the short track speed skaters are way too cool

So if you’ve been reading any of my other posts, you’ll probably notice that I over use the word cool.  But that’s the best way to describe all these awesome people I’ve been meeting.  This particular team of athletes definitely stood out to me, for a few reasons.

The Canadian Men's Short Track Speed Skating Team (from left to right) Guillaume Bastille (24), Francois Hamelin (23), Francois-Louis Tremblay (29), Charles Hamelin (25), and Olivier Jean (25)

First of all, they all seemed very close to each other, as they all train as a team in Montreal.  You could just see from the way they looked at each other during the conference; joking around like a bunch of teenagers, while keeping it as cool as  possible in front of the press.  There were lots of smiles and chuckles from this happy-go-lucky group of medalists.

Also, along with their matching hoodies, medals and dark jeans, these guys had some pretty cool accessories! The Hamelin brothers were rocking some pretty fierce red Nikes, and yes, they matched.

Charles Hamelin and Olivier Jean

And Francois Hamelin had a pair of crazy Oakleys, which I really liked.

Smile and Sunglasses

In this clip, the coach talks about the team aspect of the group, since they often train individually.  Also, with two gold’s around his neck, Charles Hamelin answers a few personal questions about his girlfriend, hobbies and fellow skater and competitor, USA’s Apolo Ohno.

I was in line to ask a question about the controversial officiating during the short track events. Another reporter asked the question so I recorded the answer and got some french Qs at the end.  You do not know how much I wish I was bilingual.  I’m going to try really hard to improve in French 11. And 12.

Another question that was asked was about peoples expectations.  Tremblay said that people had expected them to win and they had a slow start.  Anyhow, that’s not so important since they’ve definitely redeemed themselves!  One of the Hamelin’s commented on how it feels great to be apart of the special group that’s brought Canada to the top of the gold medal count.  A very lively reporter, whom I recognized from the session with Maëlle Ricker, asked an interesting question.  The entertained skaters were asked about the effect of their team mate, Olivier Jean’s unique taste in music.  Here’s what they said:

In the end, these guys were on a really tight schedule and didn’t have time for scrums.  However, Veronika, a fortunate, french speaking, paralympic reporter nabbed a quick pic with Guillaume Bastille:

Veronika and Guillaume Bastille

I think the coolest part of the entire thing was a few hour later, when the Canadian Men won the gold for the long track team pursuit, and from a TV screen at the Media centre, I see Charles Hamelin celebrating.  At the Richmond Olympic Oval.  Then I had a flash back to the night before.  I was at my grandma’s house.  I saw Hamelin race in the 500m finals.  I saw him getting his medal and celebrating on TV.  And this morning I saw him, live, in person at the media centre.  Now tell me that’s not way too cool.

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