Winter Games Day 17 (Sun 23Rd)

[joggerjayne]

What a long strange trip it's been ... (as the title of the Grateful Dead album would say).

The Winter Games. The greatest sporting event on the planet. I can't believe they're almost over.

We've cheered for our medals. We've held our breath and sat on the edge of our seats. We've been heartbroken by our near misses. We've watched sports that we would never normally watch. We've wanted to hit the short track judges with a sharp ice skate for making so many stupid decisions. We've winced and cringed at the accidents. For some of us, we've spilled our drinks in mountain bars as we jumped with delight. We've cried with joy. We've screamed at the telly. We've hugged our friends, and we've ranted on at them. We've chatted on AB, and we've disagreed with other ABers about lots of things.

I hope it's been fun. I've loved every minute of it, and I'm sad that it's nearly over for another four years. The 2018 Winter Games are in Pyeongchang in South Korea. I thought the Sochi Games should've gone to Salzburg. But, credit to the Russians, they've been fab. I think the Pyeongchang Games should've gone to Annecy or Munich (although the Annecy bid was a bit of a failcake). Let's hope the South Koreans can prove me wrong, and host another memorable Games.

Today, it's the marathon Cross Country Ski, the Four Man Bob, and the Ice Hockey final. And then, it's the Closing Ceremony.

Enjoy the last day of Sochi. And remember to be back here in the Sports section on 9 February 2018 for the start of the Pyeongchang Winter Games. I will be here, with Maydup, waiting for you.

Well done, Team GB !!!

Love and hugs ... JJ

[seekeerz]

Oops read too quickly back to the ladies again

[seekeerz]

Ok ...Akiko Suzuki would be the next bet !

[Elina]

She skated alone seekerz. Her costume had tiny flowers on the bodice of different shades of pink and purple & other colours. I wanted to find it not just to watch her but to listen to the piece of music too. I don't think she got the best of scores in her routine.

[seekeerz]

If you google Akiko Suzuki you'll find all the info you're looking for. It's a gorgeous costume, small flowers over the bodice, and her free skate was to Phantom.

[Elina]

Seekerz, that's her!!! Thank you! X

[seekeerz]

Entirely my pleasure, and thanks jj xx

[Elina]

Yes, thanks also to jj x

[humbersloop]

I liked the unofficial gold post box for Lizzie Yarrow in West Kingsdown

[Fibonacci]

Coverage of winter paralympics will be on Channel 4

http://paralympics.channel4.com/

[murraymints]

[joggerjayne]

// Coverage of winter paralympics will be on Channel 4 //

As was the summer Paralympics, wasn't it?

[Elina]

murray, this was the routine I watched, but it's dated 2013? Would they possibly have shown an earlier routine of Akiko's?

[Elina]

[Elina]

Ah, never mind. Sorry for clogging up your thread Jayne, was beautiful too!

[joggerjayne]

That's okay, Elina.

It's not my thread. It's anyone's thread. I just started it off.

:0)

[murraymints]

Elina...quite possibly..practice was the only sochi clip I could find !!

[Elina]

Thanks Jayne/ murray!

[Brenden]

Have loved every minute of the games (except the girl in leggings during the final of the womens skating) especially snowboard cross and slaloms and luge and - oh I loved it all.

[Maydup]

I had a lie in this morning, but I'm here watching the four man bob now and am settled in for the last day. Come on Team GB, its not impossible to get one more medal. How amazing would that be.

I've watched almost the entire games; I've recorded the lot and caught up with it in the evenings, sometimes into the early hours and its been awesome. Thank you JJ for your company and for keeping us in touch with the action, thanks too to the BBC for the brilliant coverage.

[joggerjayne]

Hey, morning, maydup.