Olympic Games 2010

Before my eyes I see a woman, who has been looking forward for a long time to taking part in the Olympic Winter Games in Turin. How she would love to bring home a “holed” medal to her home country. Day x approaches and even the weather seems to be in a good mood. The magnificent mountain landscape, a motivating grandstand and a perfectly prepared piste makes the pulse race. In the background there are many friends and fans who join in the excitement and cross their fingers or fold their hands. With all these conditions it seems nothing could go wrong, seeing all the preparations in training went very well.

But the outcome is different than expected… Only half the length of the board makes a difference. The four-year-old dream is over and it’s only the quarterfinals. There remains the battle for the diplomas. The faces of the Swiss friends and fans show disappointment. A look into the semi round finish area reveals an athlete standing there head held high and radiant with joy. Up and down the slopes she never seems to tire. She continues giving it her all. Every time she reaches the finish, the cowbells sound and the flags are waved; she waves and holds her board high letting herself be celebrated. And when her teammate becomes the Olympic Champion she is the first person to race to her and embrace her wholeheartedly. 

When we approach the woman after the races to embrace and comfort her she is the one who encourages us. She still has this radiance in her eyes as though the sun had just risen over her life. In the evening as the official celebration of the medals takes place in Turin with the handing over of the gold medal, the playing of the national anthem and the flying of the Swiss flag, she looks from the multitudes of on-lookers straight at the winner. There is a glow on her face and she seems to be full of joy for her compatriot. What an unbelievable attitude and posture and true sportsmanlike greatness! When the winner throws the flower bouquet into the crowd towards the Swiss fans it lands almost directly in front of her feet. The spectator in front of her turns around picks up the bouquet of honor and gives it to her! “Ursula, you well and truly deserved this token. You are unbelievable and have made history in your own way in our hearts. We are immensely proud of you!"