The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia was very exciting. We had a few MIDD alums competing (skiers) as both athletes, and coaches, which was exciting. I love the Olympics. I mean, what kid hasn't dreamed of being in the Olympics?
Well, Lizzy took a big step toward that goal this J-term by training at the Lake Place Olympic Training Center for the Skeleton Development Team. How COOL is that?! I didn't even know exactly what "Skeleton" was before she told me, and I was a little nervous for her after she explained what it was! They reach incredible speeds, and are very close to the ice, but she only had to get stitches in her chin once...
We all know Lizzy is completely dedicated to working out, and being healthy and fit, and she just amped that up this winter in order to train with Olympians and other hopeful Olympians at Lake Placid. She even took a bronze at her first race, and she competed at USA Nationals. Way to go, Lizzy!
Our Spring athletes here have had a rough spring with very limited indoor training space available to them due to the construction of the new Field House. That, on top of a very cold, and long winter has definitely had an impact on their training. For instance, the crew team can't have any home races this year because the Lake is still frozen! Yikes. All these extra challenges have not had a negative impact on their success, however. Olivia and Lizzy have taken first place in many of their races so far, including one last Sunday in the pouring rain, and Hannah is currently in the top 20 in the NATION in the long jump. Way to go, guys!! 
Now, by this point in April, most teams are mostly getting outside for practice, except for the fact that the crew team may not get on Lake Dunmore AT ALL this season because of the late receding ice. I guess the same factors that make it a good lake to race on, also add to the time it takes for the ice to leave. This picture was what we woke up to this morning, however, on April 16! Gotta love Spring in VT. Monday it was in the mid-70's and sunny, yesterday it was a downpour all day, at times torrential, and this morning it was a winter wonderland.
