ski like a girl's Julie & Julia moment

February 1st has come and gone and I've been waiting patiently impatiently for some news from the One Winter, Five Dreams peeps.  I did get an email asking if I could really go to Vancouver, what my clothing sizes were, and if I was computer savvy.

Last night the winner was announced and the Gold Blogger is (insert drum-roll here...) not me!  :(
Of course I am a little sad about this. Who wouldn't be?  A chance to go to the Olympics, attend the events, blog about the athletes.... fun, fun, fun.  Anyway, enough about me. Wait this is my blog it can be all about me. Can't it?

The Gold Blogger is... Aaron Harris.  He's a dedicated figure skating blogger, Olympic enthusiast, and social media guru!   Check out his posts during the Games.  He will keep us in touch with all the One Winter, Five Dreams athletes.

And now back to me!
Here's my Julie  & Julia moment.  And just to be clear, I am Julie in this scenario not Julia.  I started blogging about the Olympics and specifically the Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams athletes after my recent crash with a snowboarder. Dislocated shoulder, blah, blah, blah... (Remember I promised not to whine about that anymore.)  During my month (plus) of not skiing I have blogged wildly about all things Olympics.  Not knowing if anyone besides my family and friends were reading my stuff.  Or even if my family and friends were reading this.

Well guess what?  Someone was reading.  And it wasn't my mom cuz I had to tell her about the blog today when I called her with my exciting news. (We are not big on full disclosure in my family, sort of a don't ask don't tell policy.  We are a military family.)  Luckily, Mom recently watched  Julie & Julia so she knows what a blog is.  Now that I'm thinking about it I'm not sure if she really knows what a blog is.

Because
#1 When I told her my news, although she was very excited she didn't ask for the name of my blog or the URL of my blog and ...

#2 She wouldn't know what a URL is because...

#3 She isn't the most computer literate person.  (She drives to the travel agent to book trips, flights... in person.)

In Julie & Julia, Julie's blog is a pretty important element of the movie.  Maybe my mom thought that Julie was writing in a journal, not an online journal that anyone in the world would see. If this is true it messes with some key points that occur towards the end of the movie but my mom usually falls asleep by then so it probably isn't worth explaining to her.


Here is my BIG news.
I was contacted by a producer from the WNYC radio show,  The Takeaway.  She saw my blog!!!  And wants to (possibly) include me and my blog in a round-table about people who are blogging about the Olympics.  It's not definite yet but it helps lessen the sadness of not being the Gold Blogger.  Actually, it's kind of cooler than the Gold Blogger!  And I can do it from home in my PJ's.  The show airs at 6 am in New York and I am on the west coast.  Yikes!

I'll let you know if it's really happening!  For now I will keep blogging away about skiing, the Olympics, my favorite athletes, and all the other random things I love.  Please keep reading.

xoxo,
ski girl
p.s.  Mom, if you have figured out how to find my blog, I love you!

ski like a girl: Ethiopian Olympian, Robel Teklemariam is skiing for the world

The goal of Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams project is to bring a group of lesser known Olympic hopefuls together with bloggers around the world. The goal of the bloggers is to draw attention to each of the athletes. To support them and cheer them on as they work towards achieving their Olympic dreams. To open the world's eyes and hearts to their struggles, hardships, and ultimate success' of each these athletes.

Robel Telkelmariam may have started out as on unknown but he is far from unknown now. He may be considered a one man show. The sole member of the Ethiopian Ski Team but he is far from alone. Thanks to Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams project Robel has the support of world behind him now.

How it all began:

Robel moved to New York City from Ethiopia at age 8. When he is 12 his mother is transferred to North Korea and Robel in enrolled in a boarding school in upstate New York. It is here near Lake Placid, that he is introduced to a new sport. One of the graduation requirements was that everyone had to learn how to ski. Robel was intrigued by skiing from the start. His coach says, " He just dived into it fully and spent really every waking moment that he could skiing." Robel continues to ski, earning a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. He knew he was capable of competing at an Olympic level but his country had no winter Olympics committee, no ski team. After a 3 year effort Robel successfully establishes a Skiing Federation in Ethiopia.

Check out this New York Times video interview before 2006 Olympics.

Is he going for the Gold?

