Saturday, February 9, 2002
Groves eager to meet up with village people
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- Kristina Groves couldn't decide whether she was going to attend last night's opening ceremony.
But one venue she doesn't want to miss is the athletes' village.
While the Ottawa speed skater is staying at a condominium near the Olympic Oval in suburban Kearns this weekend, once she's completed her first event -- tomorrow's 3,000 metres -- she's going to move into the University of Utah for a week.
Making her first trip to what she hopes will be many Winter Olympics, the 21-year-old Groves wanted to spend the first week in the city focusing on her competition before taking time out to have a little fun.
Yes, it means sharing a dorm room with some Canadian teammates, but the food is supposed to be great, the coffee is free and if she wants to get her hair done or do laundry, everything is right at hand.
"I've heard so many great things about the village I just want to go there and see what it's like ... take it all in," said the Ottawa native. "I'm really excited about that part. It's going to be neat to be there with all the other athletes.
"I just thought for the first few days, it would be in my best interests to make sure that I'm ready for that first event. Then, I'll spend 10 days in the village before moving back out to the condos for my final two events."
Groves is a little nervous about her first Olympics. She had been prepared ahead of time for what to expect coming in here and while she's not listed as a medal favourite, she'd like to be at the top of her game.
The Canadian record holder in the 5,000 metres with a time of 7:10.52 -- set last year on the Salt Lake facility -- is determined to qualify for the event with a strong performance this weekend in the 3,000.
"I really believe the 5,000 is my event and I know that I can be strong," said Groves.
"You're a little nervous being at your first Games, but you know the competition. Everything is just a little different being here. That's all."
After working hard to make the Olympic team, Groves made it clear she's not just satisfied with being here.
"I'm not just going to sit back now that I'm here and say it's great to be here," said Groves.
"I want to come here and have a good performance. This is such a great team to be a part of and we want to have strong results."
2002 Games Long Track Speed Skating Coverage
