New Wally Video

The latest Wally the Wombat video is now up at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIcrhbF-lf4

Team Sprint Day - Aussies Hang Tough

Aussie skiers Ben Sim, and Paul Murray matched up yesterday to compete in the 1.6 km Team Sprint. Each athlete completes the course 3x tagging each other after each lap. The goal heading into the race was to hang in with the World's best for as long as they could and hang tough they did. Losing contact with the lead pack towards the end of the second leg, heading into the final lap for each.

* New Wally film to debut Wed. 24. Stay tuned!


Simbo hanging with the pack (back left).

Simbo on his second leg ahead of favourites Sweden.


Simbo looking strong.

Paul Murray (back right) on his first leg keeping the team in contact.

Murray powering out of the bottom corner.


The AWC lost on their first group ski.

???


All smiles after wrapping up the final Aussie competition with the completion of the men's team sprint.


The AWC on "Top of the World" trail with Black Tusk mountain in the background.


BK taking in the sunset after a great ski.

Men's 30km Pursuit, Wally hits the trails.

Today the men's 30km pursuit event took place and Aussie ski star Simbo skied to a grueling 47th place. With temps hitting the low teens, the ski track slowed as the one hour plus long race occurred. Post race Wally the Wombat headed to the trails to test skis for Monday's team sprint.

Latest Wally video available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMgREG2ZQQ4




Simbo at the top end in the middle of the pack. Looks like he is looking at his skis. Getting ready to start the 30km Pursuit.


Coming through the feed station on his final lap less than a kilometer from the finish. Strong, gutsy effort Ben!

Wally busts a move, Bjorgen wins.

Beautiful clear skies greeted the athletes again today at the Callaghan Valley Nordic venue. With no Aussies participating in the day's 15km Pursuit event the Aussie Wax Crew (AWC) stood trail side and watched Norway's Marit Bjorgen ski to her 3rd medal (second gold) of the games. After the race the AWC was treated to an impromptu dance performance by Wally the Wombat.....I wonder what he will do next?


The lead pack heading out on the final lap of the women's 15km Pursuit.

Update from yesterday's Biathlon

Yesterday under beautiful clear skies the Aussie wax crew headed over to Biathlon venue assist Aussie Biathlete Alex Almoukov. Still a junior skier, Alex had a strong performance shooting clean in the final round and matching the shooting range time of Norwegian great Ole Einar Bjordalen.


Behind the stadium pre-race.


Russian supporters on hand hoping for a medal.


A shot of the shooting range.


Aussie cheering squad (L to R - Ian Bottomley, Melanie Simbo, Sally Cunningham and Simbo)


The D-Train and Jellis holding their ground in the "feed" station awaiting Alex's race.


Alex heading out on his first lap on the 20km course.


Alex bringing it home in front of spectator hill.


Proud Norwegians celebrate gold in both the men's and women's event.


Beautiful view from the "office".


Estonian support staff dropping by the trailer.

Wally the Wombat

Wally the Wombat dropped by the Aussie wax trailer yesterday to pick up the slack and make sure all the skis got waxed properly.

Sprint Action

Day two of racing at the 2010 games saw 2 Aussies take to the start line for the men's and women's classic sprint event. It was a hectic morning but the team worked well together and Paul and Esther made their way around the course on great skis.


Epic Whistler conditions yesterday morning in the athletes village.


Just 24 hours later and a much different morning view. Great weather for a classic sprint race.



The stadium coming alive leading into the sprint prologue.


Women's first heat in the quarter final.


Cheering section for USA Kikkan Randall who sprinted to an 8th place finish.....and is also married to Aussie wax tech Jeff.


A little help from a friend.


".....now listen Ben open up your text book I am about to take you to school". Ben can't help but admire Wally the Wombat's apron.

Day one of competition at the cross-country venue. First up was Ben Sim in the men's 15km interval start skate event. Ben skied strong throughout the race to finish in 45th place. Just seconds out of the top 40 and in the company of skiers like German star Axel Teichman, and Norway's Petter Northug. Congrats to Simbo!



All business pre-race. Paid off with great skis!



"....no really I can see myself reflection!"


We didn't have the heart to tell Ben that it was a skate race.....

A shady crew of wax techs. Can you guess their previous employment?

A proud "Simbo" family.


Simbo on his way to a 45th place finish. Great start for the team!

Biathlon Live

We made our way over to the Biathlon venue yesterday to take in our first ever live event.

Cheering for all.

Spectator Hill. Great viewing spot.

Big Ben testing the limits of his accreditation.

The skies cleared late in the day and the famous "Black Tusk" showed its peak (unfortunately it's right behind the tree!). Hopefully the waxing is better than the photography.

Standing guard over the bus loading area.

Countdown to the 2010 games.

The Aussie wax staff consisting of Norwegian/Aussie Duane Butcher, American Ben Husaby, Canadian Jeff Ellis and the lone Australian Head Coach Finn Marsland have been on the ground in the Callaghan Valley for 6 days. It has rained for 5 of the 6 and made for very interesting wax conditions. Tune in each day as we update the adventures of the Waxing Roos! Many more pics and video to come.


Day one - A waxers dream! Then 30 minutes later.....

A waxers nightmare!

Unknown Aussie athlete meets the famous Aussie wax duo.

Torah Bright Aussie opening ceremonies flag bearer.....Ben and Jeff who?



What to wear? 6ft of clothing and rising.


Head Nordic coach Finn Marsland lets Quatchi know he will have the suit before the games are over.

Official countdown clock in city centre Vancouver.

"Hey IOC....put your dukes up!"

Cross Country signage at Callaghan Valley venue.


An Olympian's Disneyland. The athletes village Whistler.

Years to build the place, Finn begins deconstruction in 10 min.....where did he get a power saw?


Big Ben stuck to a ski.

....cold food? No problem.