Image Credit: Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty ImagesCount me as part of the group that had no idea what Nordic combined skiing was until last night. For those who didn’t watch (and like me grew up in the snow-deficient south), it’s basically a four-man team that competes in a jump portion of competition followed by a cross-country ski relay. A little further background: The U.S. had never gotten a medal in the team event. Ever.
But that changed last night when the U.S. team took silver and earned a place on the podium for the first time in 86 years. So, for simultaneously educating and inspiring me, today’s stud honor goes to Brett Camerota, Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane (an honorable mention from earlier this week), and Bill Demong.
The team quickly made up for their 2-second start delay after Finland, but in the end lost out to the Gold-defending Austrian team. For a while, I was confused by all the competitors’ seemingly depreciated pace in the cross-country portion, but then I realized that with heavy snow smacking them in the face, they couldn’t exactly quit walking and hail a cab. Tough weather conditions may have contributed to the second-place finish for the U.S., but silver is hardly a loss. Demong, Lodwick and Spillane (who to me seeps a charming, dorky Jim Halpert-esque appeal) have trained together for almost 15 years, and while they’ve experienced individual success, a team win was a long time coming. Congratulations, studs.
Honorable mention: Canada’s Ashleigh McIvor, who took gold in women’s ski cross. Aside from being cute as a button, McIvor showed veteran-style judgment in the semifinals when she opted out of taking a risky move and let Norway’s Hedda Bernsten pass her for first place. McIvor didn’t put her spot in the finals on the line, and it ultimately paid off.
Special award: American Mirai Nagasu spun herself into a nosebleed during the women’s short program. I never knew Olympics skating could double as NASA astronaut training. Blood coming out of your nose isn’t studly, but it does make you sort of a badass. For more on the ladies short program, check out Annie Barrett’s detailed recap.
So what do you think, PopWatchers? Who was on your stud radar last night?
Surprised there’s no mention of Joannie Rochette, managing to skate a clean enough program for 3rd place two days after her mother’s sudden death. Bravery for miles. As a Canadian, I’m super proud of McIvor (she killed it!), but can’t even imagine the strength of will it takes to perform after a tragedy like that. Athletes are an impressive bunch!
I thought for sure she would be SOTD, what an amazing performance. I am proud of our men but KUDDOS to her.
I agree, Kate. She really showed some courage last night and had me (and I think Scotty Hamilton too) in tears.
SotD for me is definitely Joannie Rochette for managing to skate through her grief and turn in not only a clean skate, but one that nabbed third place.
I admit that I was disappointed to learn that Ashleigh McIvor’s last name was not, in fact, “McGyver.”
Bwahaha, I thought the same thing re: McGyver!
Here’s hoping Joannie Rochette medals tomorrow and can be Stud of the Day all by herself! Even if she doesn’t, it has to be heartening to know that the entire world is cheering her on.
Love McIvor! Was totally unaware she’s dating Del Bosco, what a nice couple. Between McIvor, Ricker, Virtue, Moir, Montgomery, and the extremely brave and adorable Rochette it’s a pretty good year to be Canadian.
It was also nice to see Tessa Virtue in the stands teary eyed cheering on Rochette. All the best to her tomorrow.
Count me in on the surprise that Joannie Rochette isn’t SotD. What she accomplished last night took all the strength those 4 skiiers had combined (at least emotionally). She made me and Scott Hamilton cry and that is pretty studly.
I know I sound like a broken record, but the Stud of the Olympics is the Canadian curling team’s John Morris (aka Johnny Mo). Handsome face, dreamy blue eyes, a cute behind, and HE’S A FIREMAN to boot.
However, being devoted to the Canadian curling team and watching all their matches, I’ve noticed there are some other studly curlers, too.
1) The entire Swedish team, but especially Sebastian Kraupp. Studalicious.
2) Scottish skip David Murdoch. Handsome, built, and that Scottish accent.
3) The Norwegian skip is pretty cute too. I don’t remember his name, though.
this is a joke…the writer is even impressed by a team of 4 men who did something that we as americans have never done before…and some skater’s nosebleed is somehow better or “more charming” thats just silly, especially if you followed these games, those guys deserve a front page write up not just some stud of the day crap…give a little respect where its due, not just because some big girl put her big girl pants on for 15 minutes…that combined crushed it, plus finished 1-2 again last night, beat that with a curler, haha…i’m actually into curling this year but don’t tell anyone
These guys are definitely studs! I’d be embarrassed to admit in public just how crushed out I am about the USA Nordic combined team.
So I’ll admit it here where I can be anonymous. If any of them read this … WE LOVE YOU and we’re so very proud of your accomplishments.