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Shelley Osterloh ReportingWhile Utah can be proud of its contribution to Olympic history in 2002, our states' influence is also reflected in the many faces of those athletes who have grown up or trained in our state. We can be very proud of our Olympians.
While the world had its eyes on big talking Bode Miller, it was an unknown 21-year old Park City skier named Ted Ligety who's remarkable slalom performance won him a gold medal in the Combined.
Brash talking, smile flashing Chad Hedrick displayed a fierce competitiveness that put him at odds with teammates but also helped him win three medals: gold, silver, and bronze.
Orem's Shauna Rohbock won silver in Bobsled. Park City Winter School's, Julia Mancuso took gold in Giant Slalom. Toby Dawson took bronze in Moguls.
There are many who didn't win medals, but showed their Olympic spirit nonetheless.
Sundance skier Steven Nyman celebrated his friend's victory as if it had been his own. Park city's three time Olympian Erik Schlopy leads the team by quiet example. Jeret Speedy Peterson, the fun loving aerialist, performed the most difficult trick in Olympic Aerial history. And his good friend, Emily Cook, finally realized her Olympic dream, and like Shannon Bahrke, overcame serious injuries.
And don't forget Double Luge's Preston Griffall, Cross country's Wendy Wagner and Carl Swenson, Bobsled's Jean Prahm, Steve Holcomb and Billy Schuffenhauer, Freestyle's Jillian Vogtli, Jana Lindsey and Ryan St. Onge, and Nordic's Brett and Eric Camerota, Carl Van Loan, Billy DeMong and Johnny Spillane
There were some notable retirements too.Three Gold medal Speedskaters from 2002 end their Olympic careers in Torino, including Derek Parra, one of the most beloved US athletes, Casey FitzRandolph the peace-maker and team leader, five time Olympian in summer and winter Games, Chris Witty. Also retiring are Kip Carpenter and KC Boutiette, who brought many inline skaters to the long track speed skating team, including his wife Jennifer Rodriguez.
Joe Pack the 2002 silver medalist from Park City, never misses a chance to thank those who've supported him. Eric Bergoust, ‘98 gold medalist whose intelligence and creativity have made aerials safer for all who follow. And finally Joey Cheek, who won gold and silver, then stunned everyone by giving away his USOC bonus money to charity and challenging his sponsors to do the same --- now totally more than 350 thousand dollars. For his generosity and Olympic spirit, he carried the US Flag in closing Ceremonies.
There are so many whose Olympic dreams were fostered in Utah and who represent us all with dignity and pride.
