USA Hockey Should Play for Gold

Forget about the Men’s Hockey win over Canada, the real tournament starts today. If USA Men’s Hockey is to see Canada again, it won’t be until first or third place games this weekend. The US has a great chance to medal, all they have to do is win one, yes win their next game and they’ll play for a medal. Remember there are only 12 countries playing hockey in the Olympics. The US is on the right side of the bracket, Canada, Russia, and Sweden the three favorites are all on the lower half of the bracket meaning the US only has go though one of them for gold. The USA in all likelihood will need to beat either the Czech Republic or Finland to reach the gold medal game. Based on this bracket, at least a Silver Medal should be the goal.

Hannah Kearney Gold in Moguls

Hannah Kearney, of Vermont won the first Gold Medal for the USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics. She was the first ever phone in guest on RSW, back in 2006.

2010 Winter Olympic Weekend Preview

Tonight the Winter Olympics get under way in Vancouver; snow covered Kittanning would probably make a better venue. Of course all the cameras are focused on Lindsey Vonn and her bad leg. I’m not buying it, as it looks more like a convenient fall back excuse should she not win multiple gold medals. On Saturday one of the men’s marquee events, the Alpine Downhill takes place. Europeans are the favorites, but long forgotten Bodie Miller could be in the mix. Sidney Crosby and Canada will get hockey underway, albeit on NHL not Olympic size ice rinks. Also Saturday my first ever phone-in guest Hannah Kearney (pictured) will compete in Women’s Moguls. Don’t forget the ever entertaining USA vs. South Korea in short track skating. Finally Sunday will be all about Vonn in the Ladies' Slalom.

Is Lindsey Vonn Faking?

Lindsey Vonn’s busied shin seems like the perfect injury to down play her now enormous expectations.

I don’t know Lindsey Vonn and certainly don’t have anything against her. I’m also not a professional sports writer. I will say sports writers are hardly known for their ahead of the curve investigative journalism, (see Steroids/HGH in Baseball/Football), however I do work in the PR / marketing world.

This Lindsey Vonn injury on paper looks like a classic example of down playing out of control hype. As I mentioned in this commentary no American is as appealing or has received half as much pre-Olympic hype as Vonn. She is the Michael Phelps of the Winter Games, and as the hype is only growing.

Someone in her team of “Handlers” will call them, surely recognized the hype has been growing out of control. Remember Vonn has never won an Olympic Medal, and despite being the best women skier in the world, nothing is for certain on the ski slopes. A lot of things can go wrong out there.

It looks to me – the Vonn Team yesterday laid the ground work for an excuse should Lindsey not bring home the medals.

Let’s look at the facts.

1. No Xrays – This is 2010, they have xray machines in stadiums, athletes are always getting these things checked.

2. By her own admission, she can walk fine, but it hurts with her a ski boots on, I’m not a doctor, but this seems like a little convent if you’re trying to fake an injury.

3. No Pictures

4. No Doctors – She has been the only one from her camp talking about the injury.

5. Can’t be proven wrong – How can you prove she doesn’t have a bused shin, even if someone calls her out, how can they prove it. 99% of skier have bruised shins

I’m not trying to smear Vonn here, but as I said being in the PR world everyday, this sure does look like a downplay on the hype. Her mom didn't even know about hte injury until yesterday, why the hush, hush? The facts still don’t prove one side or the other, but they certainly have yet to rule out she not faking.

What do you think???

The Lindsey Vonn-couver Olympics

Is Lindsey Vonn, a bit over exposed in the build up to the Olympics?


Okay, Lindsey Vonn has a good chance to become the greatest female skier in US history. However one might think the US is only sending Lindsey Vonn to Vancouver. I wouldn’t be surprised if she also drove bobsled, curls, and is the first line center for the Hockey Team. No one is putting much faith behind the rest of team USA. There is no one man or women from the US getting half the amount press Vonn has received during the Olympic build up. I’m not necessarily blaming Vonn, because as an Olympian you only get one chance, and she is cashing in every penny she can. As much as the Summer Olympics were about Michael Phelps the Winter Olympics are about Vonn. We’ll see if she can live up to the hype, or if someone else cashes her party.

