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

[Cloverjo]

Yes, it's been great. I'll be watching the 4 man bob tomorrow. I'm still so sad for Elise. I hope she comes back and does well in 2018. Great to see the curling teams get their medals today, and that the men were so happy with the silver.

[joggerjayne]

The penalty decision in Elise's 1,000m semi was just mystifying.

[twix123]

What about the Winter Paralympic Games which start on 7th March, also in Sochi !

[Cloverjo]

Will the Paralympics be on TV?

[joggerjayne]

Good point ... well made, twix.

Still to come ...

[joggerjayne]

I would think so, jo.

[twix123]

I bet they don't get the same sort of coverage as the able bodied games, or the ridiculous number of BBC reporters and technicians being there at our expense!

[THECORBYLOON]

METHYL, I counted seventeen Scots out of fifty-six in the UK team.

[joggerjayne]

From the BBC's website ...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/25969461

"Coverage: Reports on BBC Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website"

Sounds less than comprehensive.

[joggerjayne]

This is sad ... :0(

Para snowboarder injured in competition ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/26168133

Para snowboarder awake after surgery ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/26190133

Para snowboarder dies ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/26291778

[Elina]

I've enjoyed occasionally watching the ice skating & listening to the classical music they have skated to. There was a Japanese girl wearing a delicately flowered costume skating to a piece of music I recognised but didn't know. I wish I could remember who she was!

[NoMercy]

That is sad, JJ.

[seekeerz]

Elina - that might have Mao Asada, her costume was quite lovely subtle shades of mauve,

There was another girl, in the pairs, I think, with a bodice of flowers which I thought was quite beautiful she was also Japanese

[Elina]

seekeerz .. I've trawled you tube for her. I'll go & look for 'Mao Asada' It may have been the other girl you mentioned though, thank you!

[joggerjayne]

Elina, was it Mao Asada, possibly?

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/8e/08e11c2a-d2df-5a2b-b22b-36b9d7dc20dc/5302b207df78c.preview-300.jpg

[joggerjayne]

Groan. You beat me to it.

[Elina]

Seekerz/ jogger, no it's not Mao Asada. Actually, she skated alone & was very delicately built. Thank you though.

[seekeerz]

Sorry jj, trouble is, there were quite a few, and keeping track was not easy

[seekeerz]

Elina was she in he pairs then ? And can you describe the costume a bit please