Medal's Plaza

Fireworks above the Medals Plaza Stage

Torino set up a huge backdrop for the flag raising at Medals Plaza. Saw the stars and stripes raised twice.


Here is the stage set up where the medals are presented and the concerts take place.


Here is Chad Hedrick tonight celebrating his (first) gold.

This evening I went to the Medals Plaza. It is located on the Piazza Castello in Torino. For the uninitiated, the Medals Plaza is where the Winter Games medals are awarded to the top competitors each day. Because many of the events take place in the mountain venues, the actual medals are presented here in town. This is where you have the three level stand, the flag raising and playing of the gold medalists' country anthem.

Tonight we saw Chad Hendrick receive his (first) gold for his 5,000 m speed skating victory. Also some long-haired hippy-type snowboarders from the US. They took gold and silver.

After the presentations there was a free concert. Tonight it was Kelly Clarkson of American Idol fame. Not bad.