Day 3 is the official start of the Olympics, with the Opening Ceremonies, and with some events scheduled during the day as well, this IS the real start of the games - with apologies to mixed doubles curling and women's ice hockey.
The Opening Ceremonies dominate the coverage, as well as the minds of the athletes, spectators and fans, so we will open with our thoughts on the best moments of the Opening Ceremonies, which I will take in ascending order!
10. In the middle of the fashion world in Milan, fashion was ironically missing from the Opening Ceremonies. Czechia tried something unusual - and for that they receive kudos from me, but it was too busy and missed. Iran's winter beanies worked - as simple as they were, with just back beanies with stark with "IRAN" on the front. But the best of the night was Canada's coats, which contained a huge maple leaf in the front of the coat.
9. Mariah Carey - singing in Italian!!! Phenomenal.
8. Nothing specific, but just the overall artistic value of the ceremonies with its tribute to art, sculpture, classical music, opera, dance, drama and everything else in the world of art, architecture, music and culture was fantastic.
7. JD Vance's reception by the fans in attendance when the camera focused on him during the US delegation's entrance to the San Siro - which included a large amount of boos, whistles and jeers, which was telling especially given ...
6. The amazing cheers and screams that welcomed the Ukranian delegation!
5. IOC President Kristy Coventry's welcome speech, emphasizing the fact that all of the athletes present at the Olympics qualified, and the fact THAT in and of itself is the achievement. She is the first female and first African to head the IOC.
4. Charlize Theron appearing as the IOC Peace Ambassador was absolutely stunning!
Just think how great these last 3 had to be to upstage Charlize Theron!!!
3. Milan IS fashion, and these models entering the stadium in suits to mimic the Italian flag was awesome!!! Especially given that it doubled as a tribute to Milan native Giorgio Armani.
2. ANDREA BOCELLI just killing his version of Nessun Dorma!
Now ordinarily, Bocelli would be number 1 on ANY Opening Ceremonies list the way her performed in Milan, but, sometimes a structural or logistical revolution really does change the way we look at things, and in this case ...
1. Multiple Opening Ceremonies locations! Every athlete, no matter where they were stationed to prepare their events, were able to participate as the Opening Ceremonies CAME TO THEM!!! Usually, numerous athletes would just skip the ceremonies, but no attending is an option for EVERYBODY! The simultaneous entries into the 4 locales was fantastic, and you could tell from teh athletes' reactions that they loved it. This is going to stay!
Lots of training took place on day 3, but actual competition continued in women's ice hockey, mixed doubles curling, and Team figure skating.
In women's Ice Hockey, Japan defeated France 3-2, and Switzerland was victorious over Czechia 4-3.
In Mixed Doubles Curling, the host team from Italy won 2 matches, beating Switzerland 12-4 and Estonia 7-4, whereas two matches were also won by Great Britain, which was victorious over Sweden and Korea.
The American team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin kept pace and improved to 4-0 in Round Robin play by defeating Canada 7-5 and demolishing Czechia 8-1! The semi-finals are definitely in play for the Americans!
And, the Team Figure Skating event kicked off, with 3 of the 8 team events being held on Friday. For those that do not know, the team event is where a country enters women, men, pairs, and ice dancing competitors in short programs (called rhythm dance in ice dancing) and a long program. The participants in each event are ranked, with the winner receiving 10 points for their country, 9 for second place, 8 for third place, etc. The country with the most points after 8 events wins the gold medal.
The team event kicked off with the Ice Dancing rhythm dance, and the US team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates took home first place, and a needed 10 points for Team USA. Next was the pairs short program which was won by Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the 10 points for their country, with the USA finishing 5th.
Japan kept the pressure on the United States - and increased its lead in the Team Event, as Kaori Sakamato took first place in the women's short program. Alysa Liu did win a much-needed 9 points for the US by finishing second with five events remaining.
Athlete of the Day - Kaori Sakamato, Japan, Figure Skating
An amazing performance in the short program to put Japan in the lead of the team event, and putting herself into the conversation for gold in the individual event as well.
U.S. Athlete of the Day - Korey Dropkin, Curling
The team is 4-0, and Dropkin has been throwing beautifully so far.
Team of the Day - Italy, Mixed Doubles, Curling
The host team - and reigning Olympic champions - Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini dominated their opponents to virtually secure a spot in the Semi-Finals.
U.S. Team of the Day - Mixed Doubles, Curling
The Mixed Doubles Curling team secured another 2 victories, and Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin have legitimate sights on a medal!
Olympic Term of the Day: End - A division of a game in curling, similar to an inning in baseball, where both teams have the opportunity to throw eight stones each (five in mixed doubles), alternating with the opponent.
Olympic Events Watched: Curling, Figure Skating, Opening Ceremonies
USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically): Evan Best, Madison Chock, Korey Dobkin, Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra, Cory Thiesse
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