From Durham, NC, USA
The 2012/2013 FIBT season is over, and at least for me it was one of the best I’ve been able to watch in quite some time. The efforts put in by everyone across the board was fantastic and really gives everyone something to look forward to going into the Olympic year.
I was lucky enough this season to not only attend the World Cup stop in November but also the final FIBT race of the year, the North America Cup this March. Both trips were amazing in their own ways, and the bulk of the racing was both entertaining and competitive.
I would like to take the time to thank everyone involved in making this season great for me:
For starters, I need to thank Martin Haven, John Morgan and everyone involved in the FIBT broadcast week in and week out. Between the production to the commentary and what really is world-class coverage every weekend from all across Europe and North America, the sport owes a debt of gratitude to all involved.
Wendy Townsley, Jon Lundin and everyone with ORDA and Mt. Van Hoevenberg do such a great job organizing and putting on these sliding events in Lake Placid. From getting time sheets to the catering for World Cup weekend, the sliding center is an amazing facility to watch and work from. Dealing with both the media and the FIBT I’m sure can be quite the undertaking, and Jon, Wendy and the whole staff there do a fantastic job.
Amanda Bird of USA Bobsled & Skeleton is amazing. If there’s ever any obnoxious bit of information I need on someone, she’s got it on the ready at all times. There’s never been a job too big or small for her to handle, and seeing what she does week in and week out (especially on a an American track race weekend) is something to behold. I truly wouldn’t be able to do any of this without her.
Finally, of course, there are the athletes. If you’re reading then and you compete anywhere throughout the season, I’m in awe of what you do and what you give up to compete and represent your country. Not only do you give me something to watch at odd hours of the day, but you do so while chasing a dream and giving up so much to do so. Your efforts drive me to want to be better at what I do, and for that alone I thank you.
It’s been a fantastic year, and I’m already looking forward to the 2013/2014 season!
– Ken
Ps. I realize I’m a bit behind on getting race results posted, that’ll be happening the rest of this week. I hope to be caught up by the weekend, sorry about that!
