Lindsey Vonn vs. Shaun White

I absolutely love the Olympics! Winter games/Summer games, it doesn't matter, I will mark my calendar and make sure to watch a majority of events. I also mark my calendar for Shark Week on Discovery Channel every July. Love those Great Whites.

Last night was exciting for all Americans with the hype around Lindsey Vonn in the Women's Downhill and Shaun White in Men's Halfpipe. I was glued to the TV, rooting for both of these amazing athletes and silently chanting U-S-A in my head. I have to admit though, while I think Lindsey Vonn is an amazing skier and I could never even attempt to do what she does, (well, I could attempt but would be seriously injured or die in the process), I don't think I care for her as a person. She really annoyed me and unfortunately, this almost ruined my excitement for her amazing 1:44.19 Gold Medal run.

Let me start at the beginning: I've been following Lindsey Vonn's back story since promotional commercials and newscasts for the Winter Olympics aired. I know she suffered a nasty crash in Torino in 2006, I'm aware that she hurt her wrist, and her shin, and her legs were bothering her, and she didn't get to do a full trial run in Whistler. I realize this 25 year old girl has had to face some adversity to achieve her dreams...but, isn't that what it's all about? Did anyone ever think that winning a Gold Medal in an Olympic event would be easy? That there wouldn't be bruises and pain and suffering, oh my! I rooted for Lindsey Vonn and she dominated that course, but the first thing I noticed was that all the other female skiers had their height and weight posted before their run, except Lindsey. I thought this was strange, especially because earlier in the day I read an article on yahoo! stating that she is 5'10'' and 165 lbs. Did she request that her height and weight not be posted? At 165 she was one of the heavier skiers in this event but it's obvious that weight is part of the reason she's able to propel herself down that mountain. So why were her stats not shown? I could be completely wrong, but it seemed a bit prima donna to me. I also was mildly freaked out when I saw her imagining the course in her mind. I get the whole "visualize the success" mentality, but the way Lindsey Vonn did it was creepy, like she was having a bad dream or needed an aide of some sort.

During her victory interview, Lindsey cried a little which I thought was normal. Her mascara started to run and I wondered if someone would hand her a tissue. She then however, ditched the interview to go hug her husband, but instead of hugging him, she bawled hysterically on his shoulder. Long, drawn out, heavy wails that made me uncomfortable. Her husband even told her to stop crying and enjoy the moment. You just won a Gold Medal damn it! Ugh. I guess her over the top, sappy reaction to victory bothered me. Plus, they shared an awkward kiss which made me wonder if he is her husband or just another athlete/friend. Her sobbing seemed dramatic and almost disingenuous to the point where I sort of wished Julia Mancuso got the Gold because she seemed like a much more down to earth and level headed chick. And her goggles had blue glitter on them.

Either way, what Lindsey Vonn accomplished yesterday was incredible. I respect her as a skier and a competitive female athlete. But, if I were in the produce aisle at Hannaford squeezing avocados for my awesome guacamole, I would much rather run into Shaun White than Lindsey Vonn. Shaun would be so chill and laid back, maybe he would even teach me how to make a new Double Mick Guac that no one has even attempted! Lindsey would probably make a better guacamole than mine, complain and bitch about the process and then let out exaggerated tears when complimented. So annoying, and no one enjoys over salted guacamole.