I am back home!
February 28, 2006
I am finally home in Michigan! The past 2 days have been a whirlwind of experiences. Closing ceremonies were amazing. In a way I enjoy them more than Opening Ceremonies because they are less formal and more about having a good time. 14 members of our team walked into the stadium and cheered to the crowd. All of the athletes were placed at one side of the stadium. I sat next to the Korean delegation and ended up trading my USA vest for a China vest with one of the athletes. Ricky Martin, Avril Lavigne, and Anrdrea Bocelli all sang during various parts. My favorite moment was when the air tunnel propelled the skydivers into the air and then floated above the earth as far as 40 feet. Our team was happy to have one last time to walk together and soak in the XX Olympic Winter Games.
After the ceremony, we all packed the buses for the village and then met in the center. The Village was hosting an Olympic party and it gave us a chance to hang out with some of the other athletes, especially the ones that were staying in the other athlete villages. I ran into a few local volunteers that were thrilled to meet us. Ths big thing at the Olympics is pins, so we gave them the ones that we had left. The live band was pretty good, and they served us cake that was about 10 feet by 10 feet with giant Olympic Rings frosted on. Yummy! I had to do some last minute packing with Courtney Kennedy (my roommate) and the other 6 girls in my room. We were given our medal cases and I was handed a medallion because I was selected as the Best Defenseman of the tournament. I stuffed everything into the Nike and Roots bags that we were given and met the team at 5am for a bus to Milan. We had an eight hour flight to Boston...no fun, but a chance to relax and sleep after all of the excitement. When I got into Boston, NWA was kind enough to change my flight after I showed them my Bronze medal. I was upgraded to first class, but it didn't really matter because the flight attendant asked me to show a few people my medal. Before I knew it, I was going up and down the entire aisle showing the whole plane. Everyone was so excited and kind after I let them hold the medal. My mom was waiting at the airport with a big hug for me. After a long trip, home always seems too comfortable...I am off to sleep and enjoy being back in the USA.
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Its been great to read about your olympic experience, and I hope that you keep it up.
Good luck in all of your future tasks, and I hope you can do it again!
Posted by: Charles at February 28, 2006 02:47 PM
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Angela-
Welcome back to the USA! You and the team did a great job in Italy. I did see you and few others of your teammates during the closing ceremonies. Reading your story above, I was reminded how gracious you are about sharing your experiences, and letting others see your medals. Right before you left Meredith & Grew, you gave us a chance to see your silver and gold medals, and I thought it was so kind of you. I'll never forget seeing what "real" gold and silver medals looked like. I know everyone on your flight from Boston had the best impression of you, and your team. You are a great representative for your sport! Rest up!
Now, we want to know when we will find out if you'll be on the Apprentice Season 6!
Take care,
Susan Rector
Posted by: Susan Rector at February 28, 2006 02:54 PM
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Glad to see you made it home safe and sound. One last congratulations on your achievement. And one great big heartfelt:
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Pritts at February 28, 2006 02:54 PM
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Do you have any signed pictures? I am a big fan! In my office I have some pretty unique pieces of memorabilia. From a Michael Jordan jersey singned to "the miracle on ice" signed by the entire team.
Thank you.
Bruce
Posted by: bruce at February 28, 2006 03:27 PM
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Welcome home... I just wanted to say that I still look up to you as i have for 8years. I may be an adult now, but adults can still look up to people right? Anyway congrats on the bronze and i hope to see you playing for years to come
Posted by: Amanda Adelle at February 28, 2006 03:30 PM
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Angela was so kind, generous and so very interesting to talk with - and showed her bronze medal to a few of us on the flight from Milan to Boston. Hope she makes it on the "Apprentice" show!!!
