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Listening Point - General Discussion

Favorite Olympic sport you like best?

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Pinetree

02/08/2026 03:35PM

First I love cross country skiing and biathlons. Hoping the best for jessie Diggins.

Also downhill racing I love watching the clock as they go down. I had high hopes for Lindsey Vonn. That was such a horrible spill. They go so darn fast it takes a special athletes to push yourself without fear at speeds exceeding 80MPH. She gave it her best and really pushed herself today. The broken leg is the same one as the ACL tear. Her other knee was rebuilt with titanium.
I am scared to go down a big Ant hill on my cross country skis

Really I like all the events and in the Winter Olympics it always seems everyone is so much more friendly with each other. Cheering each other on.THEY HAVE SO MUCH MORE FUN.

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sns

02/08/2026 04:25PM

Go Diggins!

"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ

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Mocha

02/08/2026 04:26PM

I like all of them. There is so much skill, endurance, commitment required for any of them. I have lots of respect for those athletes.

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NEIowapaddler

02/08/2026 07:28PM

Hockey! Glad the NHL let its players participate again. I hope the US can take down those darn Canucks ;)

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scat

02/08/2026 07:30PM

Lindsey Vonn broke her leg. Bummer, that was not fun to see, always been a fan of hers. Was watching luge, not so sure what that’s all about, do they steer those things at all or just lay there and lean to one side or the other. That’s kind of a ridic sport, doesn’t seem to take much talent. But if you’re getting paid maybe it makes sense.
Go USA!

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Bentpushrod

02/08/2026 07:33PM

Curling!

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scat

02/08/2026 07:41PM

Now curling takes talent, good call. How do you get a gig as a broom sweeper. Every guy sitting on a bar stool is like, oh man I can do that, I should be in the Olympics. Is there some kind of underground youth league. How do people get into these offshoot, so to speak, sports.

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plmn

02/08/2026 08:23PM

scat: "Now curling takes talent, good call. How do you get a gig as a broom sweeper. Every guy sitting on a bar stool is like, oh man I can do that, I should be in the Olympics. Is there some kind of underground youth league. How do people get into these offshoot, so to speak, sports."

As somebody who has some experience curling, I can verify that yes, if you can drink beer you can probably curl.

Maybe not at an Olympic level, but you'll have a good time.

Curling is a pretty niche sport to get into. You need to have a curling rink near you and they are few and far between, especially if you're not in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

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Jackfish

Moderator

Moderator

02/08/2026 08:56PM

Ski jumping is my fav! Love see those people go off the end of the jump and fly through the air.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

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Pinetree

02/08/2026 08:59PM

They put a curling rink in my town of Brainerd like 20 years and they have so many teams now. People really get addicted to it.

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4keys

02/08/2026 09:16PM

I enjoy watching almost all the sports. The level of athleticism in the xc country skiing is beyond anything I will ever achieve . My adrenaline needs are much lower than the athletes in many sports (any of the downhill ski events) and all the drone action shots let me experience it without personal physical threat to me.

.I am looking forward to seeing the ski-mo next week! Those folks have dedication!

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Mocha

02/08/2026 09:19PM

It’s almost like winter pickleball

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NEIowapaddler

02/08/2026 09:59PM

Jackfish: "Ski jumping is my fav! Love see those people go off the end of the jump and fly through the air. "

The cheating controversy around the Norwegian ski jumpers was hilarious. The creativity of cheaters never ceases to amaze me.

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Diego

02/09/2026 04:37AM

NEIowapaddler: "
Jackfish: "Ski jumping is my fav! Love see those people go off the end of the jump and fly through the air. "

The cheating controversy around the Norwegian ski jumpers was hilarious. The creativity of cheaters never ceases to amaze me. "

I’ve seen a few articles about this- couldn’t believe what athletes were resorting to.

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Blatz

02/09/2026 06:59AM

I watch the World Cup XC skiing so I know most of the athletes there So I really enjoy watch that. I love Curling also

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Blatz

02/09/2026 07:01AM

plmn: "Curling is a pretty niche sport to get into. You need to have a curling rink near you and they are few and far between, especially if you're not in Minnesota or Wisconsin. "

There are several curling locations in the Chicago area.

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scat

02/09/2026 07:42AM

No kidding. That’s worth a google search at least. I’m thinking you need to get a team together. You can’t just show up like it’s a pickup game. Have broom will travel haha.

Kind of lost in the attention paid to LV terrible crash & injury is Breezy Johnson won the first USA gold medal in the same event. That looks like so much fun.
Way to go Breezy!

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arctic

02/09/2026 08:41AM

All Alpine and Nordic Ski events catch my attentions, as does the new addition of ski mountaineering.

“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.” -Edward Abbey

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LiquorPugs

02/09/2026 08:42AM

Personally, Hockey is my favorite. But I do enjoy some aspect of just about every Winter Olympic sport.

Side note on this amazing drone footage, A. Wow, the action shots are unreal and capture the speed in such a unique way. B. Holy moly they're noisy. I can't help but think that they've got to be a distraction at some level.

Go USA!

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portagerunner

02/09/2026 09:06AM

As a snowboarder I have to put in a plug for the sport. Always tuned in for the halfpipe and really enjoy the expanded additions of slopestyle and big air events. While slopestyle is more of my personal style of riding, I can say just dropping into a superpipe (22' high walls) takes enough nerve much less shooting 20+ feet above those walls upside down.

