If you aren't completely sick of winter sports, go to www.paralympicsport.tv and watch the Paralympics live. It's in Turin, Italy, just like the Olympics. You can click on "go fullscreen" and it's like you're watching TV.
There's even a local guy to cheer for, an alpine skier from Merced named Gerald Hayden. He was born in Fresno. Both his parents are from Fresno originally.
I just wrote a feature story about Gerald that will appear on the front page of Sunday's Bee. He was paralyzed in a terrible car crash in Merced 10-plus years ago when eight students from Golden Valley High School -- five boys in one car, three girls in another -- hit head-on after a Friday night football game. Another boy was paralyzed, too, and a senior named Tina Church was killed.
It's a sad and interesting story, and Gerald's an inspirational guy. I'll post the link to the story as soon as it's online.
Here is Gerald's racing schedule ...
(All times PST)
Downhill
3 a.m. - Sunday, March 12
Super-G
2:15 a.m. - Tuesday, March 14
Giant slalom
1:30 a.m. - Friday, March 17
Slalom
1:30 a.m. - Sunday, March 19
I realize it's on late, but you're gonna have to suck it up. Apparently, Italy is nine hours ahead of California, and for some reason, they aren't skiing in the dark to make it more convenient for us.
Another thing, just so you know what's going on, in Paralympic skiing, the times are affected by the degree of the person's disability, so the time they register may be adjusted as they cross the line. (Yes, the races are handicapped by a person's handicap. It's weird to say, but that's what they do.)
I'm watching the downhill right now, and holy buckets, do these guys fly down the mountain. Seems like there are more crashes than the Olympics. Haven't seen Gerald yet, but I'll keep watching and give updates. The announcer has a fun accent. That's always nice.
What did we ever do before the Internet?