Posted by: Bill Doukas at February 28, 2006 04:13 PM
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Welcome home Angela...glad you're back! At the ceremonies did you see the guy who ran and took over the microphone for a second while someone was giving a speech lol hahaha? Well anyway, I'm pretty sure that you got the most votes but I'm not positive. When you find out can you let us know? I'll keep my fingers crossed...take care hun:)
Posted by: Tara D. at February 28, 2006 04:38 PM
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Welcome Home Angela. You and Team USA did a wonderful job representing the USA in the Olympics. Congrats on your medallion for best defense. Hope you make it onto the Apprentice. I voted for you. If you get a chance sometime you should come play hockey in Tulsa again. Bring your Bro too.
Kalen - Tulsa, OK
Posted by: Kalen -Tulsa, OK at February 28, 2006 07:46 PM
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Welcome back to Michigan, and our crappy weather. Don't forget to have a Paczki!
Take care, big #4
Posted by: George Malik at February 28, 2006 09:47 PM
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Angela - Welcome home and a great big "Thank You" for making us all so proud. I printed some of your pictures off your website in color and have them posted on a bulletin board in my office. My colleagues call it the Shrine of St. Angela. I've had all my friends voting for you for The Apprentice. Now that voting has closed, when will we know? If you're ever in Washington D.C., let me know and I'd be happy to set up meetings for you with Members of Congress. Thank you again and look forward to following your career.
Posted by: Mark Gaede at March 1, 2006 12:26 PM
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Hi Angela! Are you doing any summer camps in Michigan this summer? I hope so! I would love to learn from you.
Logan
age 7
Posted by: Logan at March 1, 2006 02:52 PM
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FYI for those peeople already looking forward to 2010, here's the time frame from the website...
2007 Vancouver - 2010 Winter Games mascot to be selected
Winter 2007/2008 - Games venues to be available for athlete training
2008 - VANOC to begin volunteer recruitment. An estimated 25,000 volunteers are required to stage the Games.
Fall 2008 - Vancouver 2010 Winter Games ticket sales
Winter 2008/2009 - Official test events for the 2010 Winter Games
2008 - Media Accreditation for the 2010 Winter Games. An estimated 10,000 media members expected to be accredited.
Fall 2009 - 2010 Winter Games Olympic Flame (torch) Relay
February 12 – 28, 2010 XXI Olympic Winter Games
March 12 – 28, 2010 X Paralympic Winter Games
Posted by: Susan at March 1, 2006 08:05 PM
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Angela - We are excited about your coming to the Beijing "Y". Sarah has told us all about you and had us all watching the games. We are planning a YMCA Olympic Open House April 1st. You are the main attraction. I'm responsible for getting information about you out to the English media. I've been working on it today. What a great web site. What a great story. You make my job easy. THANKS. Looking forward to welcoming you to China in a few weeks. - Ray Jacoby YMCA Sr. Service Corp Volunteer.
Posted by: Ray Jacoby at March 1, 2006 09:10 PM
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Glad to see you made home alright Angela. How long will be it be before you play for the Montreal Axion again?
Andrew Johnson
Posted by: Andrew Johnson at March 1, 2006 11:07 PM
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Good to see you're back home!, I hope you've read all the messages (and pictures) we've been sending to you and the team. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the "Apprentice". As a favor, I was wondering if you could ask Krissy to send an email, when she finds some time. Thanks!
Posted by: Adam Stone at March 2, 2006 01:36 AM
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Angela, Congrats on the Bronze Medal. As I police officer I was able to stand on Team USA's bench in the 2000 World Championships in Mississauga, ON and do a little 'security'. Even after the loss to Canada (3-2) your entire team was gracious and had a great attitude and a few of your teamamtes spent some time chatting after the game. After reading some stroies about your flight back to Michigan, I wasn't surprised. Contrats on your selection as the Best Defenseman and keep up the great work!!!
