Tandy Savouring Olympic Experience

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

Previous World Cup race    used with permission from www.megantandy.com

Prince George, B.C. -  Speaking with local biathlete Megan Tandy, who's attending her first-ever Olympics, it's impossible not to be impressed by the young athlete's confidence, composure, and the sense she's enjoying the Games to the fullest.

Tandy finished 46th in the Women's 7.5-km Sprint on Saturday, qualifying for tomorrow's 10-km Pursuit.  Just hours after the race, she offered up a detailed analysis of how she felt the race played out for her with a level of insight that seems well beyond her 21-years. (click here, for weekend story)

But, while Tandy is focused on her goals at the Games, she isn't forgetting to stop and 'take in' her inaugural experience.  She chose not to ride into Vancouver for the official Opening Ceremony on Friday, but says she was involved in a "fun substitute."

"For athletes in Whistler who didn't feel it was in their best interests to head up to the real Opening Ceremony, we headed over to the Canada Olympic House, which is the public library in Whistler and, actually, they put together quite an event for us."

They wore their parade uniforms, watched the broadcast of the ceremonies, and, when their Canadian teammates marched into B.C. Place Stadium, they marched through Whistler Village square to an awaiting stage surrounded by cheering spectators.  "We got the march and if felt like there was a lot of energy and a lot of excitement and a lot of support."

"But then, you know, an hour-and-a-half after we left home, we were back in the athlete's village preparing for our races."

Yesterday and today are about recovery and rest for Tandy.  The  Women's 10-km Pursuit goes at 10:30 tomorrow morning.

Asked if she had any message to pass along, Tandy says, "I am truly racing at home -- born and raised in B.C. -- and I have received an incredible amount of support from family and from sponsors and from others to be where I am today...and I'm really proud to represent the people that helped me get here.  So I would say a 'Thank You' to everyone on that and a special thank you to the B.C. (High Performance) Program and coach iLmar Heinicke, who coached me here."

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