Wednesday, February 6, 2002

Athletes get golden sendoff

By CAMERON MAXWELL -- Calgary Sun
 For Canada's Olympians, it was a gold medal sendoff.

 Facing a roaring crowd at Olympic Plaza last night, many athletes who will represent this country got a taste of the Olympic experience just before they flew to Salt Lake City.

 Short track speed skater Alanna Kraus, who is competing in her first Winter Games, said standing before the crowd of about 250 fans really got her ready to compete.

 "It was cool -- actually when we pulled around on the bus I got kind of excited because I didn't expect that many people to turn out," said Kraus, an Abbotsford, B.C. native who now lives in Calgary and trains here along with 75 other Winter Olympians.

 Kraus is the only female on the short track team who will compete in every Olympic event, including the 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 3,000-metre team relay.

 "I know everybody's really excited, it's not just me, the whole country is excited, so I've got to do my best," said Kraus, 24.

 Red Deer's Jamie Sale and figure skating partner David Pelletier enjoyed seeing the Calgary support.

 "It's neat, you get those little goosebumps before we got called out (onto the stage)," said Sale, who combined with Pelletier to win last year's world championships.

 Women's bobsleigh makes its debut at the upcoming Games, which open Friday night. Calgary's Christina Smith, who will pilot the Canada 1 sled, said the sendoff was the biggest pre-Olympic event she's been to.

 "It was just outstanding. I think I was taking more pictures than the people in the crowd and it was definitely exciting," said Smith, who will have Paula McKenzie, of Brooks, Alta., as her brakeman.

 Smith finished seventh overall in World Cup standings and could medal if she puts together two stellar runs.

2002 Games News Coverage