From Feb. 16, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks
10VANCOUVER76 2010-02-16 21:09 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000076
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #6
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 16, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Protests:
¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) February 15 Protest Activity - The "Anti-War and
Anti-Militarization Moving Spectacle" drew approximately 100
protesters who marched peacefully from the Vancouver Art Gallery
through the urban core until slowly dispersing several hours later
near the intersection of Abbott and Hastings. Preliminary reports
suggested militant anarchist elements might embed themselves in the
demonstration and/or proceed to the U.S. Consulate, located three
blocks from the assembly point; however, this did not occur. Local
law enforcement was prepared to take a proactive role to interdict
potential anarchist/criminal activity.
¶3. (SBU) Several suspected Black Bloc members wearing balaclavas
reportedly infiltrated the anti-homelessness rally "No Empty Talk,
No Empty Lots" earlier in the day, but took no destructive action.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - No protests are scheduled
from 16 through 19 February. The next demonstration - a "Rally for
National Housing" - is scheduled for noon on Saturday, February 20
at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Diplomatic Security will continue to
monitor protest activity and will provide updates as they become
available.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) No significant, Olympics-related incidents have occurred
during this reporting period.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) Other than scheduled USOC and team movements, no
significant Olympics-related security operations have transpired
during this reporting period.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶8. The section assisted in arranging for a background interview
for a New York Times reporter's story on security cooperation for
the Olympics. Post coordinated with Embassy Ottawa and WHA/PDA to
obtain clearance and arrange for a background interview with CG
Phil Chicola, with an attributable quote from Ambassador Jacobson
to run in the story. The Consul General's and the Ambassador's
remarks reiterated U.S. confidence in Canadian security measures
and abilities, while also stressing that the United States remains
ready to assist Canada if needed and if requested.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶9. There is no significant information or activity to report.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶10. Citing safety concerns due to the unseasonably warm weather
and rain in the Vancouver area, the Vancouver Olympic Committee
cancelled all of the approximately 20,000 general admission
standing room tickets for all events at Cypress Mountain. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Vancouver Olympics Cables: Day 4
From Feb. 15, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks
10VANCOUVER70 2010-02-15 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000070
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #5
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 15, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Protests:
¶2. (SBU) February 14 Protest Activity - The 19th Annual Memorial
Women's March took place from noon to 4 p.m. yesterday. The march
began at the Carnegie Community Centre and proceeded through
Downtown Eastside. This event was not overtly anti-Olympics and
there were no reports of disruptive activity. Vancouver's 36th
Annual Chinese New Year Parade also took place yesterday with no
Olympics-related disruptions.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - The second successive "2010
Autonomous Day of Action" is scheduled for today. As evidenced in
Saturday's demonstrations, small groups of anarchists may engage in
acts of vandalism and confrontations with local law enforcement.
An anti-homelessness rally called "No Empty Talk, No Empty Lots" is
scheduled for noon at Pigeon Park (at Carrall and East Hastings
Streets). An "Anti-War and Anti-Militarization Moving Spectacle"
will also take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia Street
side) at 6 p.m.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - No demonstrations or
protests are scheduled from 16 through 19 February. The next
demonstration is scheduled to be a "Rally for National Housing" on
Saturday, 20 February at the Vancouver Art Gallery beginning at
noon. Diplomatic Security Updates will continue to monitor protest
activity and will provide updates as they become available.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) No significant incidents have occurred during this
reporting period.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) A vehicle in U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade
was involved in a minor accident on Sunday when a van in the
motorcade was rear ended by the motorcade vehicle behind it. Two
individuals in the van were taken to a local hospital as a
precaution and were later released. The Vice President's vehicle
was not involved in the accident.
¶8. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden departed Vancouver this
morning en route to Washington, D.C.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶9. The Public Affairs desk received an initial inquiry about the
motorcade event from Global TV. We worked closely with White House
staffers to keep them apprised of that initial media call and
provided contingency planning advice in preparation of the news
becoming more widely circulated. We collaborated closely with the
JOC's SWO to keep all parties informed of news coverage, which
ultimately received wide publication in the United States and
lesser coverage in Canada (partly because the winning of Canada's
first Olympic gold medal eclipsed the motorcade accident in
Canadian media).
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶10. An AMCIT has been arrested and charged in relation to the
February 13th disturbance by the Black Bloc anti-V2010 group. ACS
staff report that subject will be transferred from Vancouver PD
custody to CBSA custody, with the expectation that he will be taken
to the Canada-U.S. border in the next couple days. Latest
information indicates that he will face two weapons charges at a
March 15th court date.
