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Shelley Osterloh ReportingSome athletes say they feel like they've worked their whole lives to make it to the Olympics, now those dreams and expectations are coming true. Shelley Osterloh spoke with some of our Utah Olympians about that special moment, when they realized they were at the Olympics.
The city of Torino is coming alive with Olympic images on the streets, in the venues and the Olympic Village. And whether they are first time Olympians or those who are returning, there comes a moment when it is no longer a dream.
Kip Carpenter, U.S. Speedskater: "I think it really hit me first, 'Oh my gosh we are here at the Olymics.' My room, the window overlooks the oval there and we have an Olympic flag sitting right outside our window."
Jillian Vogtli, U.S. Mogul Skier: "But I think that the biggest thing for me thus far is the realization that my family is coming over, and my dad hasn't been out of the country since Vietnam."
For many, arriving at the Olympic village is the culmination of years of work and sacrifice, and anticipation of what still ahead.
Joey Cheek, U.S. Speedskater: "It's really starting to get exciting because all of the teams are starting to show up. So you have all the countries and sports in our village and showing up, so you kind of get the goose bumps and the chills a little bit."
Michelle Roark, U.S. Moguls Skier: "I see things every day, and getting all of our uniforms. And a part of me just wants to scream and be so excited, just really milk it in, but I'm kind of pushing it off right now so I can just keep focusing on my skiing."
Derek Parra, U.S. Speedskater: "It reminded me of '98 and being just so awestruck of being at the Olympic games seeing the Olympic rings everywhere I looked, the colors. All the volunteers are getting so excited."
Since 2002, when Shannon Bahrke won silver, she has broken her jaw and injured her knees. The road back has been tough.
Shannon Bahrke, U.S. Moguls Skier: "I think the slogan is the passion lives here. And I just saw it written everywhere. And the Olympic rings, I just, it made me cry. I've done it again, I've made it back the Olympics. Somewhere that really means a lot to me."
And the best is yet to come. It all gets underway Friday night at Opening ceremonies, which you can watch on KSL 5.
