Torino and the Olympic Experience
February 26, 2006
I have had a few days over the past week to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy Torino and my Olympic experience. I have eaten lots of pizza since then, bought a few souvenirs, and got to spend some time with friends and family that came over to visit. Torino is full of life right now and it is great to be a part of it. Last night was the White Night, where there were over 500,000 people celebrating on the streets!
After the Bronze medal game versus Finland, where we won 4-0, I remember looking into the locker room and thinking about how proud I was of everyone. Everyone played their hearts out in that final game and we were able to make America proud by bringing home a bronze medal. Katie King, one of the best players in the world, who was playing in her last game ever as a Team USA member, really stepped up to the plate and delivered a hat trick in the final match. After the game was over, we were in the locker room and you could see how happy and proud we were because we were able to rally from a devastating loss, pick up the pieces, and deliver one final performance that showed what kind of people and athletes this Team USA was. I was so proud of our team in that moment because although we did not win the color medal that we sought out for, we did bring home a medal to the USA and it was earned not just in the final day, but over the course of the entire year. Our team has practiced day in and day out since August, preparing for this moment. I am sure that all of the viewers that got to watch us receive our medals, were smiling at us. I certainly was...
I just got back from watching Sweden beat Finland for the gold medal in men's hockey. It was an amazing game and fun to be in the stands, as a spectator this time. We have one hour now to put on our closing ceremonies uniforms. This is the last part of the XX Winter Games. The closing ceremonies are usually very laid back in comparison to the Opening formalities. It is a chance for the athletes to come together one last time and celebrate. I have had a blast in my past two experiences (I had Alana Blahoski on my shoulders in '98). I am very much looking forward to this part, to say goodbye to Torino, and to get on a flight back to Detroit to see my family.
I will post a very long message when I return (I have plenty of time to write on the bus to Milan and then the plane ride home).
Thanks again for all of your support!
Angela
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I hope you had a lot of fun at the Closing Ceremonies. My friends and I are looking forward to watching them later tonight. Have a safe trip home, and welcome back to the USA!
Posted by: Chelsey Masterson at February 26, 2006 02:18 PM
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I promise, you will be on the apprentice! After finding out that by clearing my cookies folder I can vote repeatedly I haven't stopped. I'm at a pace of five votes per minute. Thank you for everything, especially for finding time for us during your hectic schedule.
Posted by: Adam Stone at February 26, 2006 04:36 PM
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You couldn't be more right in the statement that you're "sure that all of the viewers that got to watch us receive our medals, were smiling at us." When it comes to this particular competition, a medal is a medal. As you also said it may not have been the medal you ladies had your hearts set on, but either way they looked extremely attractive with the USA on the sweaters as a background! I got the chills and a smile watching the entire thing unfold from the drop of the puck in that final game until the medals and flowers were handed out at the end of the day.
As a result, I'd like to thank you and your team mates for the sense of pride and accomplishment you have given the entire nation. Regardless of what occurs over the next several months (i.e. decisions within the organization, personal decisions of each individual player), all of us fans of the team can maintain that proud feeling over the next four years and into and through Vancouver.
Once again - congratulations, thank you, and you and the rest of the gang enjoy some much deserved time off following a safe return home!
Posted by: Joel Dennis at February 26, 2006 04:44 PM
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You and your teammates are an inspiration to us all. You all played through the hurt and won something that countless people dream about. It is an honor to be able to represent your country and to bring home a medal on top of that is just icing on the cake ( no matter the flavor!)
Congrats again and thanks for reminding us all that the glass is half full!
Posted by: Cristy in West Texas at February 26, 2006 05:27 PM
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As a spectator, i've truly enjoyed watching the games over the past several days.
I will always remember these 2006 Olympics. By now , everything is over....but i have an hour yet before the closing ceremonies will be televised.
I'm thrilled for you and all of our athletes who sacrifice so much to become a part of it....and yet i feel a bit of hallownness because the experience is ending.
Can't wait 'till 2010 !!!!
Best wishes to you, Angela and good luck in all your future endeavors.
Thank you for the memories.....
All The Best !!!!
Rik
Posted by: Rik at February 26, 2006 06:05 PM
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Hey,
How soon can we get tickets for Vancouver?
It's alot closer so it should be doable,
even if I gotta find a place that doesn't
mind my dog. With a mayor who is a quadraplegic they'll probably be more advanced than some of the "speed bumps" I've run into here in the states!
Got my Visa, now give those dates and tickets!
Hope to see you there Angela, playing or cheering.
Again, welcome home, and I address that to the
entire U.S. contingent!
Susan and Jaz
Posted by: Susan at February 26, 2006 08:27 PM
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Since we seem to have at least two comment pages going,let me repeat what a wise person has posted. By clearing your computer "cookies" in between, you can vote over and over for the "Apprentice".
Susan
Posted by: Susan at February 26, 2006 08:39 PM
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Go get 'em 2010 Ang! We're all rooting for you no matter what. Keep this up! I love reading about your experiences. And good luck in the upcoming years in the Four Nations Cup, and World Championships!
Only 4 years until Vancouver! Make them keep around women's hockey. Don't let it be like softball!