¶11. ACS staff has been in contact with the two distinguished
guests of the Vice-President who were involved in the February 14th
VPOTUS motorcade accident. Latest reports indicate that both were
treated at a local hospital and released.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶12. Vice-President Biden hosted a reception in support of the USOC
at the home of the US Consul General. The event was attended by
approximately 70 guests and featured remarks by the Vice President
supporting US Olympic efforts and the work of the USOC. Following
the reception, Vice-President Biden attended the US-China women's
hockey game where the US defeated China 12-1.
¶13. Unseasonably warm weather conditions continue in the Vancouver
area.
¶14. In an event described by local media as "Our long national
nightmare is over," Canadian men's freestyle mogul skier Alexandre
Bilodeau won the country's first ever Olympic gold medal on
Canadian soil. A schedule and results of all competitions
throughout the Games can be found at
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
10VANCOUVER70 2010-02-15 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000070
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #5
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 15, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Protests:
¶2. (SBU) February 14 Protest Activity - The 19th Annual Memorial
Women's March took place from noon to 4 p.m. yesterday. The march
began at the Carnegie Community Centre and proceeded through
Downtown Eastside. This event was not overtly anti-Olympics and
there were no reports of disruptive activity. Vancouver's 36th
Annual Chinese New Year Parade also took place yesterday with no
Olympics-related disruptions.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - The second successive "2010
Autonomous Day of Action" is scheduled for today. As evidenced in
Saturday's demonstrations, small groups of anarchists may engage in
acts of vandalism and confrontations with local law enforcement.
An anti-homelessness rally called "No Empty Talk, No Empty Lots" is
scheduled for noon at Pigeon Park (at Carrall and East Hastings
Streets). An "Anti-War and Anti-Militarization Moving Spectacle"
will also take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia Street
side) at 6 p.m.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - No demonstrations or
protests are scheduled from 16 through 19 February. The next
demonstration is scheduled to be a "Rally for National Housing" on
Saturday, 20 February at the Vancouver Art Gallery beginning at
noon. Diplomatic Security Updates will continue to monitor protest
activity and will provide updates as they become available.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) No significant incidents have occurred during this
reporting period.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) A vehicle in U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade
was involved in a minor accident on Sunday when a van in the
motorcade was rear ended by the motorcade vehicle behind it. Two
individuals in the van were taken to a local hospital as a
precaution and were later released. The Vice President's vehicle
was not involved in the accident.
¶8. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden departed Vancouver this
morning en route to Washington, D.C.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶9. The Public Affairs desk received an initial inquiry about the
motorcade event from Global TV. We worked closely with White House
staffers to keep them apprised of that initial media call and
provided contingency planning advice in preparation of the news
becoming more widely circulated. We collaborated closely with the
JOC's SWO to keep all parties informed of news coverage, which
ultimately received wide publication in the United States and
lesser coverage in Canada (partly because the winning of Canada's
first Olympic gold medal eclipsed the motorcade accident in
Canadian media).
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶10. An AMCIT has been arrested and charged in relation to the
February 13th disturbance by the Black Bloc anti-V2010 group. ACS
staff report that subject will be transferred from Vancouver PD
custody to CBSA custody, with the expectation that he will be taken
to the Canada-U.S. border in the next couple days. Latest
information indicates that he will face two weapons charges at a
March 15th court date.
¶11. ACS staff has been in contact with the two distinguished
guests of the Vice-President who were involved in the February 14th
VPOTUS motorcade accident. Latest reports indicate that both were
treated at a local hospital and released.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶12. Vice-President Biden hosted a reception in support of the USOC
at the home of the US Consul General. The event was attended by
approximately 70 guests and featured remarks by the Vice President
supporting US Olympic efforts and the work of the USOC. Following
the reception, Vice-President Biden attended the US-China women's
hockey game where the US defeated China 12-1.
¶13. Unseasonably warm weather conditions continue in the Vancouver
area.
¶14. In an event described by local media as "Our long national
nightmare is over," Canadian men's freestyle mogul skier Alexandre
Bilodeau won the country's first ever Olympic gold medal on
Canadian soil. A schedule and results of all competitions
throughout the Games can be found at
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
The Vancouver Olympics Cables: Day 3
From Feb. 14, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks
10VANCOUVER66 2010-02-14 21:09 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000066
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #4
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 14, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) February 13 Protest Activity - Approximately 250
individuals - many of them affiliated with so-called "Black Bloc"
anarchist groups - engaged in acts of vandalism during the "Heart
Attack" march, which was apparently part of a broader "2010
Autonomous Day of Action." One group threw red paint at the Hudson
Bay Company store at Granville and Robson Streets and smashed two
windows with a newspaper box. In a similar incident, the Toronto
Dominion Bank sustained damage to one of its street-level windows.
