shift #10 - ticket taking

It was bonus gift day, volunteers got a silver medallion and thank you pin from IOC. At least that was a welcome surprise for me, since this is another 5am shift and 2 more to go.

I got on the "entry" team which is at the arena, but I decided to take tickets, as it was a practice figure skating session and I wasn't too interested in ushering. It was so cold in the morning, my new long johns, and extra layer of fleece did not help. Gates open at 6am, people only pay $30 to watch the entire program, ladies and ice dance for 6 hours. The only thing is that there are other skaters on the ice, and some people may not show up.

Scanning was fine, reminds me of my Ticket Master days working doors. There were some problems with people's tickets not scanning. Boy, are those people nervous that they wouldn't get in! Some people bring all their tickets, some people bring the wrong ones, one lady didn't buy one for her kid, who is four, saying that he will sit on her lap, where other people are buying tickets for their babies.

Since I was off at 130pm, it was great to go home and have a nap. This also enabled me to watch the speed skating finals. I was cheering for Canada and Tyson Heung from Germany. I learn so much from TV coverage, it's just so much more informative than being live, but you get the atmosphere and crazy buzz if you're there for a medal finish.

The Hamlin brothers lost their 1000m final to Korea and USA champ Apolo Ohno. They lost steam in the race and came 4th and 5th of 5. Tyson didn't make it through the quarter finals because Charles Hamelin and Apolo Ohno were in his heat and only the top 2 advance. I found out that he's from Brampton Ontario, no wonder he seemed so polite and a lone wolf from the German team, it's that Canadian part of him.

For the ladies, our Kalyna Roberge fell in a heat and our Tania Vincent lost steam also and came last in her 1500m final, coming in 8th. So disappointing.

There's so much pressure on those athletes, but they must want it so bad, that they have to take risks. I've seen a few passes where falls happen and lots of infractions and disqualifications, mostly Korean men. Gotta have good sportmanship!