And yes, the drone crew gets gold too.

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LindenTree

02/09/2026 10:07AM

I like all the winter Olympics games and over all enjoy them better than the summer games, I did find myself looking at the curling more closely especially because Corey and Korey are from Duluth.

I do miss not seeing the Russians at the Olympics, especially when it comes to Hockey, and the many sports events where they were top contenders.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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Blatz

02/09/2026 10:24AM

LindenTree: "I like all the winter Olympics games and over all enjoy them better than the summer games, I did find myself looking at the curling more closely especially because Corey and Korey are from Duluth.

I do miss not seeing the Russians at the Olympics, especially when it comes to Hockey, and the many sports events where they were top contenders."

There actually are some Russians in the Olympics in the XC ski events. They compete under the International Olympic federation. They're very particular about who is allowed to compete. If any athletes showed any support for the war in Ukraine they where illuminated

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scat

02/09/2026 12:45PM

Just watched a thrilling mixed doubles curling match - USA beat Italy to get to the gold medal round. It is the team from Duluth the Koreys. Pretty cool. I found it kind of odd that only the men do the sweeping, they sweep for the women then also for themselves when it is their turn. Huh
Go USA!

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NEIowapaddler

02/09/2026 01:21PM

LindenTree: "I do miss not seeing the Russians at the Olympics, especially when it comes to Hockey, and the many sports events where they were top contenders."

It is too bad their hockey team won't be participating, but I don't miss the Russian state-sanctioned cheating program that always accompanied their athletes...

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scat

02/09/2026 01:58PM

Those of us old enough can never forget the infamous East German women’s swim teams of the 70’s. They looked like the offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time. Steroids and male hormones oozing from their pores, big muscular shoulders, facial hair. Selected when young and groomed thru their system. In 76 they won 11 out of 13 gold medals. That is called cheating. Was gross, I wonder how those women ended up. Not a fan of Russia, that is our arch enemy.

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Pinetree

02/09/2026 04:50PM

NEIowapaddler: "
LindenTree: "I do miss not seeing the Russians at the Olympics, especially when it comes to Hockey, and the many sports events where they were top contenders."

It is too bad their hockey team won't be participating, but I don't miss the Russian state-sanctioned cheating program that always accompanied their athletes..."

Russians really cheated in figure skating with their judge always giving high scores to Russians and low scores to the rest.

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Pinetree

02/09/2026 06:28PM

There is 28 athlete's from Minnesota competing.

Duluth's Team USA duo edges Italy, will play for Olympic gold
The result guarantees Cory Thiesse will be the first American woman to win a medal in Olympic curling after Tuesday's final at 11 a.m. CST.

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plmn

02/09/2026 07:57PM

scat: "Just watched a thrilling mixed doubles curling match - USA beat Italy to get to the gold medal round. It is the team from Duluth the Koreys. Pretty cool. I found it kind of odd that only the men do the sweeping, they sweep for the women then also for themselves when it is their turn. Huh
Go USA!"

Men do all the sweeping because they are able to generate more force on the broom and thus affect the shot more.

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Argo

02/10/2026 05:24AM

LindenTree: "I like all the winter Olympics games and over all enjoy them better than the summer games, I did find myself looking at the curling more closely especially because Corey and Korey are from Duluth.

I do miss not seeing the Russians at the Olympics, especially when it comes to Hockey, and the many sports events where they were top contenders."

Men's and women's hockey. It's generally a foregone conclusion that Canada and US will meet each other in the final of women's hockey. Team USA is the clear favourite this year for the women. However, on the men's side don't be surprised if another country has a say in what appears to be the foregone conclusion of a USA-Canada men's final.

Sports Lake basketball, baseball and hockey are not conducive to one game playoffs so anything can happen.

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scat

02/10/2026 07:03AM

FYI - The mixed doubles curling gold medal match with the couple from Duluth is on at 11 am today vs Sweden. I set it to record. That last victory over Italy was fun to watch, tho I have no clue how it is scored etc. kinda do keep your stones in the circle, center is best, knock the other teams out of the circle.
In the Italy game Italy made a play on the last turn when they cleaned the scoring circle perfectly leaving their stone in the second circle for two points and the lead but it is unguarded. Italy is up by one. The crowd cheered at the nice shot but the announcer warned that it was the perfect setup for the USA to win on the last shot and sure enough the woman from Duluth made the perfect shot bumped the Italy stone out and landed in the center circle for 3 points and the victory. Awesome! I’m a big fan…

Go USA!

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LindenTree

02/10/2026 07:51AM

Curling isn't Duluths only claim to fame in the Olympics.
8 current and former UM Duluth hockey players will hit the Ice in the Olympics.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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Blatz

02/10/2026 07:58AM

Ben Ogden just took Silver in the XC Ski Sprint. First USA Mens XC Ski medal since 1976

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Pinetree

02/10/2026 08:59AM

Blatz: "Ben Ogden just took Silver in the XC Ski Sprint. First USA Mens XC Ski medal since 1976"

hope to see a REPLAY OF IT.

