Tiggie's Saguenay World Cup Report | Ohno Zone Home
The excitement began on Wednesday, Dec. 1, when I arrived in Quebec City and experienced the very first snowfall of my life! Being from Los Angeles, I was the only one sitting outside the Ste. Foy bus station, just watching the snow fall with wonder and awe--kind of the same way I watch Apolo.
On Thursday morning, we went to the arena for the U.S. practice session. When Apolo came out onto the ice, we just stared. No one has such a commanding presence, and no one on this earth skates with Apolo's speed, power, brilliance, and grace. Watching him, my heart was so filled with joy I thought it would burst! I found myself smiling uncontrollably. When I looked over at Noelle, she had the same big smile on her face. We both said, "I'm so happy!"
Junko and I found out our seats were in the front row of the section near the start/finish line, thanks to Diane Girard at the box office who took my ticket order. On Friday, the heat box was to our immediate left, which meant Apolo was often standing or sitting mere feet from us. We refrained from staring too long or taking too many pictures, out of respect and shyness. We were so awestruck!
Apolo waits in the heatbox
Of course, the races were thrilling and heart-stopping, as Noelle has reported. The U.S. team skated their hearts out, with awesome performances and impressive showings in each race. I also observed examples of gracious sportsmanship, like when Shani congratulated Charles Hamelin and JiaJun Li after their 1000m semi final. We are so proud of all of you!
My very vocal support of the U.S. team was heard throughout the arena. The announcer, Dany Lemay, even came by to introduce himself because he said he could hear me cheering every time he said the American skaters' names, even when he was speaking French. Dany did an awesome job announcing and providing commentary, and he was so sweet to stop by again to wish us a safe trip home. He has already been appointed as the announcer for the 2006 World Team Championships in Montreal, so congratulations, Dany!
World politics notwithstanding, I was kind of concerned about being in a foreign country, screaming loudly for the USA and proudly waving my American flag, but I had nothing to fear. The lovely people of Chicoutimi-Saguenay and Quebec could not have been kinder as they whole-heartedly and very warmly embraced me. Although he was always busy attending to VIPs, Donald Aubin, President of the World Cup Organizing Committee, took the time each day to come by and greet me in the stands (I was always there early), ask me if I was having a good time, and discuss the ice conditions, the event. etc. I told him how impressed we were with the great job they were doing with every aspect of the event.
Eric Tremblay was the first to make us feel so welcome with his broad, happy smile, and his kind assistance at the World Cup table in the lobby of the hotel. Each day he greeted me with a cheerful and hearty, "Good morning!" It became ritual for Eric to playfully tease me at the arena every time he would pass by; Chicoutimi-Saguenay could not have picked a better goodwill ambassador. Some curious Canadian fans asked where we were from, and then shared their experiences visiting the States. Everyone was a friend. J'adore les gens là (I love the people there).
Mon nouvel ami, Eric Tremblay!
Another highlight was the pleasure and honor of meeting Stephen Gough. It was great to see how highly respected and much-loved he is by everyone in the international short track community. His expert knowledge of the ice (both in the arena and on the road!) is indeed impressive.
Stephen Gough signs my program
I also got to meet legendary photojournalist Pablo Galvez. In addition to treating us to glimpses of his extraordinary artistry, he taught us the fine art of grilling bread.
Of course, it was so much fun hanging with Noelle, Junko, and Bernadette. Thanks for being our interpreter at the mall, Noelle! And I have a newfound love of cheese curds, poutine (french fries, cheese curds, brown gravy), and creton (ground pork which tastes like gingerbread). In Quebec I had some poutine with creton on top--YUM! I would mention the maple syrup pie which made my eyes roll back in my head, but you guys were already gagging over poutine.
Many thanks to everyone who made my World Cup Chicoutimi-Saguenay experience unforgettable. Congratulations to Apolo and the U.S. team, and thank you for making us proud. It was an honor to cheer for our great U.S. team!