Update from Sochi, March 12

Hello again everyone,

A few more pictures, it was another busy day.

Still very wet here, but at least there is fresh snow up at the venue. Marginally nicer to stand in the stadium for several hours in wet snow, than in rain like yesterday. The highlight of course was Brian's second gold medal, you have likely seen the race on TV.

There were anxious moments when Brian fell shortly after his start, and there were some strategy adjustments by the other teams when this happened. However Brian and Graham really pulled it hard up the long uphill, no doubt adrenalin fuelled, and gradually reeled the others in. Nice to see the Swedes get the silver.

The one picture is at the start of Brian's final, you see the falling snow, but at least we can see the action and the scoreboard, unlike the cloud and fog of yesterday.

Because of the falling snow, there was grooming of the course throughout the day, and a group of 12 or so forerunners were constantly skiing in the tracks.

Again Sylvia and I were forever being asked for photographs, and after Brian won, we received many congratulations from Russian fans. The Russians win most of the Nordic races, and get all wound up yelling "Rus-shi-ah" over and over, but when Brian wins, they calm down, at least until the next race.

Tonight we were at the medal Ceremony again, and celebrated Mark Arentz getting his second medal - the bronze from yesterday's Biathlon race. I've also included a picture of Ukranian athletes who received bronze medals in one event. Note they are covering the medals with their hands. They also show very little emotion. Erik said this is to protest against the recent Russian activity.

Afterwards, more action at Canada House, and Brian, Erik, Graham, and Mark were all there, to be recognized by CPC and the friends and families. And the hats were presented - apparently the hats are good to go for Russia, Canada, and even Korea, for the next Paralympics in 2018!

Tomorrow, a change of pace - we are going up to the Alpine area to watch some slalom races, that should be interesting,

Cheers for now,
Mike Carleton