Galileo^® in Vancouver 3

Day 5, Friday 19/02/2010 - Julia Manhard Stickl and Simon represent the German colours in ski cross, a new sport at the Olympic Winter Games. The two athletes were happy to get out of the Olympic village, try Galileo Training, and relax with a cup of coffee.

Day 6, Saturday 20/02/2010 - On Saturday was Media Day in the Energy Centre. Among others, we hosted Ricco Gross. The German biathlete decorated with many medals reported on the problems of training and nutrition in connection with many travel days. Even Ben Rutledge visited us. He started in rowing at the Games in Beijing in 2008. He informed his Canadian countrymen about the difficulties before and during the competitions in Beijing due to heat and humidity. The round was completed by two nutrition experts, Jennifer Gibson and Nanna Meyer.

Day 7, Sunday 21/02/2010 - On Sunday Katrin Mattscherodt (gold medal in the team pursuit over 3,000 meters) and Nico Ihle of speed skating team (Long Track) visited us. Nico Ihle gained new impressions of Galileo. "At the Olympic training centre in Berlin, the device is available, but I did not dare to use it yet. That will change now."

The Olympic torch was also a guest, but unfortunately without fire.

Personal highlight of the first week for me was the opportunity for detailed discussion with Ricco Gross. With a total of 28 medals at Olympic Games or world championships during his career he is one of the most successful biathletes in the world. As an athlete, Ricco Gross has participated in 5 Olympic Games and is working in Vancouver for the first time as an "Olympic tourist." It was revealing to learn from him how Olympia has changed over the years. Furthermore, it was very interesting to exchange views with him about the possibilities and limits of training. The second highlight was the arrival of the Olympic torch that carried the Olympic fire through Canada. Fantastic!

To be continued,
Christian Baur

Next: Part 4 - 03/04/2010
Previous: Part 2 - 18/02/2010