Winter Olympics!

As many of you may know, the glorious time of Winter Study has come to an end and thus we are back in the time of being surprised at how dark it is outside when you ascend out of the depths of Schow (you were only in there for 4 hours!), of freshmen no longer being able to exist solely in Mission, and of long lines at normal eating times at dining halls (avoid Paresky at 12:35 at all costs).

But the start of February has come with at least one good thing (no, not Groundhog's day, though Punxutawney Phil is a cutie): The Winter Olympics!

Cross-country skiers tend to bemoan the lack of attention and understanding surrounding our sport in the general public, but it seems the mass media outlets are actually paying a bit of attention to us and our skinny skis.

For example, the New York Times magazine recently published "What Cross-Country Skiing Reveals about the Human Condition." Despite being beautifully written and illustrated, the piece seems to be written by someone who is a bit confused about the sport. Though I'll give him due credit for highlighting our "huge, beleaguered thighs," I'd like to point out that,

1.) We're half-time dorks and accordingly we only wear helmets in the summertime when sharing the asphalt with motor vehicles.

Keeping the noggin safe

2.) We don't wear goggles because the real-estate on our faces is taken up by Oakley's latest iteration of wearable solar panels.

Contact Alex Harvey to get your very own pair!

3.) Unless the curlers are using torches to prepare their brooms, we can't possibly be "the least pyrotechnic"major Olympic sport out there.

Jeremy testing out the new wax torch

4.) Finally, as Carmen said, "But skiing is fun!" (See below for photographic evidence.)

Lucy and Isabel thoroughly enjoying waxing

Smiling after finishing a grueling 10k at St. Mike's

Carmen having the time of her life skiing to her first top-ten finish

Ivy tackling the big hill at Craftsbury

Sarah showing em how it's done

Elowyn digging deep and having fun

Cheering for the boys and their beleaguered thighs at the Craftsbury 20k

Throwback to winter break in MN, skiing at the prestigious Hyland Park

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to wear your pajamas inside out tonight so it's cold enough that we can host our home carnival at Prospect!