Morning of our final day in Ramsau. Not as planned unfortunately. We still have 5 skiers competing today, but the GOC powers that be decided the team has to depart for Graz. The 5 athletes and 2 coaches will stay behind to compete and join the rest of the team in Graz for closing ceremonies. To say we, as a team, we're disappointed, is an understatement. We have been a team, a family here, and cheer each other on both during competition and awards. It feels bad to know those five will be here without our support. Supposedly the rest of the team will travel two hours to healthy athletes and spend the day waiting for closing. Every last one of us wish we were at the ski stadium instead.
The bad news came last night at dinner, capping a tough day on snow. We had two DQs during the 500 meter races. DQS based on the "honest effort" rule, meaning if the finals time is 15% or more faster from the prelims, the athlete is disqualified. Tough to explain to athletes who are giving everything and have no idea what sandbagging means. It does happen with some countries, but our athletes just go out and do their best. Anyway, we as coaches try to explain why if they had the fastest time of the day, they don't get a gold. Really hard.
So we load the equipment truck soon, then bus, then off to Graz. I could write an entire story about getting everyone packed last night and the tornados in the rooms, but I'd need more time. Soon I have to delete a few pounds from my luggage and start hauling gear to the truck. For now, it's off to our final day of being with this great team.....