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scat

02/10/2026 09:11AM

The XC men’s sprint race that Ogden got silver was just on tv. It just ended in fact. The guy who won, Klaebo, blew everyone away on an uphill stretch. They said he has won every type of XC race, he needed this one to complete the cycle so to speak. He is the best in his craft right now. I think that’s what they said anyway. He def looked strong, led from the start and kept increasing the lead, Ogden was a distant second let’s say. But so was everybody else.

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OCDave

02/10/2026 09:50AM

Recency bias, but the long-track speed skating creates suspense from the start that only builds as the race progresses. Because of the lane switches, it is not always apparent who's leading. Skaters are always at the limit of losing an edge and ending their race. The building suspense is far more entertaining for me that the spectacular jumping, twirling and flipping sports. Additionally, given the techniques employed for maintaining speed and endurance, the speed skaters' athleticism is on display more than most of the other Olympic athletes.

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Blatz

02/10/2026 10:36AM

scat: "The XC men’s sprint race that Ogden got silver was just on tv. It just ended in fact. The guy who won, Klaebo, blew everyone away on an uphill stretch. They said he has won every type of XC race, he needed this one to complete the cycle so to speak. I think that’s what they said anyway. He def looked strong, led from the start and kept increasing the lead, Ogden was a distant second let’s say. But so was everybody else."

I watch the XC World Cup races every year. Klaebo is the GOAT . He wins 50% of the races he enters. To put that in perspective one win is a career maker for most skiers.

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scat

02/10/2026 10:41AM

One thing I noticed is it seemed like Klaebo was barely breathing hard right after the race whereas it took Ogden like 10 minutes to be able to talk to the reporter still huffing a bit. I could tell he was the superior athlete, not even close..
Bummer, was able to watch the first 10 of the curling match and it switched to men’s figure skating. Bye bye….
Curling came back on for the end of it. USA lost dang. Funky sport for sure.
USA vs Canada women’s hockey game on now. USA looks dominant after 1st period.

Go USA!

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preacherdave

02/10/2026 02:13PM

Bentpushrod: "Curling!"

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scat

02/10/2026 03:41PM

That was ugly for team Canada 5-0 and not even close. I would say USA had control of the puck 80% of the time. Canada might have had only about 12 shots on goal it seemed like, only one that had a reasonable chance of scoring. They looked timid sluggish and slow, intimidated almost. I don’t see how the USA doesn’t bring home the gold in this tournament. Go USA!

They are replaying that Ogden race btw. I just watched it. You should be able to see it. Ogden did finish strong to secure 2nd place. I’ll give him credit for that.

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NEIowapaddler

02/10/2026 05:52PM

Canada was without Marie-Philip Poulin, their captain and maybe the best Olympic performer of all time in women's hockey. So I'm not surprised they looked out of sorts. Hopefully the US ladies don't get overconfident if/when they meet again after that blowout. Canada is better than they looked today, especially if they have MPP.

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scat

02/10/2026 08:41PM

I watched the whole game, one player wasn’t going to make a difference. USA totally dominated in every way. Canada never had the puck.
That said, after the game an analyst who was a USA former player, said one Olympics year they were 33-0 and had beat Canada 4-5x in a row. But then they lost in the championship game and the lady was saying how she still is sad (pissed) she got the silver and not the gold medal. She had the silver with her to make her point. I don’t see that happening this year, not a chance.

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Bentpushrod

02/10/2026 08:41PM

Curling is alive and well up in northwestern North Dakota.

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GopherAdventure

02/11/2026 08:00AM

NEIowapaddler: "Canada was without Marie-Philip Poulin, their captain and maybe the best Olympic performer of all time in women's hockey. So I'm not surprised they looked out of sorts. Hopefully the US ladies don't get overconfident if/when they meet again after that blowout. Canada is better than they looked today, especially if they have MPP."

I wouldn’t be too concerned. Poulin is a great player, but not enough to propel Canada past this US team. The US is just better right now, and much more youthful. That was on display yesterday, Canada was outmatched in time of possession, speed, skill, size and grit. USA is a mean and determined team right now and that’s what it takes to win. Obviously, anything can happen, but I don’t see the Americans getting too cocky or over-confident. They’re hungry and determined. Should be fun to watch the knockout rounds!

Tony

Tony

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Argo

02/11/2026 06:47PM

GopherAdventure: "
NEIowapaddler: "Canada was without Marie-Philip Poulin, their captain and maybe the best Olympic performer of all time in women's hockey. So I'm not surprised they looked out of sorts. Hopefully the US ladies don't get overconfident if/when they meet again after that blowout. Canada is better than they looked today, especially if they have MPP."

I wouldn’t be too concerned. Poulin is a great player, but not enough to propel Canada past this US team. The US is just better right now, and much more youthful. That was on display yesterday, Canada was outmatched in time of possession, speed, skill, size and grit. USA is a mean and determined team right now and that’s what it takes to win. Obviously, anything can happen, but I don’t see the Americans getting too cocky or over-confident. They’re hungry and determined. Should be fun to watch the knockout rounds!

Tony"

The USA prudently went back to the drawing board a couple of years ago and reassessed what it would take to beat their biggest threat. Canada's system has coasted - relying on age and experience. The only thing Canada has going for it now is a faint hope the young US ladies become overconfident after their dominant early round victory.

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scat

02/11/2026 07:54PM

Fagetabout it…. That was one of the most one sided sporting events I have ever watched.

