Author: Garth Turtle,   Heather Moyse's high school Physical Ed Teacher and Coach
 
My daughter Kristen and I were convinced that Wednesday Feb 24, 2010 was going to be an historic day. We were up early and pumped for what we felt would be a gold medal performance by Kaillie and Heather in the Canada 1 sled.

We decided to spend some time in downtown Vancouver before heading to the bus and the slow trek to Whistler. The Moyse family provided us with passes to the Athletes Canada Fund sponsors room on the 11th floor of the Shaw Building, right beside the outdoor Olympic Cauldron. So we packed our backpacks and headed downtown.

Upon entering this suite we were greeted by very friendly hostesses who gave us a tour of the floor. It has a bank of computers for internet access and several lounging areas for Olympians and their families to meet and relax in privacy. There is a fully stocked bar and lots of snacks as well as a multitude of TVs, all of course tuned to the Olympics. The view is amazing: straight over the Cauldron and out over the harbour to Cypress Mountain. This is one of the best views of the Olympic Torch so lots of pictures were taken . We had very little time, so we headed out and walked the few blocks to the Seaboat terminal and the crossing, where we picked up the bus to Whistler. If you have an event ticket the transportation system is free, though we do have to pay to take the bus for the two hour drive to Whistler.

*** THE RACE ***

As we arrive in Whistler, the rain starts and we're concerned that it might affect the bobsleigh competition; the women's slalom had already been cancelled, so we cross our fingers and head to the security tents. This process is a little more complicated as we are dressed in ski pants and winter gear, but we get through and make a dash for the hill. The Moyse group has agreed to meet at the finish line, so the climb is not quite as bad and the rain turns to light snow.  Everything is looking good.

Canada 1 is the first sled to make a run but there are 7 test sleds sent down the track to test the systems. To our surprise the first test sled is Mellissa Hollingsworth on her skeleton sled.  She receives a great cheer as she excites the run.  My thoughts go to her bad luck on her final run and I become very worried. Hopefully this is not a precursor of things to come.

It's 5:00 pm and as usual the event is right on time. The crowd is extremely excited and restless, can't wait for this to start. The girls are ready and all eyes are tuned to the giant screen to our right. The push is fantastic, it ties Tuesday's track record.  The bleachers are moving under our feet as people jump and scream. Flags wave as the cameras follow the sled down the track. Kaillie Humphries is driving a great race:  fast but safe. Canada 1 blasts across the finish line, they lay down the gauntlet, a fantastic run. One step closer to the gold medal. We now have 39 runs to watch before the girls make their final run. Lots of cheering and foot stomping as other countries cheer their teams. Time seems to go very slowly, the wind has shifted and it's getting colder. Good for the track but not the spectators. The Americans in the standing room area have taken off their shirts in an attempt to attract the cameras and it has worked. A diversion that takes our minds off the anxious wait.

Several sleds have accidents as their pilots strain their skills in an attempt to complete a great run.  This just adds to the anxiety of the Canadian fans. Finally, it's time.

Kaillie and Heather have a .57 second lead.  This is massive in the bobsleigh world. They just have to get down the track safe and sound. We, the ones in the crazy top hats, are cheering wildly. The run begins with a very conservative start time and Kaillie takes over. It is obvious that the two girls have decided to lay down a safe run. No records this time and as the sled finally crosses the finish line pandemonium, Canada has its gold medal, Heather has her gold medal and we have our gold medal!!

Kristen and I have witnessed history.  What an awesome week this has been. My dream has come true but even better: it's a golden dream!