What are Team USA athletes — Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls — up to when they're not competing? They're training. They're practicing. They're traveling to competitions and meets and games and tournaments. They're relaxing. They're getting engaged and married. They're taking hard-earned vacations. They're coping with the raw emotions that come from losing and winning. And they're sharing. Through the reach of social media, we're able to follow along on their often extraordinary journeys. We'll catch you up each week on what's "Red, White & Trending."
Dog Gone Good Skiing
Olympic alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn makes no secret of the importance of the canine friends in her life. Yes, they have their own @vonndogs Twitter account and, yes, they are a supportive bunch. Lucy even makes for a pretty good speed training partner.
Not all that far removed from breaking her arm, Vonn is, in fact, back on the hill and competing ... like a beast, in the eyes of fellow Olympic alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin.
Lindsey Vonn is a flipping BEAST. Welcome back. @lindseyvonn
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) January 21, 2017
Yeah girl. Rocked it!!! https://t.co/BGp8T053qe
— Laurenne Ross (@lalalalaurenne) January 21, 2017
What a great run by @lindseyvonn!! Love seeing her reaction at the end. Pure joy, excitement and happiness. #WelcomeBack #ColoradoGirls
— Amy Van Dyken-Rouen (@amyvandyken) January 21, 2017
No Shoes, No Problem
There is, apparently, a rule on the 16th tee that the athlete who has won more Olympic medals than anyone in history, well, he can go barefoot.
While on vacation with his mom and dad, young Boomer reached a milestone on the road …
Star Turns
The future of men’s figure skating is now the present after Nathan Chen’s record-breaking performance this past weekend at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Chen, who at the age of 17 ripped off quad after quad during his long program, ran away with the title and straight into the conversation about what may be in store for him a little over a year from now in the Olympic Winter Games. Team USA reactions to his performance were almost as priceless as the performance itself.
Gymnastics has @Simone_Biles. Swimming has @MichaelPhelps. We have @nathanwchen. #USChamps17
— Evan Bates (@Evan_Bates) January 23, 2017
I have never been so moved by technical or athletic excellence like I was today by @nathanwchen. It was spellbinding and so appreciated.
— Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) January 22, 2017
I'm just laughing at how ridiculous this skate is holy crap
— Angela Wang (@AngelaWangster) January 22, 2017
Hello #QuadKing π @nathanwchen #USChamps17 π±π±π±
— Madison Chock (@chockolate02) January 22, 2017
Mind blown by @nathanwchen 's 5 Quad World Record free skateπ₯ Just. Plain. Awesome. #USChamps17 @icenetwork
— Michael Weiss (@MichaelWeiss2) January 22, 2017
What are the legal steps I need to take to change my last name to Chen?
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) January 22, 2017
Was cool to see my SP record stand for 3 years. Equally as cool to see @nathanwchen deservedly destroy it 106.39 ππ»ππ»ππ» #greatness
— Jeremy Abbott (@jeremyabbottpcf) January 21, 2017
Also, in Kansas City, the “Shib Sibs,” Olympians Maia and Alex Shibutani won the ice dance title, something that caught the eye of another Team USA sibling duo, Olympic hockey’s Lamoureux twins.
@moniquelam7 @MaiaShibutani @USFigureSkating Agreed! Thank you! ππΌ
— Alex Shibutani (@AlexShibutani) January 22, 2017
#Tokyo2020?
The drive for six? Kerri Walsh Jennings has played beach volleyball in five consecutive Olympic Games, taking home three straight golds through London and backing it up with a bronze in Rio. Tokyo, though, is now in play. Her updated Twitter bio: “Proud wife, proud mother, Believer, dreamer, seeker, 3x Olympic Gold medalist. 1x Olympic Bronze. Aspiring to be MY best #Tokyo2020 #IAmLove #4 …” So she’s saying there’s a chance.
Love this vid ππβ€ as long as the fire is lit, my heart is full & crew is ALL IN, so am I πΊπΈπ―π The Journey is where it's at β¨ I β€ it all! https://t.co/PEQAdgg9uR
— Kerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) January 22, 2017
At the time, she’ll be 41, and she’ll have to get used to reading about that storyline …
Oh my! I just need to get used to the focus on my age .... drives me crazy for some reason π¬ I've β€'d my age at every age. I focus on that! https://t.co/cLVUukQhKY
— Kerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) January 19, 2017
Uphill Climb
Heading into the night race at Schladming this past week, Team USA slalom skier Robby Kelley called it, “the most fun race of the year!!!!” Unfortunately, Kelley wound up airborne and sideways a few gates from the finish line at the raucous event. Kelley, however, also wound up stealing the show when, after his slide down the hill, he hiked back up in order to complete the slalom — much to the delight of 50,000 fans …
Kelley’s reaction on Instagram was as sportsmanlike as the finish to his race …
Shenanigans
Ah, life on the road …
View From The Top … And Bottom
Of all the curves in all the world, three-time Olympic bobsled medalist Steven Holcomb, a man who has logged countless corners along countless miles on tracks all over the world during a career that dates back to 1998, loves this one most. High praise.