Robel's not in it for the medal but to show that anything is possible. He is skiing for the future of his country. Robel says it's,"for that one kid that is possibly going to see him skiing for Ethiopia and get inspired. Maybe that's the kid that will bring back the medal for Ethiopia."

Robel doesn't want to be the last Ethiopian to compete in the Winter Olympics. He hopes that there will be more and more Ethiopians competing for the gold. Robel has opened the door for other Ethiopians interested in skiing.

"Endurance sports are what Ethiopians are good at we are born and raised at high altitude. I think if you get an Ethiopian that starts cross country ski racing when he's young, you know maybe 8, 9 years old I really don't see any reason why they cannot be winning medals."

How can you help?

Go to Robel's blog at One Winter, Five Dreams take a few moments to read through the comments. You will find, like I have that Robel isn't just skiing to inspire that kid back in Ethiopia, he is skiing for the world. He has supporters from Canada, United States, New Zealand, and Sweden. If you check his facebook fan page you will find more of his international appeal.

Robel says.

"Thank you all so much for your support. I guess I am not just skiing just for Ethiopia anymore. I will have to be skiing for all of you as well. You best wishes drive me even harder in my trainings so I can get a better result at the Games."

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His fans include family member, former ski student, soccer buddies, and people from around the world who are inspired by his story. His dedication to his sport, and his country has lead to a world wide base of fans that are following his story all the way to Vancouver. Please join in and support Robel as he makes his Olympic dreams come true. Follow his blog, become a facebook fan, and share your messages of support and encouragement.

Remember Robel is skiing for the world! Join ski like a girl in cheering him on as he creates history.

xoxo,

ski girl

p.s.It's not too late to win a trip to the Olympics. Only 3 days left to enter. Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams Gold Blogger contest. ski like a girl has entered! Share in the passion and excitement of the 2010 Winter games!

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ski like a girl: Kazuhiro Koshi is going for the Gold!

"I'm in it to win it," Kazuhiro Koshi told Japanese reporters after returning from a World Cup event in Europe. "All I am thinking of is the gold medal." One Winter, Five Dreams featured Skeleton athlete, Kazuhiro Koshi has qualified as the oldest member on the Japanese Winter Olympics team.

Koshi has this to say about age and athletics; "

I want the young ones to be more aggressive and much more hungry. I want them to challenge me more. Age has no relevance. It's one contender against the others. As a contender I need to feel that way. If I didn't I shouldn't even compete. If I'm not challenging myself for a medal I would betray my supporters and the media. Of course, only the gold."

Koshi is back in Japan from his overseas competitions. He arrived home the same day he qualified for the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. What a wonderful homecoming for him!

From Koshi's One Winter, Five Dreams blog:

"My goal is to earn a gold medal. But that's not all.

I also want to show my professional attitude and to not to give up until the end.

I hope, that if anything else, I can set an example for those who follow me and encourage them to follow their dreams.

I appreciate your support."

In 1999, Koshi became the first athlete from Japan to win at the Nagano World Cup. He also competed in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games finishing 8th and 11th in the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games. For more about Koshi's Skeleton record click here.

Follow his story as at age 45, he once again is heading to the Olympics! With athletes from age 15 to 45, the Japanese team is multi-generational. Click here to read full article.

"Koshi said walking out at next month's opening ceremony alongside 15-year-old speed skater Miho Takagi, Japan's youngest competitor in Vancouver, would feel strange.

“It will be a bit like going out there with my 13-year-old daughter,” he said. “But I'll show you all what an old man can do — you wait!”

ski like a girl can't wait to see what Koshi can do!

xoxo,

ski girl

p.s. Check out Koshi's new facebook fan page. Become a fan and support his Olympic dream! 36 fans so far and growing. Spread the word and become a fan.

p.p.s.It's not too late to win a trip to the Olympics. Only 5 days left to enter. Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams Gold Blogger contest. ski like a girl has entered! Share in the passion and excitement of the 2010 Winter games!

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ski like a girl & flying from Clyde Getty's perspective

Flying from Clyde's perspective.

Clyde Getty, wearing a water proof helmet camera, performs a Lay-Lay (double back flip layed out) in the 2010 Lake Placid World Cup Freestyle Men's Aerials competition, 1/22/10. Clyde finished in 35th overall. Click here for full results.