Newspaper boxes, rubbish bins, and caf???? furniture were also
dragged
into the street at various locations to obstruct traffic. Broken
windows and spray paint graffiti on cars and buses were reported at
other locations. Vancouver Police arrested at least seven for
attempted assault at West Georgia and Cardero Streets. The Lions
Gate Bridge was also temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to
reports that protestors were moving in that direction. The bridge
was never affected and later reopened.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - The 19th Annual Women's
March will take place from noon to 4 p.m. today. The march will
begin at the Carnegie Community Centre and proceed through Downtown
Eastside. This event is not Olympics-related, and anti-Olympics
protesters are discouraged from attending. Vancouver's 36th Annual
Chinese New Year Parade, expected to draw up to 20,000 people,
coincides with the march.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - Another "2010
Autonomous Day of Action" is scheduled for Monday, February 15. As
evidenced in Saturday's demonstrations, small groups of anarchists
may engage in acts of vandalism and confrontations with local law
enforcement. An "Anti-War and Anti-Militarization Moving
Spectacle" will take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia
Street side) at 6 p.m.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) Subject Detained at Opening Ceremonies - An
individual who attempted to enter the International Olympic
Committee presidential box inside BC Place during Friday's Opening
Ceremonies using fake accreditation was detained. While the motive
is unclear, the subject is not a known activist and did not appear
to have malicious intent.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
¶7. (SBU/LES) Alleged threat to Olympics deemed non-credible -
According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) information,
Vancouver police were notified that an inmate at Pinellas County
Jail, Florida, conversed with a prisoner of Arabic origin regarding
a possible terrorist attack on February 20 involving an aircraft
flown into the main area of the Olympics in Vancouver (NFI). The
FBI ascertained no individuals matching the alleged Arabic inmate
are presently incarcerated. This threat is considered non-credible.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶8. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to attend
several Olympic events in Vancouver today. The Vice President is
scheduled to depart Vancouver on Monday, February 15.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶9. Public affairs staff continued to assist White House
advance with setting up press interviews, with Vice President Biden
taping one interview with NBC Saturday evening, and another with
CBS on Sunday morning. The Globe and Mail's Jane Tabor has
requested an interview with Ambassador Jacobson for early next
week. No press inquiries on Olympic-specific topics.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶10. There is no significant information or activity to report.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶11. Vice-President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen
Harper held a bi-lateral meeting Saturday. They discussed issues
ranging from security to the economy and the upcoming G8 and G20
summits. (Will be reported septel).
¶12. Unseasonably warm weather conditions, fog, and heavy rain
continue to interfere with Olympic competitions. Olympic officials
have been forced to reschedule many outdoor events.
¶13. During a rainstorm on Cypress Mountain, American women's
freestyle mogul skier Hannah Kearney upset Canadian gold medal
hopeful Jenn Heil to unexpectedly take the first US gold medal of
the Games. Canadian efforts to win a gold medal on Canadian soil,
a feat never achieved in the Winter Olympics, has been a constant
feature of Canadian media coverage leading up to the 2010 Games. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
.
CHICOLA
10VANCOUVER66 2010-02-14 21:09 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000066
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #4
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 14, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) February 13 Protest Activity - Approximately 250
individuals - many of them affiliated with so-called "Black Bloc"
anarchist groups - engaged in acts of vandalism during the "Heart
Attack" march, which was apparently part of a broader "2010
Autonomous Day of Action." One group threw red paint at the Hudson
Bay Company store at Granville and Robson Streets and smashed two
windows with a newspaper box. In a similar incident, the Toronto
Dominion Bank sustained damage to one of its street-level windows.
