Final Olympic Diary - Day 16, Feb. 24-25, 2002
Baylor University graduate Erika Snoberger, who is covering all speed skating events for the U.S. Olympic Committee at the Winter Olympics, is filing a daily diary with Baylor Public Relations, as she experiences the "shining moments" that only the Games can provide.
Day 16, written on Feb. 25, 2002
I woke up this morning with a really bad feeling that the Olympics were over. And unfortunately, it wasn't a bad dream. Our office went to Closing Ceremonies last night and it was the most awesome show I've ever seen - 10 times better than Opening Ceremonies, even!
I am really sorry to see the Olympics go. - When we arrived back at the office last night after the ceremonies, street crews had already begun to take down fencing, barricades, signs and everything else that reminded you what a huge event had come to town. - It probably won't be too long before nothing is left.
All the athletes are going back to their parts of the world and it will be another four years before we see them together again.
Just like I thought, it's now starting to sink in - exactly what I have done for the past 17 days. I saw 14 Olympic events and eight Americans win 10 medals for the U.S.! I would say that every single expectation I had coming here was surpassed by 50 times or more. I wish everyone got to have an experience like I have had, and I definitely thank God for such a huge blessing in my life. And even though the Olympics are over, I have many souvenirs, pictures and memories to last for a really, really long time!
Erika