Here is Clyde's Coach John's view of his Lay-Lay-Lay (triple layout back flip) in the 2010 Deer Valley World Cup, 1/15/10. Clyde came in 35th overall. Click here for full results.

Clyde said the, "triples were easy, fun, and HUGE."

Here's a little back and forth between me and Clyde. You know how much I love this stuff!

From Clyde's blog post: Triple today...competion tomorrow.

Sweet, triples!!!!! I'm so excited for you. Stay focused and keep your mind clear. You can do it. You have all the skills and experience necessary for success. Best of luck in your competition tomorrow.

Posted by leilani aka ski girl at Jan 18, 2010 1:02 AM

Leilani-
Yes triple. No problem. Deer Valley was great despite my cold. As I said to Jeffrey, I would like to think that it did not affect me. Maybe it did, but I don't think so. I competed with triple Layout...and that was the first time I did it in competition ever. It may be the first time it was EVER done in competition by anyone. That would be sweeeeet. I have video of it, and I will put it on here as soon as I can. Thanks again for your great support. Abrazos :-{)

Posted by Clyde Getty replied to leilani aka ski girl at Jan 22, 2010 3:02 AM

And a little more from Clyde's post "How was Calgery?"

Love the detail you go into between the double and the triple. The math is beyond me but what you do is very impressive. Were you in Park City in July? I saw the Flying Ace performance over the 4th so I have some idea of what your summer training entails. I also ran up the hill to the Utah Olympic Park as part of my training. I've been posting info on you and the other 4 One Winter, Five Dreams athletes on my blog www.ski-like-a-girl.blogspot.com Keep up the great work! Looking forward to reading about Deer Valley. Best Wishes.

Posted by leilani at Jan 12, 2010 1:13 AM

Leilani-
Yes, I was in the Flying Ace shows, probably even the one on July 4th. You must definitely be in great shape if you can run up the Olympic Park hill. I would dread that. Maybe next you'll be jumping and going off "Mongo"!

But, yet another adventure comes in Deer Valley! Thank you for your enthusiastic support. :-{)

Posted by Clyde Getty replied to leilani at Jan 22, 2010 2:40 AM

Hmmm, I have video of that Flying Aces show from the 4th. I need to go back and check it out.

Clyde Getty is one of Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams featured athletes. Learn more about Clyde's journey to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics by reading his blog. Share your messages of support with Clyde and the other athletes as they make their way to the games.

xoxo,

ski girl

p.s. Only 6 days left to win a trip to the Olympics! Enter Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams Gold Blogger contest. ski like a girl has entered! Share in the passion and excitement of the 2010 Winter games!

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ski like a girl is watching Tugba Karademir's Free Skating Program at the ISU Championship

Watch One Winter, Five Dreams athlete, Tugba Karademir's Free Skating Program at the European Figure Skating Championship, as she finishes 12th overall.

Click here to view Tugba's skating career results. She is steadily moving up in the rankings and is the perfect position heading into the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Tugba is one of the five athletes featured on Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams site. Follow her blog and leave her messages of support as she continues her journey to Vancouver for her second bid at an Olympic gold medal.
Congratulations Tugba! ski like a girl is rooting for you!

xoxo,
ski girl
p.s. Win a trip to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Enter Panasonic's Gold Blogger contest. Share in the passion and excitement of the Olympics. Remember Gold Blogger applications must be submitted by January 31st, 2010 24:00 (JST)

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ski like a girl & the One Winter, Five Dreams Gold Blogger Contest

Enter for your chance to win a trip to the Winter Olympics.

Only 8 days left to enter

Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams brings our attention to five lesser known athletes who all share the common dream of making it to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Bloggers from around the world have the opportunity to spread the word about the five athletes, share their inspiring stories, and cheer them on as the opening ceremony of games draws near.
The featured athletes are:

• Clyde Getty: Argentina, Men's Freestyle Skiing

• Tugba Karademir: Turkey, Ladies Figure Skating

• Robel Teklemariam: Ethipoia, Men's Cross Country-Skiing

• Katharine Eustace: New Zealand, Women's Skeleton

• Kazuhiro Koshi: Japan, Men's Skeleton

Gold Blogger:
From the Panasonic One Winter, Five Dreams athletes blog:
Bloggers around the world who would like to see the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, please give us a hand! A Gold Blogger will be selected from users who have posted heart-warming messages on the blogs （of any of these 5 athletes）, or who have supported these athletes through their blogging and/or other social media activities. The selected “Gold Blogger” will be sent to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to represent the online supporters by blogging about the athletes’ activities and competitive performances. The Gold Blogger will also deliver the online messages from the participators of the site to the athletes (subject to the conditions at the location). Your voices of support will encourage the athletes in their pursuit of their dreams and lead them to victory. So let’s share their passion!

xoxo,
ski girl aka gold blogger (fingers crossed)
p.s. You know I have entered. Check out my posts at ski like a girl for more information on the One Winter, Five Dreams athletes. And help me cheer them on!

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ski like a girl is watching Tugba at the European Ice Skating Championships

Watch the graceful and beautiful Tugba Karademir as she skates her way into 10th place after the short program at the ISU European Ice Skating Championships. With her technical points she is ranked 5th! Tugba became the first Turkish figure skater in history to compete at the Olympic Winter Games in Torino, 2006. The 24-year-old skater knew after last year's world championships in March that she was bound for her second Olympics. Her 10th place finish in 2007 at the European Championships is the best placement of a Turkish figure skater in an ISU Championship so far.
Tugba started skating at age 5 as a part of her kindergarten activities when the first ice rink opened in Ankara, Turkey. She moved with her parents to Canada when she was 12 years old for better practice conditions. She was offered a chance to compete for Canada but chose to compete for her birthplace, Turkey. Some skaters she looks up to are Katarina Witt (GER), Kurt Browning (CAN), Steven Cousins (GBR), Jamie Sale and David Pelletier (CAN). Kurt Browning choreographed her current short program.


Click here to view Tugba's skating career results. She is steadily moving up in the rankings and is the perfect position heading into the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Tugba is one of the five athletes featured on Panasonic's One Winter, Five Dreams site. Follow her blog and leave her messages of support as she continues her journey to Vancouver for her second bid at an Olympic gold medal.
Congratulations Tugba! ski like a girl is rooting for you!
xoxo,
ski girl
p.s. Remember Gold Blogger applications must be submitted by January 31st, 2010 24:00 (JST)

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ski like a girl and yet another One Winter, Five Dreams Post

Don't say I didn't warn you about the OCD thing.  I've been a busy little ski girl.  Today I built a Squidoo lens for the One Winter, Five Dreams athletes. It puts their blogs, youtube videos, pictures, and other info all in one place.  Hopefully it will draw a little more attention to these incredibly hard working athletes as they count down the days to the big event.  Yes, only 22 days!  I've turned into quite the fan.

Speaking of fans I started two new Facebook fan pages today.

Kazuhiro Koshi on Facebook
Katharine Eustace on Facebook

Become a fan and post comments.  I'll make sure and pass them on.

One Winter, Five Dreams facebook stats:
Clyde Getty has 181 fans, Robel Teklemariam has 214 fans, and Tugba Karademir has 11 on her English page and 860 on her personal page.  So far I'm the only fan on Kazuhiro Koshi's and Katharine Eustace's pages.  Let's change that!  And while you're at it why don't you become fans of all five athletes.  I am.

While we're talking about Facebook, ski like a girl has a Facebook fan page too and could use a little more love.  It takes 25 fans to be able to get a custom Facebook username (instead of that ridiculously long and convoluted one) and we have 8 fans right now.  Please fan us!  You'll get ski like a girl updates and we can chat on Facebook.  All kinds of good stuff.  If you have a page let me know.  I'm a really good fan.  Kind of stalkerish at times.  Did you see "The Fan" or  "Swimfan".  Well I'm not that bad.  Really! Don't be scared.

xoxo,
ski girl
p.s.  I'm still working on making my gold blogger dreams come true.  The Gold Blogger contest ends on January 31st, 2010 24:00 (JST).  Get your enteries in to win a trip to the games.  Even if you don't enter you can leave messages for each of the athletes.  Encourage these amazing athletes as they their pursue their dreams and cheer them to victory. Let’s share their passion!