Carolina Kostner: Skating for Gold

Carolina Kostner - Olympic Figure Skating Interview

Italy's Carolina Kostner is a favorite in Women's Figure Skating at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. A few minutes on the ice in Vancouver change her life forever. She is gearing up and getting ready to be one of this winter's Olympic Stars. When she spoke with us, Carolina was the top ranked female figure skater in the world.

1. Carolina, first off how did you get involved and when did start figure skating?

I started at age 3 although my parents took me skating before already.

2. Do you feel pressure to medal at the Olympics?

It’s my dream

3. Figure skating brings you to so many places across the world, do you have a favorite?

Home

4. In skating fans always throw flowers on the ice – do you have favorite flower? have anyone ever thrown anything other than flower? and what do you wish people would throw on the ice?

I love flowers. My favorite are gentians. People also throw stuffed animals. I love the ones with hats on!

5. How do you decide what music to pick and what outfit to wear at an event?

I need to love it! That’s all.

6. How many days a week do you train and for how long?

I train every day, differently. 2-5 h a day.

7. I hear you train some in the US? Is this true, and what to you like best about the States?

I train in Los Angeles at the moment. I like it very much. I like the many opportunities you have in such a big city.

8. Do you have a favorite Soccer/Football/Calcio Team?

Juventus, but I am not a big fan of Soccer

9. Outside of skating, is there something you enjoy doing, or do you have any hobbies?

I love to go to the movies and hang out with friends. I love fashion and design. I like to draw and read.

10. Ok, final question – If, hopefully when, you win a gold medal how will you celebrate?

One thing I want is to have my boyfriend with me. The rest doesn’t matter.

Thanks again, Best of Luck in Vancouver!!!
Best regards
Carolina

Follow Up: Ok, so we're disappointed with Carolina's answers or lack there of, but hey she is the top ranked figure skater in the world. Maybe she is a woman of few words. I'm thrilled she spok to us. Carolina is still unknown to most Americans but could emerge as the top female star of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Maybe if she has a good skate in Vancouver, everyone can throw stuffed animals with hats on them, onto the ice. Then she'll owe us. ;) Many of these winter sport athletes only get one chance at fame, it's amazing to watch how they're trying to give her as much exposure as possible leading up to and during the Olympics. However so much will depend on only a couple of minutes when she is on the ice in Vancouver. Hopefully she'll live up to the hype, and I encourage everyone to check her out.

Carolina's Official Website

If you would like to link to this story, please link to the achieved interview on RizzoSports.com

*all images were used permission from the Mancini Group

Hope & Despair

Has American's women atheltics seen day like this before???

photo: AP

Hope Solo leads the US Women's National Team to a gold medal, by beating Brazil. Capping off her incredible storyline. While the US Softball team losses a heart-breaker to Japan, in softball's final Olympic game.

photo: reuters

Hope Solo Finally Gets Her Chance Against Brazil

Hope Solo is all smiles, as she'll get her chance to beat Brazil.



In what is one of the best story lines of the Olympics, US Women's Goaltender Hope Solo, will have the opportunity to play against Brazil in the Gold Medal Game on Thursday.



Only a year ago in China during Women's World Cup, Hope Solo was benched in the semifinal game against Brazil, and we all know the story, the US lost 4-0. Hope basically was kicked off the team for complaining about it. Now back on the team, she has chance to go full circle and cap it off with a Gold Medal.

Phelps Takes Center Stage in Quest for 8 Gold Medals

It just might be a formality at this point, as Michael Phelps looks poised to capture a record-breaking 8 gold medals.

His remaining schedule

200 IM - 9:48 p.m. Thursday
100 butterfly - 9:10 p.m. Friday
4x100 medley relay - 9:58 p.m. Saturday

America's Guide to Beijing 2008

Here are the USA's top 10 story-lines of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Of course there will be big American stories not listed below, but that is what the Olympics are all about, they're a place where stars are born and stories written in time.

10. Misty & Keri



America's only known favorite beach volleyball team of Misty May-Treanor and Keri Wlash, will try to repeat, but this time, there will actually be up against solid competition.