The young US ladies…. Uh there are plenty of seasoned veterans on the team. 6 out of 23 players are in their 30s.

Go USA!

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Argo

02/12/2026 05:34AM

scat: "Fagetabout it…. That was one of the most one sided sporting events I have ever watched.

The young US ladies…. Uh there are plenty of seasoned veterans on the team. 6 out of 23 players are in their 30s.

Go USA!"

They clearly shouldn't put you in the dressing room for the pre-game pep talk.

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scat

02/12/2026 09:01AM

Haha - Not happenin, I don’t know squat about hockey, can barely skate. But it doesn’t take an expert to see that if one team has the puck on their stick 90% of the game, that is a beat down. Which is what it was. Just seemed like you were dismissing the USA team, maybe not, and it kinda bugged me. I’m a patriot, I’ll leave it there.
Enjoy the hockey, men’s looks like another USA - Canada showdown

Go USA!

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Freddy

02/12/2026 09:26AM

Congrats to Westbend/Kewaskum Wisconsin's own Jordan Stolz! Olympic Gold Speed Skating record. Great kid from a truly great family.

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul" John Muir

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Pinetree

02/12/2026 10:20AM

Jessie in pure pain takes Bronze

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Pinetree

02/12/2026 02:23PM

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Argo

02/12/2026 06:50PM

scat: "Haha - Not happenin, I don’t know squat about hockey, can barely skate. But it doesn’t take an expert to see that if one team has the puck on their stick 90% of the game, that is a beat down. Which is what it was. Just seemed like you were dismissing the USA team, maybe not, and it kinda bugged me. I’m a patriot, I’ll leave it there.
Enjoy the hockey, men’s looks like another USA - Canada showdown

Go USA!

"

No. Never did anything of the sort. The opposite in fact.

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Michwall2

02/13/2026 08:01AM

Ski Jumping/Flying has to be my favorite sport of the winter games.

I grew up just south of Iron Mountain, MI. Every non-Olympic year there used to be (there may be again now) a ski jumping competition on the hill there. (There was no ski flying hill at first. That got built later.)

We used to go sit in a sea of cars parked at the bottom of the hill. You could watch the jumpers come off the hill. Really great jumps would receive a round of car horn blasts. They set up a radio station so that you could know who was jumping and keep track of the length of jump and the scores. You got your own score card with your paid admission. About every hour or two you could bundle up and walk up to the landing zone and watch the jumpers as they cleared the hill and came right at you before landing. When you got too cold you went back to the car to warm up and watch and listen some more.

The style of jumping has changed so much since those days. It is still thrilling to watch the jumpers time their jumps and take to the air.

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yogi59weedr

02/13/2026 10:07PM

The mens solo luge is crazy.head 1st at those speeds.....i would not want to do that.

Ah retired @ 50

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scat

02/14/2026 12:59AM

I would rather go head first, at least you can see where you are going and it looks like you can possibly steer the sled. Btw - that event is called the skeleton. Luge is when you are on your back, trust me I never knew this before yesterday. I think the most ridic version is the 2 man luge. The guy on the bottom can’t even see and doesn’t look real comfy, kinda weird actually. I’m not doing that for sure.
USA hockey is kicking butt. Yay!

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Pinetree

02/14/2026 04:58PM

They should add down hill cardboard and innertube racing.

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scat

02/14/2026 09:00PM

I like when every time the USA scores a goal they play freebird. Both teams. That rocks. Oh won’t you fly free bird yeahh…. I had to YouTube a Skynyrd concert to get it out of my system haha.
Go USA!

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scat

02/15/2026 07:29AM

The downhill skiing is amazing, looks Iike fun, and dangerous. Hope L Vonn recovers, that sounds hairy, wouldn’t want to have her left leg right now ouch. Go USA!

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WhiteWolf

02/16/2026 02:30PM

biathlon - pushing your heart rate to the max skiing and then shooting with precision. That's hardcore.
I wonder how the elite forces of Delta and Seal Team(s) would deal with this? (skiing and shooting? ) or are they just "warm" weather as far as we know?"
I doubt the later.
But you rarely see Delta or Seal train or operate in a winter environment.
But they do. NO?

The two loudest sounds known to man: a gun that goes bang when it is supposed to go click and a gun that goes click when it is supposed to go bang.

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scat

02/16/2026 04:25PM

Something tells me they do. And they prob don’t want anyone to know about it. When have you ever seen Delta or Seal team in any training exercise.
I will say it is super easy to watch whatever events you desire. On my tv pick browse by sport and I can record ahead of time. Very cool.

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MasterEvergreen

02/16/2026 05:06PM

I gotta say curling really does it for me. Not sure of all the rules yet but really took an interest this year. I seem drawn to all the winter sports more vs summer though.

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Pinetree

02/16/2026 05:07PM

scat: "Something tells me they do. And they prob don’t want anyone to know about it. When have you ever seen Delta or Seal team in any training exercise.
I will say it is super easy to watch whatever events you desire. On my tv pick browse by sport and I can record ahead of time. Very cool."

Camp Ripley by Brainerd has a lot of training in the Winter on skis etc. and usually Norway comes here a lot. They are real close to one Unit from Norway for decades.

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Argo

02/17/2026 07:30AM

Biathlon is definitely cool. I'd like to see them introduce it with archery as well.

