Heavy Metal

While at the Medals Plaza the other night, I got into a backstage "Olympic Family" only area. Here is where the athletes are escorted on and off stage for the medals awarding ceremony. It is such a great scene because there are hugs, high-fives and smiles all around. The athletes hold up the medals for the crowds and stare down at the medalion with a look of like pride and disbelief. After all they have been holding them for only a few minutes and are eager to get a closer look.

The entire Medals Plaza concept was the brainchild of the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games. The idea is that some of the winners are given only flowers at the actual venues and instead receive thier medals in a big party in the center of town, which is then followed by a free concert.