charisma
August 19, 2008
On Right, Olympic Gold Medalist, Aaron Peirsol.
On Left, Solo Member of US Olympic Reading Team
Medalists for my blog!
August 19, 2008
Michael “Domi” Domalaog Hearst/Argyle TV KCRA3 photographer in China
The cool thing about being working the Olympics is that I get to meet the Olympians. Being a semi-intramural weekend warrior myself, I respect those athletes who are real athletes. The one thing I’ve noticed is that besides being cut and muscles everywhere, they’re usually taller than the average Joe or even me! I guess size fits the the sport, take Stephanie Brown-Trafton USA Discus Gold Medalist…Tall!
Big throw means Gold!
I bet most Silver medalist are bigger than me too!
Silver Medal shine bright too!
Yep, James Williams had a blast, wasn’t even supposed to participate. Happy to be an alternate. The swashbuckler is packin Silver now!
Moving to Bronze…….er well you get the picture.
Bronze is as good as gold!
Allison Schmidt, women’s relay swimmer will be the next big thing in four years. Count on it!
If you hang around long enough a winner drops by even in my size.
She yells at big people all the time
Mary Whipple. Size means nothing when you stike Gold. The women of the eight use pint size power to keep em straight.
Finally you might as well pick on someone your own size to come out on top.
55 Kilograms of power
Freestyle Wrestler Henry Cejudo brought his entire family to the workspace. We ran out of guest passes, but no one wanted to try to stop him from his day of glory. I think he can kick my butt. In a few days I get to go home to my 5-11 wife. I’m used to be the shortest guy in the room. She’s a winner too.
Cheers! Domi
Direct From Iowa…
August 19, 2008
Teri & Doug Johnson: Nicest People Ever
They are in Beijing to cheer on their daughter, gymnast Shawn Johnson.
Think parenting an Olympian means you automatically get tickets? Think again…
The Johnsons had to buy their own!
Boo!