Newspaper boxes, rubbish bins, and caf???? furniture were also
dragged
into the street at various locations to obstruct traffic. Broken
windows and spray paint graffiti on cars and buses were reported at
other locations. Vancouver Police arrested at least seven for
attempted assault at West Georgia and Cardero Streets. The Lions
Gate Bridge was also temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to
reports that protestors were moving in that direction. The bridge
was never affected and later reopened.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - The 19th Annual Women's
March will take place from noon to 4 p.m. today. The march will
begin at the Carnegie Community Centre and proceed through Downtown
Eastside. This event is not Olympics-related, and anti-Olympics
protesters are discouraged from attending. Vancouver's 36th Annual
Chinese New Year Parade, expected to draw up to 20,000 people,
coincides with the march.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - Another "2010
Autonomous Day of Action" is scheduled for Monday, February 15. As
evidenced in Saturday's demonstrations, small groups of anarchists
may engage in acts of vandalism and confrontations with local law
enforcement. An "Anti-War and Anti-Militarization Moving
Spectacle" will take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia
Street side) at 6 p.m.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) Subject Detained at Opening Ceremonies - An
individual who attempted to enter the International Olympic
Committee presidential box inside BC Place during Friday's Opening
Ceremonies using fake accreditation was detained. While the motive
is unclear, the subject is not a known activist and did not appear
to have malicious intent.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
¶7. (SBU/LES) Alleged threat to Olympics deemed non-credible -
According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) information,
Vancouver police were notified that an inmate at Pinellas County
Jail, Florida, conversed with a prisoner of Arabic origin regarding
a possible terrorist attack on February 20 involving an aircraft
flown into the main area of the Olympics in Vancouver (NFI). The
FBI ascertained no individuals matching the alleged Arabic inmate
are presently incarcerated. This threat is considered non-credible.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶8. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to attend
several Olympic events in Vancouver today. The Vice President is
scheduled to depart Vancouver on Monday, February 15.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶9. Public affairs staff continued to assist White House
advance with setting up press interviews, with Vice President Biden
taping one interview with NBC Saturday evening, and another with
CBS on Sunday morning. The Globe and Mail's Jane Tabor has
requested an interview with Ambassador Jacobson for early next
week. No press inquiries on Olympic-specific topics.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶10. There is no significant information or activity to report.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶11. Vice-President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen
Harper held a bi-lateral meeting Saturday. They discussed issues
ranging from security to the economy and the upcoming G8 and G20
summits. (Will be reported septel).
¶12. Unseasonably warm weather conditions, fog, and heavy rain
continue to interfere with Olympic competitions. Olympic officials
have been forced to reschedule many outdoor events.
¶13. During a rainstorm on Cypress Mountain, American women's
freestyle mogul skier Hannah Kearney upset Canadian gold medal
hopeful Jenn Heil to unexpectedly take the first US gold medal of
the Games. Canadian efforts to win a gold medal on Canadian soil,
a feat never achieved in the Winter Olympics, has been a constant
feature of Canadian media coverage leading up to the 2010 Games. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
.
CHICOLA
The Vancouver Olympic Cables: Day 2
From Feb. 13, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks
10VANCOUVER64 2010-02-13 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000064
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #3
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 13, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) March to BC Place Mostly Peaceful - The "Take Back
Our City" march at 3 p.m. yesterday, February 12, drew an estimated
1,000 people before police stopped it near BC Place, the site of
the Opening Ceremonies. Several protesters threw small items and
police arrested a few demonstrators, but the march was mostly
peaceful and dispersed by 7:40 p.m.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - Bands of protesters, some
affiliated with the "Heart Attack" march and the "2010 Autonomous
Day of Action," are reportedly circulating throughout the city,
some numbering up to 250. Reports of violence and property damage -
in the form smashing windows of retail stores, damaging cars, and
throwing objects at police officers - are being received. Police
escorts are accompanying several groups, and anti-riot police are
stationed at key locations in downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver
Police Department and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have made
several arrests.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - The 19th Annual
Women's March is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow, February
¶14. The march will begin at the Carnegie Community Centre and
proceed through the Downtown Eastside. Anti-Olympic protesters are
discouraged from attending.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) There are no incidents to report.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived at Whistler
Mountain today and is attending several Olympic events.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶8. The presence of Vice President Biden was mentioned several times
during and after the Olympics' opening ceremony, and the Vice
President was briefly shown on-screen during the march-in of Team
USA on CTV. Prior to the opening ceremony, the VP's meet and greet
with Team USA athletes was covered by Getty, NBC and Associated
Press journalists, which post's public affairs staff worked to get
into the event.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶9. There is no significant information or activity to report.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶10. The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics officially opened with a 3
hour celebration at BC Place. During a dramatic display of lights
and music, athletes from around the world were greeted by tens of
thousands of energetic spectators, as well as international
leaders, and celebrities. The elaborate ceremonies placed a special
emphasis on the diversity of Canadian cultural history, especially
aboriginal.
¶11. Post Political/Economic Officer Beau Fancher observed
anti-Olympic protests in downtown Vancouver immediately prior to
Friday's Opening Ceremonies. An estimated 1,000 protesters, many
carrying banners and yelling slogans of various causes from
pro-environment, pro-aboriginal, to anti-capitalist, protested the
Opening Ceremonies. The march was met by massed police lines in a
sometimes tense, but otherwise peaceful demonstration. The
protesters were contained and unable to seriously impede access to
the Ceremonies. The protest was centered at the meeting point of a
main entrance to the Ceremonies and the provincial representative
Alberta House. Many of the protesters carried signs and banners
critical of the controversial development of Alberta oil reserves,
known as "tar-sands." A senior representative from the BC Civil
Liberties Association, a group that has been highly critical of
Vancouver Police Department's (VPD) planned handling of potential
protests, expressed praise for VPD's "measured" response to the
protesters at the Opening Ceremonies.
