2022 Winter Olympics

I’ve always been a fan of the Olympics, especially the Winter Olympics. 

I think I connect more with the Winter Olympic athletes and the events than I do with the Summer Olympic athletes and events. It makes sense because my whole life I’ve lived in either Alaska or Minnesota: cold and colder. And, being of Norwegian descent probably contributes to my affinity for winter sports as well. 

I feel fortunate to know several people who have participated in the Winter Olympics. I know a member of the 1972 Olympic hockey team, the 1976 Olympic hockey team, two members of the 1980 Miracle On Ice hockey team, and the 1984 Olympic hockey team. Also, though I don’t know him personally, my dentist’s nephew is a member of the 2022 men’s hockey team. 

All of this fails to compare to knowing Gus Schumacher, a first time member of the 2022 US Olympic Cross Country Ski Team. 

Gus is from Anchorage, but spends summers at the family cabin on Beaver Creek.  Along with his dad and his brother, we’ve fished for king and silver salmon together, dipnetted red salmon, and netted hooligan too.

In the last few years, I haven’t seen Gus as much as I use to. His focus has been on year round training. Although I’ll occasionally see him on their dock (it’s just downstream from ours), his days of being in a boat all day are on hold for now.

I’m really excited for Gus and his family and plan on watching all of his events. He plans to race in the 30km skiathlon, 15km classic, 4×10 relay, and 50 km freestyle mass start.

Whew, I’m worn out just typing the events he’ll compete in….

Good luck to you Gus, and go Team USA!