9. Americans Aboard

This isn't your father Russian basketball team, most of the players have played either pro or college ball in the US, including J.R. Holden who was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA. The Russian women also have an American citizen playing on their team in Becky Hammon. Though this is not the first time US citizens have participated for different countries, it could become quite the storyline should medals be at stake.

8. The Medal Count

In Athens the USA won a total of 102 Medals (36 Gold, 39 Silver, 27 Bronze), the most of any nation. The US has led the medal count at the last 3 summer games. China finished second in gold medals in 2004 with 32, so it's going to be very interesting to see the final count after Beijing.

7. Dara Torres

The 41 year old will be the first American swimmer to participate in 5 Olympics. She already has 9 medals, and is one of the freestyle favorites.

6. USA Women's Gymnastics

Gymnastics is still one of the marquee events of the Summer Games. Shawn Johnson is the current all-around world champion. Johnson along with Chellsie Memmel will try to led the talented US team to victory.

5. Team USA Basketball



With the roster they have, and after falling short in Athens, for Team Nike USA and it's line-up of star attractions, (Lebron, Kobe, etc) anything but gold would be a catastrophe.

4. Tyson Gay



Gay set an American record in the 100 meters at the Olympic Trials. He also injured his leg at the event, so concerns loom over his olympic chances. With so many men capable of winning the 100 meters, it is one of the most anticipated events in Beijing.

3. Team USA Softball



With many calling the removal of baseball and softball after this Olympics a purely political move. Team USA has something to prove. Jennie Finch is being marketed as one of the female faces of the Games (smart marketing), but the USA also has roster full of some of the greatest softball players ever. Team USA is on a MISSON to bring back gold and make a statement in the process.

2. Hope Solo



Solo returns to the place where it all went down. The now famous incident where her coached benched her in the World cup, and her following criticisms put her on different plane home. Can you imagine what Terrell Owens, Manny or just about every other male athlete would have said if they were benched in a playoff game. Apparently things work a little different in women's soccer. Now Hope is back in China, with a new coach hoping to led the US women to victory, in a story line only the Olympics can provide.

1. Michael Phelps



The story of the games will be Phelps' pursuit of Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals. In the prime of his career at 23, Phelps will have a chance to own more gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history.

Phelps will take place in 8 events in Beijing
200-meter freestyle
100-meter butterfly
200-meter butterfly
200 & 400-meter individual medleys
400 & 800-meter freestyle relays
400-meter medley relay

Honorable Mentions
Ryan Lochte - USA's other top swimmer, he could stop Phelps quest for Gold.
Natalie Coughlin - America's top female swimmer.
Brian Urlacher & David Ortiz's Badminton Team - Will miss the games due to prior obligations.
Heather O'Reilly - The next Mia Hamm.

Remember the Games will be on early in the morning...and Go USA!

Olympic Medal Tracker

Breaking News: Jess Hardy USA Olympics

Breaking news out of the world of swimming, Olympic hopeful and world record holder is believe to have tested positive for a ban substance.

Yahoo Sports (Hardy tests positive)

Jessica, just recently did a great interview with me, so I find this extra interesting and somewhat unbelievable.

Jessica Hardy Interview

Jessica Hardy Interview

Jessica Hardy - Going for Gold - 2008 Olympic Summer Games

Swimming is one of the most watched and exciting competitions at the Summer Olympics. US swimmers always seem to turn in epic performances. This year California's Jessica Hardy has a chance to be a shining star for the US Swim Team.



1. Jessica, first off how did you get involved and when did start swimming?

My mom would take my younger sister and I to my gated community’s swimming pool when I was around 7 years old, when I noticed a team would come in the afternoons and I immediately asked my mom if I “could go beat them.” I guess my competitive nature started young.

2. Do you have a meet-day or pre-race routine?

I usually like to grab a cup of coffee on the way to a meet, so that I can drink it while I stretch and listen to music. I generally do the same warm up before every meet, and do a lot of socializing before my race… so I guess that is as close to a routine as you can get.

3. What events will you swim, or hope to swim at the Olympics?

Hope to swim the 100 breaststroke and the 50 and 100 freestyle.

4. What event is your favorite to swim?

The 50 breaststroke! Too bad it’s not an Olympic event :(

5. During the final 25 meters can you hear the crowd or sense your position?

I can hear the crowd and sense my position pretty much during the entire race. I feed off of energy so I really like loud crowds; however, I have to remind myself to not pay attention to where others are and focus on myself.

