2010 Winter Olympics : Steamboat Springs shines again!

Steamboat's cauldron will remain lit during this year's Winter Games

Over 5000 attend Olympian Send Off Ceremony!

Every town has its proud moments. A special occasion when the entire town gathers together as one to honor one of its sons or daughters. In Steamboat Springs there have been many of these moments as we celebrate our Olympic Heritage by paying homage to our local athletes. Last Friday an estimated crowd of 5000 gathered downtown  to wish our local athletes “good luck,” and send them off to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in high spirits.

A painting by local artist depicting Steamboat's Olympic Spirit

Steamboat has lived up to the designation of Ski Town, U.S.A.®, by sending more Winter Olympians to The Games than any other town in North America (and more than most small countries in the World). Since 1932 Steamboat Springs has had 71 athletes make 117 appearances in the Winter Games.  This year 17 athletes who either grew up Steamboat Springs, or have been living here to train, will compete in five different events, representing the United States, Australia, Canada and Great Britain.

Friday’s event was held on the main street of Steamboat Springs, Lincoln Avenue, which was closed to traffic for the event. The event featured athletes named to the Olympic teams, along with other notables, including network affiliate anchors and officials from the state and federal governments.

Bill Demong makes his fourth and Todd Lodwick his fifth Olympic appearance in 2010

Fireworks were launched from the rooftop of the Courthouse, choreographed with the special Olympian video. Additionally our own Steamboat Olympians lit the Community Cauldron and Steamboat Olympian Fuzz Federsen’s Flying Aces performed. The event  concluded with a downtown stroll with hometown Olympians in key locations signing autographs and mingling with the public.

Steamboat’s 17 going to the Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010:
Caroline Calve, CAN, Alpine Snowboard
Brett Camerota, USA, Nordic Combined
Bill Demong, USA, Nordic Combined
Patrick Deneen, USA, Moguls
Taylor Fletcher, USA, Nordic Combined
Michelle Gorgone, USA, Alpine Snowboard
Tyler Jewell, USA, Alpine Snowboard
Ellie Koyander, GB, Moguls
Jana Lindsey, USA, Aerials
Todd Lodwick, USA, Nordic Combined
Adam McLeish, GB, Alpine Snowboard
Michael Morse, USA, Moguls
Johanna Shaw, AUS, Alpine Snowboard
Callan Chythlook Sifsof, USA, Snowboard Cross
Johnny Spillane, USA, Nordic Combined
Ryan St. Onge, USA, Aerials
Kimiko Zakreski, CAN, Alpine Snowboard

Stay tuned to our blog throughout the Olympics to read profiles and follow Steamboat’s 2010 athletes at the Olympic Winter Games.