[GDT] February 11th

[Kelekin]

Originally Posted by 19Yzerman19

Sure, it means these guys were either fortunate enough to avoid the ####tiest parts of the dilapidated pipe, or they're the best at riding through crappy conditions. That's a legitimate skill, but it's not the way you'd want to see the event decided.

I didn't say it wasn't FAIR, but it very obviously dictated how the competition ended up going. You had to feel bad for these guys who have trained in top-flite facilities only to get there and find amateur hour waiting for them. I couldn't blame them for being pissed.

Put the same field of finalists on a perfect halfpipe and the runs they put down, and the results at the end, are entirely different. Of course it's because of the halfpipe.

Here's the long and short of it: I'm seriously considering betting on some of the underdogs for ski pipe, because if they can't make this thing better they'll be scraping guys off the deck with spatulas. It's a crap shoot.

In almost every event, usually only 1-2 of the medal favourites actually win (rarely all 3). iPod had a good podium shot as he has been amazing anywhere that isn't the X-Games. Hirano is young but has already been on the podium a ton on the tour and was 2nd at the X-Games. Hiraoka is the surprise but even he was 2nd at the worlds last year. I really think the field was quite close in skill outside of White (some people are over-rated, like Davis).

Outside of White, there's nothing wrong with this podium and it's not all that shocking.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Hello Russian Spice Girls.

[Clever_Iggy]

Wasn't the half-pipe in Vancouver considered pretty crappy as well? Didn't stop White from performing there...

Actually, Kelly Clark said that she prefers the Sochi halfpipe to the Vancouver one.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...ints-/5362347/

I think White just choked.

[Kelekin]

Alright, that's all for today. I'll create a new thread for tomorrow with a preview close to the start of events. Tomorrow is a bit of a slow day for Canada.

[OffsideSpecialist]

Russian cross-country skier breaks a ski, CAnadian coach gives him a new ski. That's what the Olympics are about

http://www.businessinsider.com/cross...ven-ski-2014-2

[cDnStealth]

Opposing coach? LOL. Just say he's Canadian.

[trackercowe]

Originally Posted by Kelekin

Alright, that's all for today. I'll create a new thread for tomorrow with a preview close to the start of events. Tomorrow is a bit of a slow day for Canada.

Real hockey finally begins, that's all we really need tomorrow.

[cDnStealth]

nm

[OffsideSpecialist]

There might be something wrong with me, but I really don't get too excited about Olympic hockey. I likely won't bother watching until the elimination games. I think my favourite part of the Olympics is watching some of the athletes in lesser known sports make a name for themselves on an international stage.

[CubicleGeek]

@OffsideSpecialist - That is definitely the exact opposite of me. I will be streaming every men's hockey game at work and at least listening in the background when I'm at my desk. I've blocked off my calendar for all the Canadian men's hockey games so I can be at my desk to watch.

[SuperMatt18]

I will watch the men's hockey and am of course excited for it, but don't think I am anymore excited for hockey then I am for the rest of the Olympics.

I think I prefer these smaller events and awesome stories to the hockey. I follow hockey 365 days a year, for the 14 days of the Olympics I love being able to watch things like Moguls and Luge and get behind the Canadians in those events.

[craigwd]

Originally Posted by OffsideSpecialist

Russian cross-country skier breaks a ski, CAnadian coach gives him a new ski. That's what the Olympics are about

http://www.businessinsider.com/cross...ven-ski-2014-2

To be fair this actually happens a lot on the course with all coaches and officials. Usually it's a ski pole though. Still a nice story.

[Arsenal14]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I will watch the men's hockey and am of course excited for it, but don't think I am anymore excited for hockey then I am for the rest of the Olympics.

I think I prefer these smaller events and awesome stories to the hockey. I follow hockey 365 days a year, for the 14 days of the Olympics I love being able to watch things like Moguls and Luge and get behind the Canadians in those events.

Agreed. I'm a big curling fan but right now I get to work in the morning and watch all of the Canadian performances in every other sport and then just check the scores from curling. I'll probably watch some of the hockey but I much prefer seeing some of the events that only get attention every four years (freestyle skiing, short-track, etc).

[btimbit]

I just love watching all of it. The passion and drive can make even the more boring events an absolute blast to watch. I can't wait for the hockey to start but each event that I've seen has been just as entertaining. Ladies Slopestyle this morning had me on my feet