6. You’re an attractive blonde from SoCal, competing in one of the Olympics’ marquee events. You could be the center of attention in August. – Are you ready that?

I’d love it! I am obviously focusing more on my performances at this point, but any attention would be an honor!



7. With that said, do you feel the extra pressure or think about the opportunities that could come along with winning Olympic medals?

No. I have a performance-based contract with some of my sponsors, where the better I do, or the more medals I win, the more I get paid….which could lead to anxiety. The way I handle it is to honestly block all of that out while I am training and competing. I think about what’s to come after I finish my races and only asset what it means then.

8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not swimming?

I am very easy going. I really like am happy doing almost anything as long as it’s in the sun. I love the beach and spending time doing water activities. Also enjoy shopping and fine dining, what girl doesn’t! I’d be happy doing anything as long as I’m with my family or friends.

9. Ok, final question – If, hopefully when, you win a Gold Medal how will you celebrate?

I’ll worry about that after it hopefully happens! I don’t think I’ll have a problem celebrating, though!

Thanks again, Best of Luck in Beijing!!!

Thank you, too!

Follow-Up: Jessica also swims for the University of California Berkeley, where she is a stand-out athlete. Every Olympics the USA seems to have a break out star in the pool, if Jessica can bring home gold, she surely will be one of the most popular athletes in any event. Most of the swimming events take place during the first week of the Games, so be sure to look for Jessica. Images were used with permission from: Speedo/ Warnaco Swimwear

To link to achieve posting: http://www.rizzosports.com/jessica-hardy-inter.html

Julia Mancuso Interview 12/07

We recently heard from US Ski team memeber, Julia Mancuso about living in Maui, this season's goals, her proprioceptive system, staying warm, victory parties, being a tabloid celeb, her favorite causes, the merits of exercise, having fun...and more...

1. First off Julia, are you healthy & 100% fit for the start of the circuit? Unlike last year, I had a really quality summer of training on Maui. While an injury like mine doesn’t ever completely go away, I am satisfied with how it is… my mobility keeps getting better and my body coordination (especially in regards to that area) is pretty good.

2. I read your blog, and it looks like you have visited a lot of unique places and have done many fun things, not mention living your summer in Hawaii. Was there anything you enjoy most about the summer? I just love that I can do whatever it is I desire on Maui and not have too many obligations. Yes, I need to sacrifice and hit the gym at a certain time, but other than that I choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. Are there waves? I’ll go surf. Is there wind? I’ll go kite surf. Is it a beautiful day for a bike ride? I’ll do that. Living from inspiration to inspiration, now that’s living and that’s the best part of my summer.

3. You had a sensational season last year when you finished 3rd overall, what can you do this season, finish 1st? Any other personal goals? You know, I’m just going to ski as hard as I can and have as much fun out there as possible. It sounds so cliché, but my ethic is one of clearing the mind and being completely present in the moment… there’s no yesterday, no tomorrow, just now, and if I can do that and just let my summer’s worth of hard training do it’s thing, then yeah sure, 1st place is a possibility. But I’m not too attached to the outcome. I know I’m not fully in control of what happens… you’ll just have to tune in and find out!

4. How long before a run, are you at the top of the mountain? It seems like on TV they will occasionally show stretching or equipment checks, but what really goes on pre-run? It all depends on what bib number you drew. If you’re one of the later racers, then yes, it can take a while until it’s finally your turn. I’ve been getting the premium numbers at many events, so once the scheduled race time hits and the fore-runners hit the track, we’re pretty much ready to hit it. But yes, to prep I do active stretching to awaken my proprioceptive and nervous systems… you’ll see me doing a lot of shaking, swinging, and… smiling.



5. Are there any places you’re looking forward to competing at this season? Well, certainly the downhill returning to the US is great. Aspen is going to be a lot of fun and hopefully a little hometurf advantage might play into my favor. Other than that, I love Cortina in Italy. It’s one of the most scenic places on the tour… breathtaking. Be sure to check out my podcast that airs several times a month… be sure to check out the Cortina Episode at http://juliamancuso.com/.


