Colorado Visit June 07, 2002

Jun 07, 2002 - While in Colorado for a few days we had the opportunity to visit the US Olympic Complex and the USOC 7-Eleven Velodrome. We took the tour at the Olympic Complex, met several athletes and watched some races at the Velodrome.

US Olympic Complex - Colorado Springs, CO

Countdown to the next Olympics Statue in front of Visitor Center Rooftop deck view of Complex Wall of Olympic Medal Winners Olympic Hall of Fame One of several bronze statues Margaret, our tour guide Norm with Margaret Marlon Shirley, Paralympian Gold Medalist Paralympians in training Volleyball players on their way to training or was it lunch (?) 1st year volleyball player, Emily Adams, daughter of Alvan Adams, NBA star Wrestlers in training A couple of Greco-Roman wrestlers Pistol training Charlie Jones, gymnastics It was a very interesting tour and it was very nice of the athletes to stop and talk with the visitors. Of course, Norm has the gift of gab and he took advantage of not ever meeting a stranger. Our tour guide would point out the athletes as they walked by and when Pat mentioned they walked by too fast, Margaret asked one athlete, Marlon Shirley if he wouldn't mind coming back to have his picture taken. He said not a problem as long as we could be in the picture with him. Later on, while talking to Charlie Jones, a gymnast sitting at the information booth, Margaret, our tour guide overheard us ask if we could take his picture and she offered to let us hold the olympic torch for the picture.

7-Eleven Velodrome - Colorado Springs, CO

After leaving the Olympic Complex we drove about 5 blocks to the 7-Eleven Velodrome. (The track measures 333.3 meters and is banked at 33 degrees. It is considered among the top three cycling facilities in the world and several world records have been set on it.) When we got there there didn't appear to be anyone around but luckily there was. John Cotton, Lead Venues Operation Specialist at the Velodrome was there and he described the track and took us to see some of the bikes that are used. He invited us to come back later that evening when there would be some races. We did go back and were able to get pics of the races and also met one rider, John McAlpine. John provided more information on how the races were actually done and how they are scored. Norm with John Cotton John explaining bike differences Gentlemen, start your . . . . That's some angle - 33 degrees And the winner is . . . . Okay, ladies it's your turn A few more laps ? ? ? Halfway to the finish The infield is used for warming up and as a resting area while waiting for the next race John McAlpine with daughter (l) who also races and her friend

* photos by Pat Waleke

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