¶12. Following arrival in Vancouver, Vice President Biden and rest
of the Presidential Delegation attended an afternoon USOC hosted US
athletes' pep rally. The Vice President addressed approximately70
US athletes, wishing them well in their upcoming competitions and
taking the opportunity to speak with each team individually while
taking team photos. The Vice President and Dr. Biden then attended
the GOC hosted Heads of Delegation reception before proceeding to
the Opening Ceremonies. Vice President Biden and the rest of the
Presidential Delegation attended the Opening Ceremonies and stayed
through the entirety of the festivities. Competitions begin this
morning with the first medals awarded in the final round of men's
ski jumping. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout
the Games can be found at
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
10VANCOUVER64 2010-02-13 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000064
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #3
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 13, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) March to BC Place Mostly Peaceful - The "Take Back
Our City" march at 3 p.m. yesterday, February 12, drew an estimated
1,000 people before police stopped it near BC Place, the site of
the Opening Ceremonies. Several protesters threw small items and
police arrested a few demonstrators, but the march was mostly
peaceful and dispersed by 7:40 p.m.
¶3. (SBU) Current Protest Activity - Bands of protesters, some
affiliated with the "Heart Attack" march and the "2010 Autonomous
Day of Action," are reportedly circulating throughout the city,
some numbering up to 250. Reports of violence and property damage -
in the form smashing windows of retail stores, damaging cars, and
throwing objects at police officers - are being received. Police
escorts are accompanying several groups, and anti-riot police are
stationed at key locations in downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver
Police Department and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have made
several arrests.
¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - The 19th Annual
Women's March is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow, February
¶14. The march will begin at the Carnegie Community Centre and
proceed through the Downtown Eastside. Anti-Olympic protesters are
discouraged from attending.
Incidents:
¶5. (SBU) There are no incidents to report.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived at Whistler
Mountain today and is attending several Olympic events.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶8. The presence of Vice President Biden was mentioned several times
during and after the Olympics' opening ceremony, and the Vice
President was briefly shown on-screen during the march-in of Team
USA on CTV. Prior to the opening ceremony, the VP's meet and greet
with Team USA athletes was covered by Getty, NBC and Associated
Press journalists, which post's public affairs staff worked to get
into the event.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶9. There is no significant information or activity to report.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶10. The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics officially opened with a 3
hour celebration at BC Place. During a dramatic display of lights
and music, athletes from around the world were greeted by tens of
thousands of energetic spectators, as well as international
leaders, and celebrities. The elaborate ceremonies placed a special
emphasis on the diversity of Canadian cultural history, especially
aboriginal.
¶11. Post Political/Economic Officer Beau Fancher observed
anti-Olympic protests in downtown Vancouver immediately prior to
Friday's Opening Ceremonies. An estimated 1,000 protesters, many
carrying banners and yelling slogans of various causes from
pro-environment, pro-aboriginal, to anti-capitalist, protested the
Opening Ceremonies. The march was met by massed police lines in a
sometimes tense, but otherwise peaceful demonstration. The
protesters were contained and unable to seriously impede access to
the Ceremonies. The protest was centered at the meeting point of a
main entrance to the Ceremonies and the provincial representative
Alberta House. Many of the protesters carried signs and banners
critical of the controversial development of Alberta oil reserves,
known as "tar-sands." A senior representative from the BC Civil
Liberties Association, a group that has been highly critical of
Vancouver Police Department's (VPD) planned handling of potential
protests, expressed praise for VPD's "measured" response to the
protesters at the Opening Ceremonies.
¶12. Following arrival in Vancouver, Vice President Biden and rest
of the Presidential Delegation attended an afternoon USOC hosted US
athletes' pep rally. The Vice President addressed approximately70
US athletes, wishing them well in their upcoming competitions and
taking the opportunity to speak with each team individually while
taking team photos. The Vice President and Dr. Biden then attended
the GOC hosted Heads of Delegation reception before proceeding to
the Opening Ceremonies. Vice President Biden and the rest of the
Presidential Delegation attended the Opening Ceremonies and stayed
through the entirety of the festivities. Competitions begin this
morning with the first medals awarded in the final round of men's
ski jumping. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout
the Games can be found at
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
The Vancouver Olympics Cables: Day 1
From Feb. 12, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks
10VANCOUVER62 2010-02-12 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #2
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 12, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) Minor Disruption of Olympic Torch Relay - As anticipated,
the Olympic Torch Relay encountered minor disruptions as it
circulated through urban Vancouver this morning. At one point, the
relay halted as a knot of activists blocked a downtown
thoroughfare, after which local security personnel and Olympics
officials re-routed it. As of this writing, protest activity has
been light, and there have been no arrests or incidents of property
damage or violence.
