It seems like yesterday, but it was four years ago. The Lysacek family stayed at Baur B&B during the Torino Olympics.
It had been difficult. Evan had qualified for the Olympics at the last moment, and there were no hotels rooms to be found in Torino. Through friends of friends, Tanya, Evan's mom, found us. We had to make special arrangements, because they needed to be brought back and forth for the practices and venues and of course, for the two skating competition.
We did it all. Arrival dinner, transport to Pala Vela and the practice rinks between 7 am and 12.30 am, breakfasts, helping relatives find hotel rooms when they missed the last train out to Milan. We helped dry the tears after the heartbreak of Evan's short program. We shouted for joy when he came back to place fourth. We were part of Team Lysacek for just a small moment in time.
It was clear this young man was going places.
For me, it was incredible experience to learn what goes into the making of an Olympic athelete. The family involvement was 100%. These people have done everything to help their son reach his goal. The mood went from somber and sad one morning to talk of an upcoming Tonight Show appearance a couple of days later.
I will always be grateful to have had the chance to glimpse at the world of the Olympics through this very special lens here at the B&B, and I am absolutely thrilled for Evan. I can imagine how Tanya and Don Lysacek feel today -- elated, relieved, exhausted!
Go USA!
15 comments:
That is so, so cool. I remember you telling this story to us (as well as your subsequent Today Show debut), and isn't it amazing what can happen in four years?
Speaking of which--is Porta Nuova still being readied for the 2006 Olympics? ;-)
Yes, it is, and you will be happy to know that it should be ready just in time!
splendido!!
fyi Life Is Random is me, Lauren Diana!!
What perfect timing for this Gratitude Friday post!
I was thrilled for Evan - he worked so hard for that gold medal.
What a lovely GF story. Thank you so much for sharing it.
(I'm behind as usual with my post, but it is started this week)
I cried last night watching him win and I just cried again reading your post! What you wrote makes it all the more special, moving and meaningful!
Thank you for sharing this!!!
Have a beautiful Friday!
I too remember your experiene with the Lysaceks' and the Olympic experience. I enjoyed your above post and thank you for sharing.
We were absolutely thrilled for Evan, Frank -after all these years he is finally an Olympic Coach, and all his family and fans.
Are they using the facility next month for the figure skating World's event?
Yes, it will be here in March, in the same facility!
Just heard, Pluschenko will be competing in Torino in March. The rivalry continues. Trying to get tickets...
oh what a nice story... Evan's so talented... and i think he's handsome too!
Such a splendid story!! Go USA! :)
Also Love your B&B website, makes me want to explore Piedmonte region of Beautiful Italia! :)
Regards,
Sara
Love your story, I have been a fan of Evan's right from the beginning. I was in tears the other night when he won! Reading your story, really brings it full circle, thanks for sharing.
Why am I not surprised that you were there to support the Lysaceks, when they were complete strangers? What a blessing that they found themselves in your hands.
Marco and I went that year and only got tickets for the figure skating *practices*, but it was still way cool. My first and only Olympic experience!!!
But the World competition in March sounds very tempting!!!
So cool! I am a complete Olympics fanatic, always have been. What a treat to get a glimpse into that world!
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