| Chapter 10 The next day was Media Day, a day were the mdia took over the Athlete Village. Cameras and reporters were like buzzing bees running all over the Village, trying to get as many interviews as possible. Cmaeras clicked away and microphones were shoved in athletes' faces. It was a day where the ladies knew they shouldn't be in the athletes village, but with all the excitement, they couldn't resist not being in the middle of things. Sometimes, some of the reporters recognized them and wanted their perspective on the upsoming Olympics. Their answer was always the same; they were honored to be here and were looking foward to cheering on Team USA. They walked inside one of the press rooms just as the short track team was finishing up their press conference. "Apolo, with all the pressure on you to get four gold medals, how are you handling all of it?" a female journalists said with a tape reocorder in her hand. "I'm trying not to let it get to me," Apolo said laughing. "These guys have really helped me keep focused for sure. Just take it one day at a time and if I win a medal, then that's great for sure. If I don't win a medal, then as long as skated my best, it's all that matters to me." "This is a question for all the speedskaters," a male journalist said. "How do you feel coming into the Olympics being the current reigning world short track relay team?" "There's definetly a lot of pressure, but like Apolo said, we're just going to take one thing at a time, try our best, and see what happens," Rusty replied as he saw the Dance USA ladies in the crowd and smiled at them. "And we really aren't foused on medals," Sahni added. "We're just here to have fun. I mean this is the Olympics, a once-in-a-lifetime oppertunity and we're all glad to be here. It doesn't matter what medal we end up with." "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, but we must move on to the next group," a man standing at the podium said. "Thank you USA Short Track Team." The guys got up from behind the table and stood their for a couple of seconds to get their pictures taken as a flashes came from every direction, almost blinding them. They started to leave the stage, but the flashes didn't stop until they exited the room by disappearing behind a blue curtain that was on the side of the stage. The ladies, seeing that they short track team was headed backstage, left the press conference and headed back to the USA House. When they got back there, they met Michelle Kwan, one of medal hopefuls in figure skating. "Hey, Michelle," Crystal said hugging her. Michelle and the girls knew each other very well. Each were big fans of the other always hung out whenever they had some down time. "It's been a while." "Yeah I know, I can't believe you guys are here," Michelle said finishing up hugging the other ladies. "We have a lot of catching up to do. How about we get together tomorrow afternoon for lunch?" "Sounds great," Kylee said. "Have fun at your press conference." "I'll try," Michelle said walking towards the building they had just come form as the short track guys approached them. "Hi," Lindsey said smiling at them. "Hey, we saw you ladies at the press conference," Rusty said smiling back at Lindsey. "Yeah, we have nothing better to do this morning," Kylee said. "Remember, we're not athletes so no one wants an interview with us." "I'm sure the Olympics will change that real soon,"' Apolo said as they all walked over to some benches right outside the USA House. "I hope so," Crystal said as she sat in between Rusty and Karen. "So it looks like you were having fun up there answering all those questions?" "Oh, ya tons of fun," Rusty replied sarcastically. "We just sound like a broke record player up there. You know, cause they always ask the same questions and we always say the same answers." |
| "Well, we thought you all sounded great up there,"' Lindsey said as they sat on some benches near the USA House. "Well from what we saw anyway." "So what's on your agenda for the day?" Rusty asked sitting next to Lindsey and Karen. "Nothing much, we're not athletes so the reporters aren't exactly lining up to interview us," Lindsey said. "Well, hopefully the Olympics will change that," Shani said sitting next to Crystal as Apolo sat next to Kylee. "Maybe, but for right now we just have to concentrate on the concerts we're scheduled to do," Kylee said. "So how often are you all going to preform?" Shani asked. "Twice a day, once before an event and once at the Medals Plaza after the medal ceremonies," Crystal replied. "That's a lot and we were complaining about the four races we have to do," Rusty said looking at Apolo. "Yeah, our races sound tiny compared to all of your preformances," Apolo said. "We're used to preforming a lot without a lot of notice," Kylee said. "What do you mean?" Apolo asked concerned. "I mean we don't get a lot of notice about these special appeareances we have to make," Kylee explained. "Take the Olympics for example. We only knew about this a week ago that we were preforming here. So talk about crunch time. We've been practicing so hard and now we have to practice while we are here, preform countless concerts, attend practically all the events, practice with the athletes once a day, prepare for world championships, and squeeze in time for our tutors. All this in 17 days." "Well, if you need to get streesed out, you know where to find us,' Apolo offered putting his arm around Kylee gently. "Thanks for the offer," Kylee said smiling at him. "We know how you feel, sometimes coaches expect way too much out us," Shani said shaking his head. "and we're not allowed to become stressed out." "But the rewards are sweet," Crystal said smiling. "Well, most of the time." "We have been practicing over time for Worlds," Karen said. "We have been practing so hard we can taste that medal. I mean we were so close last time. Even if we get a bronze, we'll be happy." "I'm sure you will do good," Rusty said trying to sound positive. "You guys have improved so much since last year. You'll do fine." "Well, we have to be heading to one of many practices we have while we are here," Lindsey said standing up. "Hey practice makes perfect," Shani said. "Yeah, I know, but with all the excitement out here, we don't want to be inside," Karen said standing up. "We'll take lots of pictures fo you guys," Rusty said holding up his camera as everyone laughed. "You'll take pictures even if they were with us," Apolo said laughing. "We'll see you guys later," Kylee said giving each of the guys a kiss on the cheek. "See you later," Apolo said as the ladies made their way to practice. Chapter 11 Never Had a Dream Come True Homepage Home |