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie at March 2, 2006 11:39 AM
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hey im listening to this band The Higher and there just reminding me of you and the team how you guys did so well & how you all kept your heads high when things diddnt come out the way planned but you all pulled together for the bronze and that is still a major acomplishment you should check this band out there so good www.purevolume.com/thehigher or at www.myspace.com/thehigher
Posted by: Sean Scully at March 4, 2006 01:24 AM
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Angela, Welcome home and congrats on yet another awesome Olympics. I was fortunate enough to take my two, young, hockey playing daughters to the Warroad game. This set the stage for them to be "glued" to the TV to watch the team play. It just happened to work out that a couple of your games were aired at the same time that they were playing, so we taped them and watched them as a family later. My oldest daughter, who HATES to read, just finished your book. You are an inspiration at so many levels. Thanks so much!
Ann
Posted by: Ann at March 4, 2006 12:54 PM
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Dear Angela,
Welcome home and a big congratulations on a job well done! Watching the Olympics is a big part of our winter every 4 years. You've set a grand example of how hard work pays off and we're proud of you...
Best, Kathy Peabody
Posted by: Kathy Peabody at March 4, 2006 01:23 PM
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Congratulations, Angela, to you and the rest of the team, on your Bronze medal. Everyone here in the USA is proud of what you girls accomplished; none of you have anything to be ashamed about. Just qualifying for the Olympics is accomplishment enough, but to win a medal is an awesome accomplishment. Is there anyway I can get an autographed photo of you? I would really love that.......Congrats again, Pete
Posted by: Pete at March 4, 2006 05:26 PM
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Glad to see you made it home Angela. I was the Captain on that Boston to DTW flight and we were proud to have you onboard. Thanks for letting us see your medal. You and the whole team are National treasures.
Keith Lockhart
A320 Captain
NWA
Posted by: Keith Lockhart at March 6, 2006 08:41 PM
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hey angela,
yourself and the team have made our little family extremely proud. have a safe trip home.
maynard and lisa
Posted by: maynard and lisa josephson at March 7, 2006 11:14 AM
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Another FYI for those from the U.S.A. planning to go to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver...you may need to plan ahead for this:
From the FAQ @ Vancouver Tourism site:
Q. What can you tell me about the new rules requiring passports to cross the border?
A. At the present time, Canadian and American citizens only need a birth certificate and a photo ID (such as a driver's license) to cross into the USA. There is a new U.S. law saying that passports will be required by everyone who crosses a land border by Dec. 31/2007. The same law says passports will be required by anyone entering the USA by plane or sea by Dec. 31, 2006.
Q. Does that mean my children will also have to have a passport even if they are just babies?
A. Yes, all travellers regardless of age will require passports IF the law is carried out as intended. But there are many American politicians who are very concerned about the outcome of such a rule on the border who are actively trying to either change it, lobby for alternative documentation required or have the implementation delayed.
Q. Where do I get an American passport?
A. The best place to get information on obtaining an American passport is the website "www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html". This will take you directly to the area where they offer all the information you need. They will allow you to type in your zip code to print the 10 nearest offices where you can present your application if you download one or to pick up an application.
Hope this helps folks prepare. Don't wait for the mad rush/forget-I'm gonna apply now (My first one expired years ago!)
Good luck,
Susan
Posted by: Susan at March 7, 2006 06:01 PM
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Hi Angela,
I am 8 years old and I play hockey in mites and the name of my team is Puckhogs. I am doing a biography of you and I am going to dress up as you at my school at St. Joan of Arc. I hope you can visit us in school one day.
I hope you email me back, because the other kids won't believe me andCongratulations for all your work
Love,
Paulina Mia Licavoli
Posted by: Paulina at March 9, 2006 09:25 PM
Welcome Home!
I just finished reading your book. What an inspiration! I actually saw you play in 1999-2000 season. I was a student-athletic trainer at Cornell University. Harvard beat Cornell in both games. It wasn't until this years Olympics and after reading your book that I came to this revolution.
I think what you are doing to promote sports for young girls is excellent! It's a long journey for the world to realize that girl's can compete too!
Posted by: Trish Shugars at February 28, 2006 02:32 PM