-Sam-
Posted by: Sam at February 26, 2006 09:05 PM
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my granddaughter amanda robinson has a copy of your book, and while i would like to read it, i will no doubt have to pay to do so, or steal it.
she still talks about your first meeting at a hockey camp you had. i am sure you will see her at future hockey camps. she still plays whenever
she gets a chance, but doesnt get the ice time she needs to improve her game. i am sure she would appreciate any ideas you might have to
get more time to improve her game. you have
her email address.
thanks for any help you might provide that would improve her game.
kc
Posted by: k.c. at February 26, 2006 09:53 PM
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Have a safe trip home....It's finally gotten cold around here, so you may actually get some "winter" welcoming you back to Metro Detroit.
We were all smiling. Some of us were just smiling through our tears.
Take care, big #4.
Posted by: George Malik at February 26, 2006 10:41 PM
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TEAM U.S.A. it is now time to come home, where you all belong. You all represented the red, white and blue with class and dignity. I hope your trip home is safe and joyful.
Posted by: Jamie Pritts at February 26, 2006 11:11 PM
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ANGELA--
Congrats on a great Olympics---I have just finished watching the Closing ceremonies with my 91 yr old father and my son----it's hard to believe it's over--but Vancouver is not that far off---you and your teammates should be very proud of your accomplishments---it was alot of fun watching the team----yo all hae worked so hardin the past months to represent you country and yu should all hold your heads high--you have alot to feel good about----I wish you the very best in the World's ---maybe you guys will win it then---YOu are certainly a great player and person and an inspiration to many----Keep up your good work both on and off the ice--------Hope to see you again in the future------received your book as a chistmas present---will you autograph it????
Take care ----hi to your mother----glad she could go over to torino to watch and enjoy the experience with you.
Betsy Barker
Posted by: Betsy Barker at February 27, 2006 12:16 AM
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Hey Angela,
Weather it be Gold, Silver, Bronze or dressing up an NBC annoucer as a goaltender you still should look forward to 2010 in Vancouver.
Go 4 Gold!
Andrew Johnson
P.S. Good job kiddo! ;)
Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 27, 2006 02:33 AM
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Well it's 3am EST and the polls are closed. I'm guessing the next time I write to you it will be to congratulate you on making the show, and to complain about Carpal Tunnel from about three hundred votes. (Just kidding)
Posted by: Adam Stone at February 27, 2006 03:14 AM
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Mere words on a screen are inadequate to convey
how very, VERY proud we are of US women's hockey.
I understand that there are regrets -- a bronze
when sights were set on gold, the retirement of
teammates, and so on -- but you've done the most
important things you needed to do:
(a) You played as hard as you could.
(b) You competed fairly and in the Olympic spirit.
(c) You represented our country to the world.
There's nothing else we could possibly ask of you.
So...thank you. And if you decide to do this
again in Vancouver: you know damn well we're
behind you.
Citius...altius...fortius.
Posted by: Rich Kulawiec at February 27, 2006 09:06 AM
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Susan the dates for the 2010 games in van city I mean Vancouver are february 12th to the 28th 2010.
here's the website http://www.vancouver2010.com
I hope that helps.
Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 27, 2006 03:33 PM
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Angela, I am a third grade teacher in Grandville, Michigan. (We haven’t met, but I am Billy's friend Joe's wife) My class has been following you and the other Olympians for the past several weeks. We wanted to tell you how proud we are of you all. We have learned a lot by watching your perfect example of "Oh, the places you could go" when you work hard at something. Thank you for showing my students what a little hard work and determination will get you! P.S. We all voted for you to be on the Apprentice. I hope you win you deserve it!
Posted by: Kate Messina (Joe's wife) at February 27, 2006 04:12 PM
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Angela -- safe journey! I vote for you everyday for the Apprentice - one of my favorite shows!
Go get 'em and congrats on the Bronze! Way cool!
Posted by: Angela at February 27, 2006 06:54 PM
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Hey Angela,
Not only are you a talented athlete and have proven time and time again that you are an outstanding member on any hockey team - you are also very down to earth in the fact you will spend time talking to your fans - especially on your home flight to Detriot today! Thank you for taking your personal time and spending it with your fans! You made my day!
Samantha
Posted by: Samantha at February 27, 2006 11:04 PM
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You and the team did great at the Olympics!
I am sure that you and the team will remember the experience forever and know that the entire US of A were with you on your journey!
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Skate fast and skate well!
Take care.
Jay
Posted by: psybertech at February 28, 2006 08:29 AM
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Hi, my name is Angelo, i'm Italian and i live in Torino.
I had seen you and the USA Hockey team here in torino play versus Germany.
Good play and great compliments! I'm very happy for your medal and i'm happy that you liked my great city.
Everyboby here had made all that possible for the Olimpic game and i'm very happy for this resolution.
Sorry for my bad english but i wont to tell you my happiness for the most important event in the world: "The Olimpic Game".
One Olimpic medal is for all life.
See you everybody and compliments for all the USA athletes from Torino.
Angelo
Posted by: Angelo at March 1, 2006 06:16 AM
Have a good night Angela.
Welcome home to the U.S.A.!
You have earned a good rest! Of course eventually you may be involved in being an
"Apprentice", but as with all your other activities, you should do well.
Susan
Posted by: Susan at February 26, 2006 12:45 PM