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Blatz

02/17/2026 07:40AM

Hoping Diggins and Kern can medal tomorrow in XC Skiing team sprint. The Swedish team is really loaded and will be tough to beat. The Norwegian men will almost certainly get another gold medal Klaebo is on another level

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arctic

02/17/2026 08:12AM

scat: "Now curling takes talent, good call. How do you get a gig as a broom sweeper. Every guy sitting on a bar stool is like, oh man I can do that, I should be in the Olympics. Is there some kind of underground youth league. How do people get into these offshoot, so to speak, sports."

Living in the North, I know quite a few curlers. But just like with golf (arguably not a real sport), anyone can play. But to master it takes years.

“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.” -Edward Abbey

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scat

02/17/2026 08:22AM

I heard that. That is the kind of sport that has its own unique language and the rule book is prob 300 pages long. I can’t even figure out the scoring. I read that Minnesota is the curling epicenter in the US. If you are serious about curling Mn is the place to be. These people are professional curlers! Getting paid to travel the world to go to curling tournaments. That sounds like a good gig.

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Blatz

02/17/2026 09:29AM

arctic: "
scat: "Now curling takes talent, good call. How do you get a gig as a broom sweeper. Every guy sitting on a bar stool is like, oh man I can do that, I should be in the Olympics. Is there some kind of underground youth league. How do people get into these offshoot, so to speak, sports."

Living in the North, I know quite a few curlers. But just like with golf (arguably not a real sport), anyone can play. But to master it takes years."

Curling and Golf are skill sports, not fitness sports like XC skiing or Basketball

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Pinetree

02/17/2026 09:34AM

Blatz: "
arctic: "
scat: "Now curling takes talent, good call. How do you get a gig as a broom sweeper. Every guy sitting on a bar stool is like, oh man I can do that, I should be in the Olympics. Is there some kind of underground youth league. How do people get into these offshoot, so to speak, sports."

Living in the North, I know quite a few curlers. But just like with golf (arguably not a real sport), anyone can play. But to master it takes years."
Curling and Golf are skill sports, not fitness sports like XC skiing or Basketball"

Also like on Mn iron range it is popular with their love of beer up there.

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LindenTree

02/17/2026 10:07AM

scat: "I heard that. That is the kind of sport that has its own unique language and the rule book is prob 300 pages long. I can’t even figure out the scoring. I read that Minnesota is the curling epicenter in the US. If you are serious about curling Mn is the place to be. These people are professional curlers! Getting paid to travel the world to go to curling tournaments. That sounds like a good gig."

Just don't double touch that stone.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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NEIowapaddler

02/19/2026 03:00PM

Hey Scat, you almost jinxed the USA ladies hockey team. I told ya not to underestimate Canada. Glad they got it done anyway!

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scat

02/19/2026 03:36PM

Jinxed ok. That was a sweet move on that game winner, glad they got it done. Go USA! Go men’s hockey team, hope to see the same result.

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LindenTree

02/19/2026 03:49PM

scat: "Jinxed ok. That was a sweet move on that game winner, glad they got it done. Go USA! Go men’s hockey team, hope to see the same result."

The men's didn't look that good against the Swedes, I'd be happy if they get a Bronze.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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papalambeau

02/19/2026 03:54PM

Argo: "Biathlon is definitely cool. I'd like to see them introduce it with archery as well. "

Argo, you got me thinking now: How about Biathlon Camping - you ski, set up a tent, build a fire, boil a cup of water, when the water boils you can take down your tent, put out your fire, repack your pack and ski to the finish line.
There are all kinds of races you could add to the "BWCA Winter Olympics"!

Blessings,
Papa

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NEIowapaddler

02/19/2026 04:20PM

LindenTree: "The men's didn't look that good against the Swedes, I'd be happy if they get a Bronze."

Sweden has a really good team, but I agree they need to play better, especially on offense.

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Argo

02/20/2026 06:41AM

papalambeau: "
Argo: "Biathlon is definitely cool. I'd like to see them introduce it with archery as well. "

Argo, you got me thinking now: How about Biathlon Camping - you ski, set up a tent, build a fire, boil a cup of water, when the water boils you can take down your tent, put out your fire, repack your pack and ski to the finish line.
There are all kinds of races you could add to the "BWCA Winter Olympics"!

Blessings,
Papa "

Or turn the game Alone into an event? Great show. Start it three months before the opening ceremony.

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scat

02/20/2026 07:12AM

Men’s hockey semis on today @9:40 am & 2:30 pm. Go USA!

Women curling semis is on now with the woman from Duluth competing. Actually the whole team is from Mn.

Was checking out ski mountaineering. That’s kinda funky, like an obstacle course. I like how they take a skin off their skis to change from XC to downhill. Looks exhausting.

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Blatz

02/20/2026 08:33AM

scat: "Men’s hockey semis on today @9:40 am & 2:30 pm. Go USA!

Women curling semis is on now with the woman from Duluth competing. Actually the whole team is from Mn.

Was checking out ski mountaineering. That’s kinda funky, like an obstacle course. I like how they take a skin off their skis to change from XC to downhill. Looks exhausting.
"

I see skimo being a one and done for the winter Olympics. Not everything can be translated into a good competition.