¶3. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - The Opening Ceremonies
commences at 6 p.m. today at BC Place Stadium; anti-Olympic
factions - including umbrella organizations like No2010 and the
Olympics Resistance Network - are planning a 3 p.m. "Take Back Our
City" march from the Vancouver Art Gallery to the stadium.
Canadian officials expect between 1,000 and 1,500 protesters during
the rally.
Incidents:
¶4. (SBU) Suspicious Package at SeaBus Terminal Rendered Safe - A
suspicious package was identified Thursday evening in North
Vancouver at Lonsdale quay near the north shore SeaBus terminal.
SeaBus (water taxi) service between Vancouver and North Vancouver
was suspended while RCMP EOD personnel examined the package. There
was additional concern because the package was located near fuel
tanks. RCMP, utilizing a water cannon, neutralized the package and
determined it contained fishing rods and equipment. The SeaBus
terminal subsequently reopened.
¶5. (SBU) U.S. citizen deported from Canada - The Canadian Border
Security Agency deported AmCit Gregory Marks to the United States
after finding an inert hand grenade and pornographic literature in
his vehicle. Marks also possessed a typed paper outlining a
scenario for paragliding into the opening ceremonies of the
Vancouver Winter Olympics. The scenario describes launching from
Whistler with the goal of gaining notoriety. An FBI interview
determined Marks was emotionally disturbed and has no ties to
domestic militia groups.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is wheels down in Vancouver
today, February 12, and is scheduled to stay at the Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶8. Public Affairs staff was fully engaged today in attending to
media needs surrounding the opening ceremonies. PA staff from
Mission Canada worked with press staff from the Office of the Vice
President to manage press at the arrival of Air Force 2, the
athletes' meet-and-greet with the Vice President and Ambassador,
and the GOC reception for Heads of delegation. Call volume to the
Public Affairs telephone line in the OCO was light.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶9. Whistler ACS reported that an alpine skier on the U.S. Olympic
Team was injured in a practice run at Whistler. She has been
evacuated by helicopter from Whistler. DS FLO reports the Amcit
probably had a concussion and was evacuated from Whistler most
likely as a preventative measure. ACS has no further information
about her situation at this time.
¶10. ACS reported the Consulate visit of an Amcit claiming USG
officials had promised her "Olympian" status. ACS spoke to her
mother who indicated that her daughter is not taking her
medication. RSO was able to confirm through CBP that the Amcit
has a return ticket to Ohio on 13 February. ACS will remain alert
to any further developments.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶11. Celebratory atmosphere in Vancouver is increasing as the
Olympic flame makes it way around the city streets. The flame
crossed over the Lion's Gate Bridge a little before 0700 PST.
Shortly afterward, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
carried the flame through the Park, passing off to past Olympian
Sebastian Coe. The flame will continue a meandering movement
through the city until arriving at the Opening Ceremonies at BC
Place shortly after 2000 PST.
¶12. The only sad news on an otherwise festive day was the report
out of Whistler of the death of Georgian Luge athlete Nodar
Kumaritashvili. Kumaritashvili was on a practice run at the
Whistler Sliding Center when his sled veered out of control up the
side wall at the fastest part of the track. The athlete was thrown
from the sled into a pillar and died of his injuries a short time
later. It was estimated he was traveling at nearly 90 mph at the
time of the accident.
¶13. Vice President Biden and the rest of the Presidential
Delegation to the Opening Ceremonies arrived safely in Vancouver at
noon 2/12. They have a full program in the afternoon, including a
Meet and Greet with U.S. Olympic Athletes and attendance at the GOC
hosted Heads of Delegation reception. The final event is the
Opening Ceremonies, which are scheduled to begin at 1800 PST and
are estimated to last three hours. Preliminary round competition
started this morning in Whistler for the men's individual ski
jumping. Competitions begin in earnest tomorrow morning with the
first medals awarded in the final round of men's ski jumping. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
10VANCOUVER62 2010-02-12 22:10 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #2
¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 12, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.
SECURITY ISSUES
Olympic Protests:
¶2. (SBU) Minor Disruption of Olympic Torch Relay - As anticipated,
the Olympic Torch Relay encountered minor disruptions as it
circulated through urban Vancouver this morning. At one point, the
relay halted as a knot of activists blocked a downtown
thoroughfare, after which local security personnel and Olympics
officials re-routed it. As of this writing, protest activity has
been light, and there have been no arrests or incidents of property
damage or violence.
