20 Years since I was at the Lillehammer Olympics

It doesn’t seem possible that 20 years have passed since I was in Norway as a spectator at the winter Olympics. Being a spectator on your own dime, not sponsored by a company, is fairly rare at the winter Olympics. When we got off the plane, train, and bus in Lillehammer, I realized just being a spectator is almost an Olympian event. Endurance, stamina, and the ability to withstand really cold weather are part of the Games I wish were included in a spectator-training course.

On many of the ski events your tickets are for standing space. Let me tell you it can get really cold standing on snow! We finally found the rubber pad vendor, and then we found the thermos vendor for hot beverages. Our biggest coup d'état was when we found some Norwegians willing to share their warming fires made in the snow.

In 1994 we did not have to worry about terrorist attacks. It never crossed our minds pre 9-11. It was an experience of a lifetime and I am glad my husband and I did it. As the Sochi Olympics start I will be glued to the TV. I will be watching the athletes but I will be looking at the spectators too.

1994 was the year of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Tonya is from Portland, Oregon the same as me. When people asked where I was from I was a bit embarrassed to say I was from Portland because the response was always, ‘”Same as Tonya?” 

A party atmosphere during the Olympic occurs on the bus, at the bus stops, at the events, in the hotels and in the Olympic village. I hope that atmosphere is present for the Sochi Games and politics are set aside.

One of my favorite memories of the Lillehammer Olympics was when we decided to ski one of the mountains opened to the public. It was thrilling to come down the slope with 20,000 people watching. The athletes some how on TV and in person look great as they come to a swooshing stop at the end of the run. Me, well I gave it a try, it was a moment, but let’s just say I will never be an Olympian!