Winter Olympics 2: ‘Gold, always believe in your soul

[Silverbirchleaf]

For all things Winter Olympics related.

Chris doing the Skeleton is on iplayer- it's well worth the watch. Very funny (the 'training' on a table is funny).

And he is covered in way more protective clothing than any other athlete would ever wear.

In fact, I think all the clips are on iplayer.

E.t.a- the clips are on BBC Sport on Instagram, for those who can't get iplayer. (an possibly twitter)

Yes, sorry - wasn't being clear. Was replying to the idea that it wasn't Owain but a similar person who does Homes Under The Hammer... or that's how I read it!

Am now v confused and going for a nap!

I never think of myself as liking any of the above but once I start watching them I get sucked in. Even bowls.

Gosh China almost did themselves out of a medal in the speed skating team pursuit bronze run off - they were way up by over a second - then took it easy and almost got pipped on the line .... only got it by 0.09!

Can anyone explain what the skiing and shooting is all about? They are totally different disciplines how do they fit together? Is it a bit of a ‘hunter gatherer’ type of idea, why not skiing and shotput? Am I totally missing something here?

Think milk tray man! If your old enough

it’s like a triathlon or a cross country is how I see it - totally fits

shooting is a good test as you’ll be full of adrenaline from skying then you have to calm it to a totally different energy

They always look like cold blooded assassins when you get the close up of the shooting parts.

Here you go - I was on the right lines

Shooting and skiing are combined in the sport of
biathlon because it originated as a, and continues to be, test of military survival skills and endurance, combining the physical exertion of cross-country skiing with the precision of marksmanship. The combination simulates the historical practice of Scandinavian soldiers and hunters traveling through forests on skis while carrying rifles for protection and hunting.

It developed out of Scandi military training in the 1800s - requirements for military officer and regiments used to compete against each other. A bit like the Modern Pentathlon that also developed from military training (running, swimming, shooting, riding and fencing).

Picture from 1811

Women's figure skaing started about 3/4 of an hour ago- the GB skater is in the first group- I'm not sure she likely to qualify for the free skate. Could be wrong. Missed most of the first skaters, as was on pancake duty (Managed not to mess any up for once ).

Yes she isn’t going to qualify but she did so well considering the injuries she’s had this year which she’s still experiencing the effects of.

Gosh Olympic pancakes!

Yes, she has really been making the most of at least making the Olympics- not many can they have done that.

It's snowing like mad at the skiing and leaping in the air event.

She's not going to qualify - she is recovering from spinal surgery and not able to do certain jumps/spin positions

That made me laugh so much- leaping in the air event! 😂😂

No she is very likely to come last- but she looked like she ejoyed competing in the team event, and today- and has come for the experience.

The pants have made a return in the Norway vs Sweden match for those curling fans who need that info.

@RafaistheKingofClay -I've just spotted that whilst switching channels on Discovery plus.

Love the Norwegian pants!

Meanwhile , it's not looking great for GB against Canada.

It’s not really looking good for the pants against Sweden

I have been to Pilates, so AWOL until now. Big air final run for me now. Not quite as invested as in the women!

We've picked up a couple of points in the last end, but there have been too many mistakes, considering GB are meant to be the top team.

We are of course playing Canada, with pointy finger man

Have switched on to the skiing and leaping through the air (love that). That leap was massive.

She reminds me of the gymnast Danusia Francis who tried for multiple Olympics, finally made it, but tore her ACL a few days before the competition - she came out with a knee support. did a few swings on the bars and could say she competed at the Olympics.

Mac Forehand is in the wrong sport.