¶3. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - The Opening Ceremonies
commences at 6 p.m. today at BC Place Stadium; anti-Olympic
factions - including umbrella organizations like No2010 and the
Olympics Resistance Network - are planning a 3 p.m. "Take Back Our
City" march from the Vancouver Art Gallery to the stadium.
Canadian officials expect between 1,000 and 1,500 protesters during
the rally.
Incidents:
¶4. (SBU) Suspicious Package at SeaBus Terminal Rendered Safe - A
suspicious package was identified Thursday evening in North
Vancouver at Lonsdale quay near the north shore SeaBus terminal.
SeaBus (water taxi) service between Vancouver and North Vancouver
was suspended while RCMP EOD personnel examined the package. There
was additional concern because the package was located near fuel
tanks. RCMP, utilizing a water cannon, neutralized the package and
determined it contained fishing rods and equipment. The SeaBus
terminal subsequently reopened.
¶5. (SBU) U.S. citizen deported from Canada - The Canadian Border
Security Agency deported AmCit Gregory Marks to the United States
after finding an inert hand grenade and pornographic literature in
his vehicle. Marks also possessed a typed paper outlining a
scenario for paragliding into the opening ceremonies of the
Vancouver Winter Olympics. The scenario describes launching from
Whistler with the goal of gaining notoriety. An FBI interview
determined Marks was emotionally disturbed and has no ties to
domestic militia groups.
Threats:
¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.
SECURITY OPERATIONS
¶7. (SBU) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is wheels down in Vancouver
today, February 12, and is scheduled to stay at the Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
¶8. Public Affairs staff was fully engaged today in attending to
media needs surrounding the opening ceremonies. PA staff from
Mission Canada worked with press staff from the Office of the Vice
President to manage press at the arrival of Air Force 2, the
athletes' meet-and-greet with the Vice President and Ambassador,
and the GOC reception for Heads of delegation. Call volume to the
Public Affairs telephone line in the OCO was light.
CONSULAR ISSUES
¶9. Whistler ACS reported that an alpine skier on the U.S. Olympic
Team was injured in a practice run at Whistler. She has been
evacuated by helicopter from Whistler. DS FLO reports the Amcit
probably had a concussion and was evacuated from Whistler most
likely as a preventative measure. ACS has no further information
about her situation at this time.
¶10. ACS reported the Consulate visit of an Amcit claiming USG
officials had promised her "Olympian" status. ACS spoke to her
mother who indicated that her daughter is not taking her
medication. RSO was able to confirm through CBP that the Amcit
has a return ticket to Ohio on 13 February. ACS will remain alert
to any further developments.
POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES
¶11. Celebratory atmosphere in Vancouver is increasing as the
Olympic flame makes it way around the city streets. The flame
crossed over the Lion's Gate Bridge a little before 0700 PST.
Shortly afterward, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
carried the flame through the Park, passing off to past Olympian
Sebastian Coe. The flame will continue a meandering movement
through the city until arriving at the Opening Ceremonies at BC
Place shortly after 2000 PST.
¶12. The only sad news on an otherwise festive day was the report
out of Whistler of the death of Georgian Luge athlete Nodar
Kumaritashvili. Kumaritashvili was on a practice run at the
Whistler Sliding Center when his sled veered out of control up the
side wall at the fastest part of the track. The athlete was thrown
from the sled into a pillar and died of his injuries a short time
later. It was estimated he was traveling at nearly 90 mph at the
time of the accident.
¶13. Vice President Biden and the rest of the Presidential
Delegation to the Opening Ceremonies arrived safely in Vancouver at
noon 2/12. They have a full program in the afternoon, including a
Meet and Greet with U.S. Olympic Athletes and attendance at the GOC
hosted Heads of Delegation reception. The final event is the
Opening Ceremonies, which are scheduled to begin at 1800 PST and
are estimated to last three hours. Preliminary round competition
started this morning in Whistler for the men's individual ski
jumping. Competitions begin in earnest tomorrow morning with the
first medals awarded in the final round of men's ski jumping. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA
Behold, the WikiLeaks Vancouver Olympics cables!
Links to the day-by-day reports from the United States consulate in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The U.S. State Department had a temporary Joint Operations Center at 1133 Melville Street as well as a temporary installation at Bellingham International Airport.
