What a feeling! That about sums up yesterday’s Nordic Combined event in Whistler. What a memorable day. Had the weather cooperated, I would have missed the first Nordic Combined individual competition (I was originally scheduled by NBC to be at Alpine skiing yesterday, but when it was canceled I was sent to Whistler). As it turned out, I had one of the best seats in the house, and watched Johnny Spillane win the silver medal just 10 feet from the finish line.
Watching the U.S. team members cross that finish line within tenths of seconds of each other, 2-4-6 (Johnny, Todd and Bill) was indescribable. Johnny’s silver medal is the first U.S. Olympic medal for Nordic Combined ever – 86 years. The sense of relief and excitement was overwhelming.
In those first moments, everyone was just wildly celebrating. I was probably the craziest of the bunch, cheering and shouting when Johnny’s mom came around the corner with a big hug. Once she started crying, I was overcome and neither of us could stop. It’s hard to describe in words the feelings that evolved in those minutes and even hours following. I felt like years worth of emotion all came out at once. All the hard work, hope, determination, dedication and perseverance that it took to get to that triumphant moment, we couldn’t contain it. It was just so big.
I first met these guys when they were in their teens and we’ve been through quite a ride – good times, yelling, laughs and tears of defeat, but nothing stands against one of our own standing on the podium. Johnny has the medal but he carries Todd and Bill’s heart and soul. They alone know the miles they have traveled to finish in those top positions – from sleeping on floors and waxing their own skis back in the day, to becoming the reigning world champions. I could not be any more proud of each of them.
Later in the evening the celebration was underway. In the family’s lounge, I was with Johnny’s dad, and we decided to have a celebratory drink. Although out of character, I ordered a Coors Silver Bullet in honor of the day and Johnny’s medal. I told him when the beer is gone I’m going to put the empty can in my trophy case to remind me of this day.
There is a newly minted and palpable sense of “belief” among the U.S. Nordic Combined team now, that the podium is attainable. It’s a beautiful thing. Congrats Johnny, and the entire team. This is YOUR year!
Tags: 3 Peaks Leadership, Executive Coach, Johnny Spillane, Nordic Combined, Olympics, Tom Steitz
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