Sunday, December 9, 2001
A 'surreal' feeling sweeps over Law
By CON GRIWKOWSKY -- Edmonton Sun
REGINA -- She's now the Law of the Land.
Kelley Law and her 2000 world champions rink from New Westminster, B.C. have earned the right to represent Canada at the 2002 Olympics.
The deal was sealed yesterday with a pair of steals for three points in a 7-3 win over Sherry Anderson of Delisle, Saskatchewan.
In a women's game that's battling for international recognition, Law's photogenic look should prove to be an asset during the Olympics.
"This is just amazing,'' said Law. "It's just an amazing feeling. We're just so excited now.
"I'm kind of in shock. I just have to grasp this. It will be a while. It's definitely what we've been working for. It's just surreal right now and we're just so happy.''
Canadians expect gold medals from their international curlers, but Law will approach the Olympics with a more cautious approach.
"I can't wait to play the world teams. I think it will be fantastic,'' said Law."A medal would be awesome. We'd just take that and hold it close to our hearts. Whatever happens to us is fate or destiny. We're just thrilled to be where we are right now.''
Law will have a tough act to follow up on Canada's first Olympic gold, won by the late Sandra Schmirler in 1998.
GREAT HONOUR
"It's a great honour for our team to go and hopefully, we can follow in Sandra's footsteps,'' said Law. "To be an Olympian is really amazing. This is going to be huge in our lives. We're all taking leaves of absences from work and putting our heart and soul into this, so this is the best time of our lives - I know it.''
For third Julie Skinner, it's a chance to improve on the demonstration bronze medal she brought home when she skipped Canada at the 1992 Albertville Olympics.
"I've had 10 years of experience behind me and I'm in a new position,'' said Skinner. "I'm just thrilled to death to be going to the Olympics. It's an opportunity of a lifetime. We couldn't be happier.''
Skinner, who wears her emotions on her sleeve, showed the most ecstatic response when Law ran Anderson out of rocks and the team's dream became a reality.
"It's just a relief that it's over,'' said Skinner. "We couldn't even believe the game was over and we won. It's just an amazing feeling to have it over and knowing that we won.''
Skinner knows all about the burden of the Maple Leaf and how important a gold-medal performance would be.
"It's fine,'' said Skinner. "We're so honoured to be representing Canada now. Sandra's team was such a great team and all we can do is hope we can follow in their footsteps and do what they did.
LOOKING FOR GOLD
"If we can come back with a gold, we'll be very happy.''
Winning a gold would mean a Scotts title, a world title and an Olympic title in less than two years for the B.C. super team that was formed just three years ago.
"We've got a lot of experience,'' said Skinner. "We've been in many finals, so stress is something we've learned to handle very well.
"Georgina (second Wheatcroft) is a two-time world champion. Myself, I've already been to the Olympics. We'll be prepared and we'll certainly help each other out.''
2002 Games Curling Coverage