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scat

02/20/2026 12:35PM

I tried to watch it but it ended suddenly before I could figure out what was going on. I think I’m good with that, nice try
.
Canada dominated 3rd period to beat Finland. When they got that last power play it was too much. I was thinking the Finns looked fast and might have a shot in OT 3 on 3.

Women curling team lost on an amazing perfect shot threading between 3 stones then knocking the USA off to land right on the button by the Swiss woman. It seems to me whatever team plays last wins 90 % of the time.

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NEIowapaddler

02/20/2026 04:39PM

Pretty good game by the USA. Their defensive attention got a bit lax in the 3rd period but that's not surprising when up 5-0. If they play like that again on Sunday they have a chance against Canada. They cannot take so many penalties though. Canada's power play is too good.

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scat

02/20/2026 05:27PM

They have a chance…. From what I’ve seen they have to be the favorite. They look faster and more fit than Canada, the defense is smothering and they are very skilled. Yes cut down on the penalties, totally agree.
4-1 USA. Bring it on!

Game is on Sunday 7 am central time. I just read Canada is favored. This should be good. Go USA!

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scat

02/22/2026 09:54AM

Oh won’t you fly high free bird yeah!

USA USA USA !!!

That was awesome, the US goalie was in the zone incredible total mvp wow.

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NEIowapaddler

02/22/2026 09:58AM

What. A. Game. I guess my heart must be pretty healthy or I might not have survived that lol. Hellebuyck was unbelievable. He was the only reason that game even went to OT. Hats off to Canada too, they played a great game.

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Pinetree

02/22/2026 10:29AM

Over the years I have seen the goalies get bigger with pads and all. Not much room to score anymore. I really think much of the rink play expertise is lost. Should add about 1 foot to the goalie opening.
The goalie now takes up the whole goal like a big plug. I could see in the future like a 350 pound goalie blocking the whole thing off.

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scat

02/22/2026 10:31AM

Canada dominated the last 2 periods, Helle turned them away time after time, amazing game. I was glad when it went to 3 on 3 it might give us a chance being more open And it did! That was tense at the end, great game, fun to watch.

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sns

02/22/2026 10:37AM

Epic.

An average performance in the USA net and Canada wins 4-1 (at least) in regulation.

"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ

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LindenTree

02/22/2026 10:42AM

Just like the1980 gold, the goalie won the day. Jim Craig saved us then and Helle saved us today. I was just hoping we could get to overtime with 3 on 3. We were not going to beat them 5 on 5.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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scat

02/22/2026 02:39PM

The news from the pub is Canada is burning. A sweep. So sweet.
I love it!

I’m a patriot. Red white and blue.

Go USA!

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LindenTree

02/22/2026 03:02PM

scat: "The news from the pub is Canada is burning. A sweep. So sweet.
I love it!

I’m a patriot. Red white and blue.

Go USA!"

Ha, and Hughes is going to use some of that gold from his medal to fill his tooth.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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scat

02/22/2026 03:56PM

He lost two teeth to a high stick, his mouth was totally bloody and he scores the game winning goal to win the gold medal in the Olympics. Crazy maniac kid hockey player. That is legendary. He can always grow new teeth haha.

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sns

02/22/2026 04:28PM

I hear the NHL has an excellent dental plan.

"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ

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Blatz

02/22/2026 05:47PM

Interesting how winning a Silver medal is a big celebration for most athletes in the Olympics. In Hockey it turns into a big downer fest. What a bunch of sour pusses.

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NEIowapaddler

02/22/2026 06:09PM

Blatz: "Interesting how winning a Silver medal is a big celebration for most athletes in the Olympics. In Hockey it turns into a big downer fest. What a bunch of sour pusses. "

Only for Canada and maybe Russia when they were allowed to compete. The Canadians view anything but victory in their national sport as a failure.

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scat

02/22/2026 06:26PM

Yeah well they got their butts kicked men & women and that’s final.
A national failure so sad. USA is here to stay!

Blatz - your guy Klaebo won all XC events. The last being 50 km =31 miles after winning all the races before that - 6 golds total for a record. Didn’t faze him a bit. That guy is on another level.

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WhiteWolf

02/23/2026 02:18AM

Biathlon I said before for best- but favorite is hockey - was a swimmer at D1 U of MN and very glad what (just) happened. Lived and did life with hockey players and wrestlers , hockey players/wrestlers are some of the best athletes you will ever find--- and some of the best humans you will find. SO Glad USA beat CAN!!!

May USA Mens team be at the State of Union?
CHAMPS

The two loudest sounds known to man: a gun that goes bang when it is supposed to go click and a gun that goes click when it is supposed to go bang.

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WhiteWolf

02/23/2026 02:36AM

Blatz: "Interesting how winning a Silver medal is a big celebration for most athletes in the Olympics. In Hockey it turns into a big downer fest. What a bunch of sour pusses. "

That's because in a team sport to win something other than Gold- it means you lost your last contest. Comes with paying the piper/ toll.

The two loudest sounds known to man: a gun that goes bang when it is supposed to go click and a gun that goes click when it is supposed to go bang.

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Pinetree

02/23/2026 12:05PM

Lindsey could have lost her leg

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scat

02/23/2026 12:27PM

Thx back Pinetree. Always been a Lindsey Vonn fan from afar. Seems like a badass chick, she has proved that. Man that sounds like a messed up leg. She broke her ankle too. I’m not on that side but I understand it could be said she shouldn’t have attempted that with a totally trashed knee. That is extreme skiing yikes!

