Author: Darcy Hollingsworth, father of Mellisa Hollingsworth, Skelton

Yesterday was extremely tense. We made it to the track in plenty of time.The walk up was long and slow but my every thought was about Mellisa. She had called the night before her race. She sounded very relaxed. As she talks we listen from deep inside and that tells you how she is doing. She sounded more relaxed than ever. She was working on her sled, getting things ready for a very big day. Mellisa talked to Tammy and the girls too. I think that helped us relax, knowing she was in her zone.

We were early getting to the hill. It is incredible to see all the people coming in to watch and cheer for their favorites. My heart is in my throat as I see strangers with signs, shirts, flags and banners - all cheering for my little girl. I feel honored when people came to talk and ask questions of us. They want to know how I'm feeling so I tell them: cared ,nervous ,anxious and much more. But most of all, blessed. We are the luckiest people in the world.

Mellisa was first out. I felt she had a good run, but as the other girls came down,  4 of them were faster. I was very proud of Canada's Amy Gough who was second in the first run. Mellisa has a lot of experience, so I was not too worried, I also knew that Mellisa would not be happy with her first run.