My favorite curve in all the world. Sunny, in St. Moritz. (I forgot to post this, I was having to much fun sliding.) pic.twitter.com/PM9zeDYRGk
— Steven Holcomb (@StevenHolcomb) January 24, 2017
This past week in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Holcomb jumped from seventh after his first run with Carlo Valdes up to third to finish on the podium while also rising in the world cup standings to third, but now he’s on to Germany …
Just thought it was a beautiful view from the top of the track in Königsee. pic.twitter.com/BegwMuY3lb
— Steven Holcomb (@StevenHolcomb) January 24, 2017
Thought this was a nice view from the BOTTOM of the track in Königsee. pic.twitter.com/c8UTrpsa5n
— Steven Holcomb (@StevenHolcomb) January 24, 2017
Czech, Please
With a bit of downtime before taking off for the world championships, Olympic luger Tucker West, stopped for moment to enjoy a photo opp — with a swan, no less — in one of the most photogenic cities in the world.
We took a quick stop in Prague on our day off and made a new friend! Now we're off to Igls for World Championships! #PhotobombedByASwan pic.twitter.com/GUH6XqsHTv
— Tucker West (@TuckerWest1) January 21, 2017
Seven Wonders
About a month ago, Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall posted an invite for would-be first-time marathoners to check out his 18-week plan. Hall is in the midst of proving he knows plenty about training for 26.2 miles, as he’s running a remarkable seven marathons … on seven continents … in seven consecutive days. Thankfully, he covered his own journey, because the chronicles are captivating. There is excitement, positive energy, exhaustion and, yes, pain — particularly in his running, 23rd-mile check-ins.
Stoked to be leaving for @WorldMarathon77 today! Here is my blog with the details. https://t.co/mMAJKB2qGy
— Ryan Hall (@ryanhall3) January 16, 2017
Marathon 1 | Antarctica | “Went out too hard, as usual”
Marathon 2 | Chile | “It has not been long enough since marathon No. 1. Feeling a little bit torn up” …
Marathon 3 | Florida | “Goal now is survival” …
Marathon 4 | Madrid | “Hurtin’” … “Suffering like I’ve never suffered before” … “I can barely walk” … “This is going to get ugly” …
The adventure continues …
Looking Back, And Forward
Some anniversaries are for poignant reflection. For Paralympic swimming star and gold medalist Mallory Weggemann, that date is Jan. 21.
Net Gain
Congratulations are in order for Andy Roddick. This past week, the Olympic tennis star who reached the world No. 1 ranking and had the unfortunate luck to come along at the time of Roger Federer, learned he earned his induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017.
Thrilled to announce our featured Hall of Famers to the Class of 2017. Welcome to the club, Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick! π§πͺπΊπΈπΎππ #legends pic.twitter.com/QFdQNDX26R
— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) January 23, 2017
One of the biggest honors of my life. Thank you so much @TennisHalloFame. Ecstatic to go in w @Clijsterskim https://t.co/r5LJlXMAg0
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 23, 2017
@andyroddick into the Tennis Hall of Fame-- that's my boy- u deserve it & I am proud of you!!!
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) January 24, 2017
A boss, A legend, A father, A husband, A Rod. Congrats on the hall of fame @andyroddick, so happy for you pic.twitter.com/xPQuOvaH01
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 24, 2017
"I mean the guy's real obnoxious, he has to win Twitter too" π Hall of Famer @andyroddick on his relationship with @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/xOlEMiWS0C
— #7TENNIS πΎ (@7tennis) January 24, 2017
"This young guy whizzing aces by me!" The legendary @gugakuerten shares memories of @andyroddick on tour & welcomes him to the Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/4sxfYMafHJ
— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) January 23, 2017
Man ..... this is so cool. @gugakuerten one of my favorites of all time ! Thanks for the welcome Guga!!!!!! https://t.co/kUsyZLFrlK
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 23, 2017
Congratulations, brother! @andyroddick https://t.co/R5YKtK9pWD
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 24, 2017
So proud of this guy. https://t.co/IdzXLcsPtL
— Brooklyn Decker (@BrooklynDecker) January 24, 2017
More Honors
U.S. rugby Olympian and all-around speedster Carlin Isles also earned a spot on a wall of honor, this one at his high school in Ohio. A dream came true for Isles this past week, and he broke a little ground in the process …
LA 2024’s Unanimous Decision
There are many more that remain, of course, but Los Angeles took another step toward hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024, thanks to crossing an important milestone.
