Paralympics – Day Three

I jumped ahead in my last post with NZ’s gold medal, but I’ll go back to Day Three to fill you in.

We began the Day with inductions into the IPC Hall of Fame. In the photo, from left to right we have Sir Philip Craven (IPC President), the three inductees Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing coach Rolf Hettich (GER), Alpine Skier Chris Waddell (USA) and Cross-Country Skier Tanja Kari (FIN), John Furlong (VANOC) and the sponsor VISA representative.

These amazing athletes were nominated based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service. Each one had inspiring histories and great stories to share.

Afterward we had a couple of free hours so we decided to check out some of the Alpine Skiing. At this point I’d wish for a 300 or 400mm lens to get closer to the action, but those things are HEAVY! In any case, you can get the idea. This photo is an example of Alpine Skiing – Sitting Category, skiing on a monoski. Just in case you’re wondering, these athletes can get top speeds of about 110km/hr.

This one is Alpine Skiing – Visually Impaired. The lead skiier guides the visually impaired skiier down the slopes at speed of up to 100km/hr by radio voice commands indicting turns etc. Amazing.

Our next assignments were separate. Susannah was stationed at a USA hospitality event while I was sent to Deutsches Haus (German House) to cover an event there – my photos were sent to Germany and used for a daily Paralympic newsletter. The event at German House was in high spirits as Martin Braxenthaler had won a gold medal for Germany.

Susannah also went to Medal Plaza to cover the evening’s medal ceremonies where Martin received his gold. There are Mounties stationed there who raise the flag and also salute them. I love this shot of this officer in the snow.

Here is a shot of what we like to call “the mosh pit” where there are photographers vying to get “the shot”. As you can see, we can get pretty close, but there are elbows everywhere.