Team USA Dec. 5 Update

Athletes practice skills and mentally prepare for World Games

Athletes spent Friday at their respective venues again. They practiced skills and took time trials to ensure they'd be placed in the correct division at World Games.

Cross-country started the day with a run, as usual. Floor hockey and Alpine skiing got to try on the uniforms they will be wearing in February.

Speed skaters practiced on the outdoor skating rink in Breckenridge, working on proper position and footwork, starts and turns, and learning how to fall down and get back up as quickly as possible. They also did cardio workouts indoors. 

Snowshoers practice the 100 meter

Alpine skiers take to the slopes

During the athlete breakout sessions, sports managers discussed sportsmanship and the Special Olympics Code of Conduct.   The athletes gave ideas for being good sports, such as having a good attitude, being flexible and walking away from a situation if they are upset. They also discussed ways to communicate with athletes from other countries; for example, giving high fives, trading pins and using gestures to convey ideas. Teams also elected team captains based on who they believe are good leaders.

The theme for the evening was Idaho Night. Athletes were served a themed meal, including baked beans, potato chips, pulled pork and individual blackberry pies. Then several groups were recognized for their support of Team USA during training camp: coaches and support staff, medical staff from Colorado EMS, the U.S. Department of Defense, Copper Mountain food services staff, venue volunteers and Special Olympics Colorado. Click here for a list of the individuals recognized.

Check out the Team USA photo gallery for photos from today. Speed skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, alpine skiing and snowboarding are featured.

Fan-Tastic Team USA  

Cross-Country Skier Expresses Himself Through Comedy

When cross-country skier Nate Critchfield, 25, was just a young boy, his parents started introducing him to the world of standup comedy. Almost immediately, he began memorizing skits from the comedians and scenes from his favorite television shows and performing them himself. At first, he only performed in front of his family, but in the past several years he has been competing at the West Virginia Blackberry Festival in Nutter Fort, WV – and winning.

-Read more about Nate-

Nate Critchfield completes a time trial

Mark Vroman practices at speed skating

Wisconsin Speed Skater: A Man of Many Talents 

Mark Vroman of Wisconsin is a true Renaissance man. He has interests that range from sports to the arts.

The 39-year-old is going to 2009 World Winter Games in February to compete in speed skating. He has been speed skating for about four years, although his sister Julie taught him to ice skate when he was 10 or 11.

-Read more about Mark-