It's a big day in LA!
— LA 2024 (@LA2024) January 25, 2017
Olympic & Paralympic athletes join hundreds of fans at City Hall to support the City Council's final vote on #LA2024 pic.twitter.com/e0jXDsvGTC
And that vote went better than OK …
It's unanimous! π The LA City Council has given final approval for #LA2024 with a vote of 1οΈβ£3οΈβ£-0οΈβ£! pic.twitter.com/ZXnVj5BnTD
— LA 2024 (@LA2024) January 25, 2017
As was the case heading into Rio, and will likely be the case heading into Tokyo, there’s a pretty good bet Katie Ledecky sets up as a major would-be storyline entering a Los Angeles Games, too, and it’s something about which she can easily get excited.
She's won gold around the world, but there's still one dream @katieledecky is hoping for - βthe chance to compete on home soil in 2024! pic.twitter.com/PVOeHTYy06
— LA 2024 (@LA2024) January 27, 2017
X Factors
With the X Games underway in Aspen, a Team USA quintet gathered for their own photo opp that included 2014 Olympians Annalisa Drew, Brita Sigourney, Devin Logan and Maddie Bowman.
But they weren’t alone among Olympians in Aspen …
Taking The Plunge
Even the greediest of snowboarders and skiers wouldn’t ask for this sort of snow with a straight face. This is simply a matter of being spoiled …
We are in over our heads... literally! pic.twitter.com/vikMQcfm9p
— sage kotsenburg (@sagekotsenburg) January 22, 2017
Hoop Dreams
When it comes to young patriots, there are few greater concentrations than at our nation’s military academies. When two of them meet in athletics, particularly Army-Navy, the games are special. This past week, NBA analyst and 1996 Olympian Reggie Miller visited an Army-Navy hoops game and came away honored.
Thanks @ArmyWP_MBB @GoArmyWestPoint for the access to some fantastic cadets. Hey @NavyAthletics your turn next season.. #RealHeroes pic.twitter.com/ShGL4C8gu4
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 23, 2017
@ReggieMillerTNT πThank you for spending time at West Point and with our Cadets! Meant a lot to everyone! Go Army! Beat Everyone! π
— Commandant of Cadets (@Commandant_USMA) January 22, 2017
.@Commandant_USMA No thanks needed, it was a privilege and honor to get to know a few of them.. Thanks for the access to them..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 22, 2017
Miller had himself a pretty good week, too. Though not where he makes his home in breathtaking Malibu, life on the road treated him to the honor of meeting “the queen of trash talk,” two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Lilly King. King, the Indiana native, couldn’t have been happier to meet the legendary Pacers trash-talker in what quickly became a mutual admiration society.
That finger wag. Need one of y'all to make a gif outta this. @ReggieMillerTNT @_king_lil βοΈβπΎ pic.twitter.com/s0ksaTSzIW
— Jason Spells (@JasonSpells) January 24, 2017
.@ReggieMillerTNT meets his "Olympic hero" @IUSwimAndDive's @_king_lil, compares her demeanor in #Rio2016 to his sister, Cheryl #GoPacers pic.twitter.com/gRk14lKPIF
— Larra Overton (@LarraOverton) January 24, 2017
Not sure who was more excited about meeting one another: @ReggieMillerTNT or @_king_lil Quite fun to witness. pic.twitter.com/9xuQkEVJMD
— David Benner (@PacersDMB) January 24, 2017
Best. Day. Ever. https://t.co/IK85hneeLv
— Lilly King (@_king_lil) January 24, 2017
Super Early
Though this feels a bit like a verrrry early blinker a mile before an exit off the highway, don’t let it be said that Shawn Johnson is unprepared for Falcons-Patriots. Let’s just hope her food choices keep over the next week or so.
Getting ready to throw our annual Superbowl Bash! Is it bad that this is just the practice round πππ Haha thank you… pic.twitter.com/v1HHZqqrTo
— Shawn Johnson East (@ShawnJohnson) January 22, 2017