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scat

02/23/2026 02:46PM

I was lucky enough catch an interview with Jack Hughes after he landed in the US in the airport. Mouth was all swollen kind of shy being on camera - from the inevitable question - direct quote:

Yeah I mean it’s sounds like definitely crazy for you guys cuz ah you’re in a different profession but in hockey like if you lose your teeth it’s not even a question of like coming back and playing, that’s like automatic ya know.

And then score the wing goal in OT.
Love that guy. Keep smilin bro!

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MidwestMan

02/23/2026 02:50PM

WhiteWolf: "Biathlon I said before for best- but favorite is hockey - was a swimmer at D1 U of MN and very glad what (just) happened. Lived and did life with hockey players and wrestlers , hockey players/wrestlers are some of the best athletes you will ever find--- and some of the best humans you will find. SO Glad USA beat CAN!!!

May USA Mens team be at the State of Union?
CHAMPS "

Always an interesting debate - who are the best athletes?

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JimmyJustice

02/23/2026 03:14PM

Silly MidwestMan...WW had it correct...wrestlers. Next question? :)

Fate whispers to the warrior "You cannot withstand the storm" and the warrior whispers back "I am the storm". Unknown.

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scat

02/23/2026 03:16PM

I thought we agreed at the beginning of this Olympics discussion that curlers are the best athletes. Klaebo can win 6 golds finishing with a 50 Km XC race but can he thread a stone between 3 blockers and knock the opponent off the house and land on the button for the win.

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Jackfish

Moderator

02/23/2026 03:20PM

scat: "He lost two teeth to a high stick, his mouth was totally bloody and he scores the game winning goal to win the gold medal in the Olympics. Crazy maniac kid hockey player. That is legendary. He can always grow new teeth haha. "

Football players and even some basketball players wear mouth guards to protect their teeth. I know this is maybe a ridiculous question coming from a guy who appreciates hockey as a sport, but didn't grow up with it... why don't hockey players wear teeth guards like they do in other sports? There can't be any "joy" in getting your teeth knocked out.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

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Argo

02/23/2026 04:31PM

Jackfish: "
scat: "He lost two teeth to a high stick, his mouth was totally bloody and he scores the game winning goal to win the gold medal in the Olympics. Crazy maniac kid hockey player. That is legendary. He can always grow new teeth haha. "

Football players and even some basketball players wear mouth guards to protect their teeth. I know this is maybe a ridiculous question coming from a guy who appreciates hockey as a sport, but didn't grow up with it... why don't hockey players wear teeth guards like they do in other sports? There can't be any "joy" in getting your teeth knocked out."

A lot of them do but they offer minimal protection. You can see many players skating down the ice chewing on them with half the guard sticking out of their mouths. I don't get it either.

There are still plenty of guys in my men's leagues that continue to wear only eye visors instead of full cages. Fewer and fewer as the years go on but many still persist. Full cages are a significant impediment to visibility sure - especially when the puck is in your feet. Still...I don't get it. Old habits die hard. We all gotta go to work the next day, dental work is expensive and not all of us earn millions per year playing the sport.

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scat

02/23/2026 05:45PM

Hockey has always had that mystique of being the ultimate tough guys, I always thought that. I remember one time I went to some thing at a mall and former Blackhawks were there, Bobby Hull, Stan Makita a few others. I was a kid but I remember walking away thinking they all had gouges on their faces, and fresh new pearly whites. Nice guys but I wouldn’t want to drop gloves on them, no way. Those hockey guys are nutso!

I’ll add this... in 2005 I built a house for a real nice guy Vito. He got my son and me tickets to a charity hockey game, Blackhawk legends can’t remember exactly what it was, but it was cool. At the stadium and pretty high class I would say.
After the game there was like a party with snacks etc. Got to meet some Hawks players and I have to say Dennis Savard was the nicest guy I ever met. He treated my son like they were best buddies. I was more than a bit awestruck, a HOF Blackhawk player being that cool, and seriously almost like humble, standing next to me, like we were buddies almost. I didn’t know what to say, I was trying. I mean this guy was a star in the NHL for like 14 years and I can barely skate... What do you say to a guy like that, can I get you a beer, do you have anything heavy at your house you need help moving, I’m free this weekend…. Total class act all the way. Just a beautiful dude. Chellios was a total dbag, sat at a table talking to some guy never looked up, whatever. My son got a T-shirt with autographs from 3 HOF Hawks players on it. That was fun. Hockey players rule. There are no phony tough guys in an NHL locker room. Every nick is earned and is a badge of honor.

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MidwestMan

02/24/2026 12:54PM

JimmyJustice: "Silly MidwestMan...WW had it correct...wrestlers. Next question? :)"

Solid candidate for sure. What factors go into determining the 'best athletes'?

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Pinetree

02/24/2026 02:11PM

That is a tough one and would take a lot of beers to decide. Each sport and athlete probably couldn't compete in other sports with the same skill.

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scat

02/24/2026 02:21PM

Maybe I missed something, I didn’t see any wrestling in the Winter Olympics, and that’s not even close to being the best athletes, get real.

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MidwestMan

02/24/2026 04:32PM

scat: "Maybe I missed something, I didn’t see any wrestling in the Winter Olympics, and that’s not even close to being the best athletes, get real."

Who do you got as best athletes, scat?

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LindenTree

02/24/2026 05:06PM

scat: "Hockey has always had that mystique of being the ultimate tough guys, I always thought that. I remember one time I went to some thing at a mall and former Blackhawks were there, Bobby Hull, Stan Makita a few others. I was a kid but I remember walking away thinking they all had gouges on their faces, and fresh new pearly whites. Nice guys but I wouldn’t want to drop gloves on them, no way. Those hockey guys are nutso!
"

Not saying who was the best but here is a list off the top of my head of great Hockey players I have seen skate in person.

Bobby Hull
Gerry Cheevers
Dave Keon "I had his Jersey"
John Mckeinze
Gordy Howe and his two sons all skating on the same line
Jack Carlson and his two brothers skating on the same line "Maybe not greats :-)"
Wayne Gretsky
Bobby Clarke while he battled diabetes
Henry Bouchee and all the North Stars of the mid 70's - 80's
I saw the last professional goalie to play hockey without a mask on his last game. (WHA)
I know there are many more but this is off the top of head.

0h, and I can't forget yours truly Linden McNeilus, Rochester Community College 1984 ish. A great bench warmer.

May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.

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scat

02/24/2026 09:00PM

Best athletes - yeah that’s a tough one. Pinetree said it well. You take a guy like Klaebo totally dominant, 6 gold medals in XC skiing, that’s mostly conditioning grit & determination. But he’s not going to do like 20 flips & twists in a ski jumping contest. They both have skis on, but totally different and great athletes in their own way.

I may be a bit jaded, I still remember Bruce Jenner on the cover of Sports Illustrated being proclaimed as the world’s greatest athlete. The dude could throw a mean javelin I remember that. Then he wasn’t a dude anymore go figure…

My Olympics Mt Rushmore:

Olga Korbut
Leon Spinks
Jack Hughes

Fill in the blank - I didn’t watch the Olympics for a while. As you can tell by my choices haha. Olga was the first gymnast to get a perfect 10. Never forget that. She will always be my fav.

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scat

02/25/2026 01:36AM

What’s amazing is just talk to your clicker say Olga Korbut Olympics and there she is. One video she was recounting her epic Olympics performance that changed gymnastics forever. What a beautiful woman. She said she practiced for 10 years every second every day in the USSR to compete in the Olympics. She didn’t get a perfect 10 score in any event, that was done by Nadia Comenici four years later at the age of 14. Olga won four golds, three silvers and a lot of hearts, mine included.

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Blatz

02/25/2026 08:46AM

scat: "Best athletes - yeah that’s a tough one. Pinetree said it well. You take a guy like Klaebo totally dominant, 6 gold medals in XC skiing, that’s mostly conditioning grit & determination. But he’s not going to do like 20 flips & twists in a ski jumping contest. They both have skis on, but totally different and great athletes in their own way.

I may be a bit jaded, I still remember Bruce Jenner on the cover of Sports Illustrated being proclaimed as the world’s greatest athlete. The dude could throw a mean javelin I remember that. Then he wasn’t a dude anymore go figure…

My Olympics Mt Rushmore:

Olga Korbut
Leon Spinks
Jack Hughes

Fill in the blank - I didn’t watch the Olympics for a while. As you can tell by my choices haha. Olga was the first gymnast to get a perfect 10. Never forget that. She will always be my fav.

"

I'll have to add onto the Klaebo comment. Anybody who's competitively XC skied would also add that technique is just as important as conditioning. It's like 20 little, subtle things have to be firing all together at the same time to make it work. It can take years to reach good XC ski technique. Wax is also a big deal. Klaebo has 100 skis to pick from all with different wax combinations. The Norwegian team spends more money on their wax program than the USA spends on their entire XC ski program

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scat

02/25/2026 09:50AM

Fascinating & totally legit. Glad you added that.

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nctry

02/25/2026 12:13PM

Senior Olympic sport might be putting on our underwear… winter having the added challenge of long underwear…

But in all seriousness… it’s awesome the US did well. It’s always great too when there’s a Minnesota connection…

Nctry

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NEIowapaddler

02/25/2026 12:45PM

Blatz: " I'll have to add onto the Klaebo comment. Anybody who's competitively XC skied would also add that technique is just as important as conditioning. It's like 20 little, subtle things have to be firing all together at the same time to make it work. It can take years to reach good XC ski technique. Wax is also a big deal. Klaebo has 100 skis to pick from all with different wax combinations. The Norwegian team spends more money on their wax program than the USA spends on their entire XC ski program"

They mentioned on the broadcast that some of the Norwegian ski techs skied 40+ miles a day just testing the ski and wax combinations. That's not to say Klaebo isn't an incredible athlete, but the entire Norwegian program is way ahead of the rest of the world.

Edit: don't know why the quote didn't work.

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jwartman59

02/26/2026 10:11AM

Both my children Nordic ski raced in high school, I volunteered as a course official. We got to watch Jessie diggens as a high School racer. My son skied with the junior Olympics program, he has been an elite wave birkie skier last 19 years. I follow Nordic skiing like some people follow football.

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