February 12, 2010
February 13, 2010
February 14, 2010
February 15, 2010
February 16, 2010
February 17, 2010
February 18, 2010
February 19, 2010
February 20, 2010
February 21, 2010
February 22, 2010
February 23, 2010
February 24, 2010
February 25, 2010
February 26, 2010
February 27, 2010
February 28, 2010
February 12, 2010
February 13, 2010
February 14, 2010
February 15, 2010
February 16, 2010
February 17, 2010
February 18, 2010
February 19, 2010
February 20, 2010
February 21, 2010
February 22, 2010
February 23, 2010
February 24, 2010
February 25, 2010
February 26, 2010
February 27, 2010
February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Flashback: Feb. 17, 2010
White’s golden night
Bob Mackin, QMI Agency
WEST VANCOUVER: Red skies at night, Shaun White's delight.
As the clear Wednesday afternoon sky above Cypress Mountain gave way to the most brilliant sunset since the 2010 Winter Olympics Games opened, the Turin 2006 halfpipe snowboarding champion known as “The Flying Tomato” continued to reinforce his reputation as the best in the sport with each run on the icy slope.
San Diego’s White satisfied his rock star-like following when he became the first in halfpipe to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals. White scored a 48.4 in the final run on which he executed his signature Double McTwist 1260 move to the delight of the full grandstand, which included his parents.
“I can’t even tell you or begin to describe how many times I’ve gone over this run in my mind, gone over this competition in my head, imagined what it would be like. I can finally go to sleep now,” said 23-year-old White, who won a world cup test event on the same course last year.
“On this world stage why not deliver something spectacular? I felt like I came all the way to Canada, talked about this trick so much, blood sweat and tears, to land it and there it was.”
The win was even sweeter because White described this as the most challenging season of his career. He said he has crashed more than ever and felt more frustrated than before and “pushed myself as far as I can go.”
Despite being the superior entrant, White said he had to battle the course in soggy and foggy conditions at Cypress earlier in the week.
“It’s not easy to make a halfpipe with no snow in a tough season, and they delivered,” White said.” The halfpipe the first day was one of the worst halfpipes I’ve ridden in my life and it went from there to one of the best.”
Peetu Piiroinen of Finland won silver and American Scott Lago claimed bronze. Justin Lamoureux of Squamish, B.C., was the lone Canadian among the 12 finalists. He finished seventh.
(Postscript: This was perhaps the most memorable outdoor sporting event I covered during the Games. White did numerous broadcast interviews, including one with NBC's Jenna "Daughter of Dubya" Bush, before finally reaching us print reporters. His handler warned us he'd have time for only four questions because White needed to get to doping control for the post-competition urine sampling. White stayed more than 10 minutes and answered every question. Rarely have I seen an athlete speak so passionately about his sport. Hockey players should learn from White. Sad to report that the halfpipe on which White thrilled the world was demolished.)
Bob Mackin, QMI Agency
WEST VANCOUVER: Red skies at night, Shaun White's delight.
As the clear Wednesday afternoon sky above Cypress Mountain gave way to the most brilliant sunset since the 2010 Winter Olympics Games opened, the Turin 2006 halfpipe snowboarding champion known as “The Flying Tomato” continued to reinforce his reputation as the best in the sport with each run on the icy slope.
San Diego’s White satisfied his rock star-like following when he became the first in halfpipe to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals. White scored a 48.4 in the final run on which he executed his signature Double McTwist 1260 move to the delight of the full grandstand, which included his parents.
“I can’t even tell you or begin to describe how many times I’ve gone over this run in my mind, gone over this competition in my head, imagined what it would be like. I can finally go to sleep now,” said 23-year-old White, who won a world cup test event on the same course last year.
“On this world stage why not deliver something spectacular? I felt like I came all the way to Canada, talked about this trick so much, blood sweat and tears, to land it and there it was.”
The win was even sweeter because White described this as the most challenging season of his career. He said he has crashed more than ever and felt more frustrated than before and “pushed myself as far as I can go.”
Despite being the superior entrant, White said he had to battle the course in soggy and foggy conditions at Cypress earlier in the week.
“It’s not easy to make a halfpipe with no snow in a tough season, and they delivered,” White said.” The halfpipe the first day was one of the worst halfpipes I’ve ridden in my life and it went from there to one of the best.”
Peetu Piiroinen of Finland won silver and American Scott Lago claimed bronze. Justin Lamoureux of Squamish, B.C., was the lone Canadian among the 12 finalists. He finished seventh.
(Postscript: This was perhaps the most memorable outdoor sporting event I covered during the Games. White did numerous broadcast interviews, including one with NBC's Jenna "Daughter of Dubya" Bush, before finally reaching us print reporters. His handler warned us he'd have time for only four questions because White needed to get to doping control for the post-competition urine sampling. White stayed more than 10 minutes and answered every question. Rarely have I seen an athlete speak so passionately about his sport. Hockey players should learn from White. Sad to report that the halfpipe on which White thrilled the world was demolished.)
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