Closing

Since I was staying in Ojai and working at Lake Casitas every day, I didn't see any events other than rowing and canoe/kayak in 84. Of course, I was on the judge's stand for every kayaking final, so I can't complain. I did get a ticket, and transportation, to the Closing Ceremonies though. Here the final flag bearers enter the Memorial Coliseum.

They were positioned all around the infield of the track. Great Britain, with flag carrier Sebastian Coe, was right in front of my seat. He's now Lord Coe and head of the London Organizing Committee for the 2012 games.

A quote from Baron Pierre de Coubertin:

The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take
part. The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

Golden Moments

Gold medals and flowers waiting for the awards ceremony

Ann with Anna Olsson and Agneta Andersson of Sweden, winners of the women's K2 500 meters.

King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden supporting their athletes. During the weeks preceding the games, I got to know Alan Rains, of the Rains Department Store in Ojai. He was the head of hospitality for our venue and a great guy. I did go to a couple of dinners for officials, but I kept telling him that what I really wanted was to meet the King and Queen of Sweden if they came to Lake Casitas. I think he thought I was kidding, and there was no way they would actually turn up. But Sweden won several medals the first day of kayak finals, and so they came on the second day. A luncheon for them and the Swedish team was quickly arranged, and Alan made sure that I got an invitation, along with my parents and sisters. I did get to meet them, however briefly, and take a number of pictures while at the lunch. One of my most memorable moments!

Working

One of my duties was helping out in the coach and official meetings prior to the events. This was when the coaches could make last minute scratches and substitutions (from a pre-approved list), and lane assignments were drawn for all the heats. Although some of these faces are still familiar to me, I would be hard put to remember all the names, except that I wrote on the back of this particular picture. From left to right: Frank Whitebrook, Australia, Nikola Velev, Bulgaria, Sergio Orsi, Italy, Otto Bonn, Hungary (all ICF officials), Tom Horton, Commissioner for LA Canoe/Kayak, and myself.

Myself and the Swedish ICF official, Lars something.

I didn't spend much time with athletes, except the ones I already knew, but I did get acquainted with officials and coaches. This is Hayden Kenny, coach of the Australian team, celebrating after his son Grant won a medal.

Lake Casitas

I've been spending way too much time lately watching TV because of the Olympics being on. I am lucky enough to have CBC as part of my cable package, and, while not perfect, their coverage is so much better than NBC, I've mostly been watching that. I thought it would be fun to do some posts about my Olympic memories, but didn't have any time until today to scan some pictures. I did attend the Montreal games, as both Brent and Ann were on the team, but that's pretty hazy now. But in 1984, I worked for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC) for 2 months, helping to organize the canoe/kayak competitions. I stayed in Ojai, and went every day to the rowing/canoe/kayak venue at Lake Casitas, a reservoir between Ojai and Santa Barbara. There's an amazing amount of detail work that goes into staging an event like that, and we worked very hard. But it was a lot of fun too: seeing the course and facilities spring up, the athletes and all their equipment arrive, and then being up close and personal during the actual events.

This is a view of the judges stand, with the bleachers and scoreboards. The thing about Lake Casitas was, it's a reservoir with natural surroundings and normally no boating is allowed. After the Olympics were over, everything had to be removed, even the sod, flowers and other landscaping.

Another view, with long colored floats to keep to the multi-pastel theme of LA. They are anchored to a floating walkway between the athletes and boat storage areas and the spectators and administrative areas.

When the flags went up on the back of the stadium, it was a thrilling moment.

Family members in LA, in front of the trailer where I worked. Mom, Ann (on the US team but not in uniform), Dad (chief official for canoe/kayak) and me.