6. Silly question, but do you ever get cold during an event? Sure I do. People don’t know this, but our suits aren’t as insulated as it looks… but even more than that, it’s the skin that’s exposed that really gets chilled. That’s why sometimes you’ll see us wear face protection, a kind of neoprene mask if you will. Let’s say this: it’s whole heck of a lot colder than waiting for a set of waves on Maui, that’s for sure! Ha…

7. How do you celebrate a win? I surround myself with friends and my team mates. Every victory is different… it’s in a different town, different country, with varying degrees of entertainment and nightlife around. So in the quieter towns, I’ll just sit back with my friends and drink some champagne, eat a good meal and watch a movie. Other time/ places, I’ll go out and party all night if the mood is right!

8. I understand you travel in Europe from event to event via a RV, are you planning that this season. If so what’s life in the RV like? It’s not so much an RV as it is a tour bus. My driver and cook Werner has taken big bands like Pearl Jam around on their European tour, so that’s kind of cool. Anyway, yeah, I love it, because I can just keep my belongings in one place and not have to pack, unpack, repack and unpack again from hotel to hotel. Anything that helps me feel at ease and at home while help me be better at my job. Let’s just say that accomplished business men choose to fly business or first class, because they know they need it to perform at their best when they hit that important meeting. Similarly, I have reached a level where I feel the bus is a great investment.

9. I believe you became a favorite of the European press last year, are we going to see any juicy stories or interesting photos this year? Ha… yeah… I’m a tabloid celeb over there. They just love the gossip about me. I don’t know, I don’t pay much attention to it… and when I do, I laugh. They’re going to print what they want to print, so I guess we’ll just have to stay informed (you can read all the stories on my site when they come out if you want to stay on top of it)

10. Your unique California/Hawaiian style, and your realism, is probably one of the reasons you have so many great fans. However if you keep winning, your star status in the US will probably rise. How do you see your celebrity status and even your career developing? I live by my motto “do what you love and love what you do” and just by following that, I believe great things will unfold. There’s a simple beauty in living this way and I think that it can translate into other people’s lives. I want to inspire people to go for it, break out of that box and just charge it (whatever “it” is)… I want to inspire to LOVE to BE FIT, not just “advocate” or “proselytize” the merits of exercise, but to really stoke people out and to have FUN with moving your butt! Ohhh so liberating and freeing when you overcome that lazy tendency and go for that surf, go on that bike ride, etc… a life on fire, that’s what I want my career to be and with more passion, comes more flame and more recognition.

11. Anything else your want to add about the upcoming alpine season, life in general, advice, people you want to thank, causes to promote, or hot rumors to start?

Go check out WCSN.com for live ski coverage and also check out NBC’s coverage of the Aspen downhill event on the 9th of December at 2PM ET. Also tune in on Versus all year long.

I want to thank all those who enable me to do what I do… my sponsors, especially Rip It! They give a boost of energy when I need it.

Thanks to my trainers, both on the slope and off. I’m excited about Scott Sanchez and Stephan Boeker starting to take my quest to light a fire of fitness into people’s lives! Yeah, that’s what I’m looking forward to May… we’re planning a 9 week online and telephone consulting Gold Maximum Performance Training Program that will culminate in a 10 day Maui intensive life-changing camp. We’re looking to gear this program towards the aspiring amateur athlete, the competitive athlete looking for the ultimate edge, the master class athlete and the person who is looking to change her life around in profound new ways… if we do it right, this will be a great endeavor. Stay tuned by signing up to my newsletter on my website http://juliamancuso.com I’ll also be auctioning off my memorabilia items to raise money for my favorite charities during the season. WWF, Right to Play and my Sister April’s NPO (Livngo.org) will be the beneficiaries.

Other than that, I wish everyone out there a healthy and happy winter season full of prosperity and life-affirming events.


*All images were used with permmison from the U.S. Ski Team/USSA: U.S. Ski Team



This past spring I interviewed Julia on RSW, here is a copy of that audio. Vintage stuff, she really seems that motivated in life and she's obivouisly not your typical athelete during competetion or outside of it. Don't forget to check her out this ski season and especially this Sunday. Also if you want to link this article, please link to the achieved posting on rizzosports.com