Victor Awards!

[billiey36]

First of all--this program is one big bore.

Until about 45 minutes in when they introduce some of the gold medal winners from Torino, showing a montage with--guess who--right in the middle?

The medalists present were Apolo, of course, Shani, Joey Cheek, Ted Ligety, Julia Mancuso, Seth Wescott, and Hanah Jeter. Apolo was introduced last.

They were then all given a medallion from the National Anthem Project which was put around each of their necks while they showed clips of each of them while they were on the podium. Most of them had to duck a little to receive the medal--Apolo didn't

They then introduced the only speaker--on everyone's behalf--and take a wild guess who it was?

You got it. Apolo came to the microphone to much applause and cheers (in all fairness, the crowd was generous to all the athletes).

He thanked the Victor Awards on everyone's behalf and said how honored they were to be there. He also thanked the state of Hawaii and ended with something in Hawaiian which I didn't understand.

He and all the rest of them looked great, although a little warm. Apolo looked hot as usual.

When he came out last (they all came out carrying their awards), he and Hanah clunked statues like they were making a toast.

It was a great couple of minutes. Even worth sitting through 4 minutes at the beginning of announcers going, "Welcome to the 1st annual Victor Awards", "Welcome to the 2nd annual Victor Awards", you get the picture. The problem is, these were the 40th annual Victor Awards, so there were 39 "welcomes" before they finally got down to business.

Oh Apolo, the things we do for you.

But it's all worth it



p.s. I edited 'cause I actually had one of the athletes wrong!

[laura6]

awesome report Billiey..I have 150$ a month cable bill and can't get that channel..not happy..did they show him seated in the audience??? if do was he with anyone???

[tabatha]

i did, but not paid. aaahhhh. thanx for the info billiey, app. it.

[billiey36]

They didn't do many scans of the audience, and there was no before or after show, so the only time I saw him was during the presentation itself.

Most of them came out pumping their arms and waving their statues in the air, which I'm not complaining about. They were happy and had a right to be proud of themselves. But I did like Apolo's more humble entrance. He just held the statue out briefly and smiled.

He is such a natural public speaker. He was very low key, and said everything that needed to be said without sounding like he had been practicing it all day.

I shouldn't be surprised every time he shows how classy he is ;D

[billiey36]

I just remembered. They obviously didn't have all our gold medalists--no Flying Tomato or Chad Hendrick.

These awards were voted on by sports editors and writers, so winning gold didn't mean an automatic Victor Award.

[tabatha]

aw, i like love the flying tomato, too bad, too bad. apolo is one cool guy. gotta luv him.

[jay]

cool billiey....do you have the video?

[billiey36 guest]

I'm still living in the dark ages. I taped it on my VCR so I don't have any way of putting it on the board or making screen caps.

I'm sure someone will post it as it airs in more areas.

[August]

It really sounds great Billie, thanks for the report. I know it's frustrating that Apolo doesn't show up every time you switch to a network channel, but doesn't that add a bit to his allure? I think so. Sure, I'd like to see him more often, but there's something special about the fact that he's a rare gem. I'm also proud of how classy he is and what an eloquent speaker he's become. Back in 2002 I forgave him the "definitely" and "you know's" because he was so young, so new at public speaking, and so danged adorable, but it's sweet to see that he's grown up so much. Bittersweet at first because I kinda missed the round faced, auburn haired, break dancing kid, but he's become quite a man, and I'm happy every time I see him.

[EnElYaK]

I watched it! I totally forgot about it, but then last night I remembered, and I looked and it looked like it was half over, but actually it was just starting! (maybe another show before it ran longer.) Apolo looked great, and I was thrilled that he spoke on behalf of all the other Olympic athletes...awesome!

[tabatha]

aw, billiey, i live in dark ages too, vcr. i really want a dvr or dvd recorder, eh, later! i have dvd player, my ps2, hehe.

[rach2crazy]

thanks for posting the article thing! I enjoyed reading it!

[billiey36]

I'm glad you're back, Rach.

I missed your smiling voice around here.

[4ofCups]

Hey b36! So this is where u hang out. Nice place. Thanx for Vic report. I, of course, have been in HI w/Apolo all afternoon...I feel myself drifting back there now...

[Lindsey]

Welcome, hw!!! We'd all like to join you with Apolo.... *wink*