October 2003, page 2
I didn't exactly know what to expect when I entered the Berry Events Center on Friday evening. What I had seen of speedskating on TV didn't prepare me for the excitement that I witnessed that evening, and the following two days of competition. The qualifying heats were just as exciting to me as all of the other races. When the men's teams entered the arena to warm up, the fans were beginning to stir in their seats. The anticipation started to build, because we knew that the US team would soon be coming through the gated partition. One by one the skaters appeared, but not Apolo - not yet. After what seemed to be forever - but was in reality only a minute, he appeared at the gate, and stepped out onto the ice. The crowd went bonkers, and I was screaming right along with them. The cheers continued as he slowly skated around the arena. I looked around at the fans in my area. Everyone's eyes were transfixed on Apolo - watching every move he made. After the teams practiced and left the ice, I knew that I was in for a treat! It wasn't long before the officials appeared with their starting pistols to begin the qualifying heats.
Ready for the gun - photo courtesy of Sue Tichy
I sat right at the starting line, and I could see the level of concentration and focus that began to change the skaters' expressions. Their eyes stared straight ahead - transfixed as though they had already begun the race in their heads. The only noise they probably heard, were sounds that they chose to let in, as they sped around the rink. I guess that's the "zone" they try to describe. The blades hardly made a sound as the skaters passed by. Most of them finished unscathed; however, the few that hit the boards could hear the collective wincing sounds that we made at the point of impact. One moment, which was exceptionally poignant - I can't remember which race it was - happened when a Japanese skater hit the boards. Hard! He made the gallant effort to try and recover, but it was obvious that he was in quite a lot of pain. As he slowly made his way around the ice, trying to see if he could continue, the audience began to show their appreciation for his valiant effort to remain in the race. When he made it to the gait, and with the audience still cheering him on, he slowly turned to the crowd, and bowed in a gesture of thanks, then turned and left the arena. It was a moment that most of the fans will never forget.
As always, Apolo satisfied the level of expectation that everyone knew he was capable of performing. He qualified in the 1500m event, but the team failed to qualify for the finals in the 5000m relay.
The most exciting events for me were the 500m races, and the final. Apolo has said in the past that the 500m race was not his strongest event. However, that is now history! You couldn't see any weak points when the gun sounded. He went from the gun, got off to a great start, and remained in the lead for all of his qualifying heats. The heart stopper was the 500m final. It was on my side of the rink, that Apolo was bumped, and still managed to not only maintain his balance, but retain the lead. When he crossed the finished line in first place, he let it all out. He gave a high five to his fans as he skated around the rink. I could tell that he was truly pleased by what he had accomplished. World Cup gold medal in the 500 meters. Wow! He looked right at home standing atop the podium during the medal ceremony.
During the 1000m final, Apolo wasn't exempt from falling and crashing into the boards either. From my vantage point, he slid almost in a semi-circle, before sliding sideways into the boards. He lay there for few seconds before attempting to get up. He covered his helmet with both hands, I supposed, to see if his head and neck were still attached to his shoulders. He didn't appear to be injured, but an impact like that would leave anybody a might sore later on. Luckily, he got up and skated around slowly to finish his laps. The boards were not that forgiving, for behind the foot (if that) of padding, was a wall of concrete! Not that conducive for speed skating - as evident by some of the injuries we witnessed.
Each day that I was in the stands, sharing the events of the day with the people around me, brought even more joy to my days in Marquette, because we were all united in the purpose to see Apolo do well, as well as all of his teammates. I will admit however, that I was cheering for my little "homegirl," Allison Baver. I'm really proud of her, and I look for her to do great things in the upcoming competitions.
The local flavor of the town of Marquette was always present in the arena. They always had a group performing on the upper level bandstand. I was very pleased to see so many school children participating during the entertainment segments during the day. The fans that purchased the VIP package, had meals provided for them in a private lounge on the upper level of the arena? I want to warn those who find themselves sitting at the same table with Kimo to be careful. Eating, choking and laughing at the same time can be lethal!
Jan, Barb & Kimo
Barb's report page 3 | Ohno Zone home