28 replies to this topic

[markun]

baron-pierreIV, on 06 February 2012 - 10:48 AM, said:

Moscow 1980 had their yachting events in what is now Latvia.

It was in what is now (and was in 1980) Estonia. The Finnish and (under the Soviets illegal) Estonian national anthems have the same tune and Finland won a gold medal in one of the yachting events at Tallinn. People sang along to the Finnish national anthem using the Estonian lyrics and the Soviets couldn't do anything about it.

Back on topic, Salt Lake put on a great Games but it would be boring if the Games went back to the same cities time and time agian, it's better to go to different places.

[baron-pierreIV]

markun, on 11 February 2012 - 05:59 AM, said:

It was in what is now (and was in 1980) Estonia. The Finnish and (under the Soviets illegal) Estonian national anthems have the same tune and Finland won a gold medal in one of the yachting events at Tallinn. People sang along to the Finnish national anthem using the Estonian lyrics and the Soviets couldn't do anything about it.

Right. I stand corrected. Wow! What an interesting anecdote, Markun.

And oddly enough, it was Esko Reckardt in the "Finn" class? Doubly ironic!!

Edited by baron-pierreIV, 11 February 2012 - 09:27 AM.

[archie4]

The Salt Lake games were one of my favorite Olympics! Here is a quick recap via the ever popular NBC closing credits montage:


Sadly, Michelle Kwan (my favorite skater) missed winning the gold medal in Ladies Figure Skating a second time, but she delivered one of her most memorable and beautiful programs ever in the figure skating gala:

[SkiFreak]

It's funny, I was at Squaw Valley during the second week of the Salt Lake Games. Was in Reno for the week and was thinking of driving across the state to check out the SLC games. At least the following year Vancouver pulled thru and I was able to enjoy the games on our own turf two years ago.

[RiceXIX]

Is that not of the most beautiful and most recognizable Olympics cauldrons ever? They definitely did a fantastic job on it!

[BTHarner]

It definitely is one of the best. I liked the liquid flowing through the cauldron.

[markun]

I remember thinking that the stadium looked stunning for the Opening Ceremony, so different to the Games which had been before. I think that was a turning point in Winter Olympic ceremonies.

[taichi]

I agree.

I remember that the 1980 hockey team lit the flame. Yes, I remember that.

[baron-pierreIV]

markun, on 13 February 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

I remember thinking that the stadium looked stunning for the Opening Ceremony, so different to the Games which had been before. I think that was a turning point in Winter Olympic ceremonie

Well, the Mischer team was extremely happy with Rice-Eccles because it was a very intimate stadium. I mean the infield was large/small enough to provide for an intimate performing space area. Compare that to Torino and Sochi's. Sochi will really have to present some GRAND ceremonies to make that football field more intimate-feeling.