From Sochi to Lillehammer - and back again??

The USA Luge team just left Sochi, Russia after a full week of training on the Olympic sliding track.  Emily had a very successful week and on the final day of training when the team had an unofficial "inter-team" race (among just the USA sliders), she finished one run in second place and one run in third place.  Exceptional results, especially when you consider the last time she slid on this track she crashed and barely held on to her sled!  Some would applaud her good luck and determination - but as her mom, I know she comes from very stubborn Irish/Scottish stock!  Either way, she had a great week of training. 

The team has now left Sochi and is in Lillehammer, Norway for 4-5 days of training before the first official international races next weekend.  Ironically, this track that will be her first test in earning points for the 2014 Olympic Games is the same one  where she lost the final race-off (to her sister Megan) for a position on the 2010 Olympic team.  Definitely a milestone track for her - let's hope this season brings more success her way!  

Here's a look behind the scenes at the Lillehammer track. if you think the life of a traveling athlete is a glamorous one, this gives a little view of what it's really like...one slider every 2 minutes from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m...."a very long day" indeed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQmLZGQKYhk