Meeting Chris Mazdzer — Two Minutes After He Won the Silver Medal
The results were in.
Felix Loch of Germany had just completed his final run. He sat in disbelief on the sled. He had skidded in his final run and lost a lot of time. And he had just lost the gold.
And three luge athletes were suddenly thrown into the spotlight of the world: David Gleirscher of Austria (Gold), Chris Mazdzer of USA (Silver), and Johannes Ludwig of Germany (Bronze).
The best in the world in the sport.
The audience and everyone behind the scenes were going nuts. The energy was palpable.
Two minutes after this moment, the three medalists were escorted into our briefing room to prepare for the venue ceremony.
Chris’s first words were, “What just happened out there?”
Being the only American volunteer in this role, I claimed the privilege of briefing the American medalist.
I shook Chris Mazdzer’s hand and congratulated him on his victory. I explained how the ceremony would take place so he could be prepared.
As I said the words, “The announcer will call your name in French, then English, then Korean. When the announcer calls your name in Korean, step on the podium,” Chris fought to hold back the tears welling in his eyes.
Talk about a touching moment.
It was all sinking in for him.
Not only did he win a Silver Medal. He is the first American to ever win an Olympic medal in Men’s Luge Singles.
We held his helmet and flag (they are not allowed on the podium) and he was whisked away to line up.
We are not allowed to go outside to watch the ceremony, but we could peek through the glass door.
We are not allowed to ask for a photo or an autograph, but we could take a photo of their helmets.
I couldn’t help but grin.
It was all sinking in for me.
A peek of the ceremony through the doorway
Look for Me at the Winter Olympics
I’ve been assigned to the Olympic Sliding Centre venue to help with victory ceremonies for the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events. I’ll be providing support to the medalists.
My daughter told me I’m hip. That made my day.
I’m pretty sure that the cameras won’t ever be pointed at me… but you never know. So keep an eye out for me.
And I’ll be writing about my experiences at the Olympics on The Mission. If you want to follow my adventure, then just follow me.
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