Crazy week in Kitzbuhel
Well it has been a crazy week. Kitzbuhel is in the books for another season and it did not come without a lot of emotional highs and lows. It was a weekend of decent results for me, but my thoughts and those of my teammates were laced with worry for our teammate who we had seen take a nasty spill early in the race.
Most of you have probably heard about or seen the crash that Scott Macartney endured and I am happy to report that he is doing well. He is going to need some rest but when we left him last night his biggest concern was getting the hell out of the hospital. Most athletes have a phobia of hospitals and Scott is no different. He is still trying to piece together what happened on the course Saturday afternoon, but ultimately we are all thanking our lucky stars that he is in such great shape! It was a different scene this weekend. Scott was No. 2 on course and so many racers, myself included, were still in the lodge, watching the first few competitors before we headed out for our own runs. To watch the drama unfold, to see him unconscious and quivering in the snow brought a wide range of emotions from the different competitors.
We are, in a sense, like a band of brothers out there all entwined in the same profession. When one of us goes down the concern for that athlete transcends any language barriers or territorial borders that may exist amongst us. I know that a lot of racers, especially Scott’s teammates, lost heart in the race at that moment. Unfortunately we are performers and there were 50,000 people there that day to watch us hurtle down the Hannenkam, the most famous downhill of them all. It makes me wonder if people really think we are crazy for doing what we do. I have always viewed the sport of downhill to be a fun and adrenaline-inducing ride. It is what we train for day in and day out. I feel it would be a shame to not exhibit the talents that we have acquired over the years. On the other hand there is a lot of risk. That risk seems to decrease as you get better and learn to master every different situation that could cause turmoil on the ski hill. Ironically that rise to greatness involves a lot of trial and error. I could equate it to any profession in that you have to take risks to be the best. Scott took a risk on Saturday by holding his tuck in a section where most people can’t or choose not to. There is a speed trap coming into the last jump at Kitz and Scott was clocked at 141 kilometers per hour, the fastest speed of the day! He can take pride in the fact that he did not hold back in what is one of the gnarliest sections of any ski hill in the world!
People question if it is really worth it, but he must have felt so alive that moment before it all went sideways! Having one of the more memorable runs of his career, screaming into the finish arena at 85 mph with 50,000 sets of eyes riveted on his every move. In talking with Scott I know that his mind has erased all memory of his wreck but retained the great feeling he had in the moments prior. To me that is a beautiful thing and it gives me hope that my friend will be back with the team soon. Screaming towards redemption.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:58 am
Marco…amazing and touching but first of all ture words!
Know the feeling of powerlessness, emptiness and disbelief.
From one second to another your world changes. The things seem not to be the same anymore.
Life is hard and often not fair but what else than accepting the chellange and fight for the right to be happy shall we do?!
You will need some time to actualize everything!
A famouse woman said once - Life is a chance – Seize it!
Sahra
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Scott is lucky to have you guys.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
you are a good friend, marco. wishing all the best for scott’s speedy and full recovery. let’s not forget, that you had to see his crash, then hurl yourself down that slope and come in 6th! not just top 10. 6th! not just any DH. the streif! 6!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 am
well,marco…CONGRATULATIONS!!if i were on your place,i`d probably do the same thin berthodt did!LEAVE!!!!and one more thing!Thank you for making me cry!!!!not a lot of ppl can do that!!!trust me!
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:11 am
Band of Brother- I like that. Well said Marco. You write as well you ski.
Jack of all trades.
The Santa Barbara Division of the Marco is God Fan Club is rapidly expanding. We may need an appearance from the man himself in order to appease the unruly population. Funny, the Fan Club consists primarily of really really good looking women. Luck guy you are.
Mr. T - we are looking to add a Santa Claus Lane annex to the club. Any interest?
Tell Murdoch I said hello.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Hey Marco!
It’s very good to hear that Scott is doing well.
I don’t think, that you are crazy if you go down at kitz with this speed, because - as you say - it’s your job and you train for this day in and day out!
Of course there are risks, but are there not risks in everything we do?? I think our life is fated.
Anyway, good luck boy for the next race, meet you here!
Patricia
January 24th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Awww…that was so touching and sweet you made me cry. “There’s no crying in ski racing”. Wait… no, that’s baseball. “There’s no crying in baseball”.
January 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Well said Marco! Great to hear Scott is back Stateside and doing well. Looks like you had a solid training run today. Keep the momentum going for tomorrow. We will be watching……..
Yes, Harkin, Santa Claus sounds mighty fine right now, its been -30 below this week in Jackson.
Top step Marco
Mr. T
January 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am
That was a really nice blog. You are out there for a reason, because you are talented and one of the best in the world and most importantly because you love it. Now you can focus all your training, talent, ambition and drive into your skiing knowing that your teammate is okay and would want nothing more than for you guys to kick ass out there for him! Turn it on this weekend, you are on fire and you deserve it. Your fans don’t think you’re crazy, they see your passion and determination and kind heart and that is something everyone wants to cheer for. Good luck!!
January 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Ditto, Chels! Could not have said it better myself. Marco, I am one proud mother. Great training run today. Good Luck tomorrow.
xoxox
Mom
January 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Marco,
I remember hearing how wonderful of a skiier you were (as a child) and now I can see it for myself. You are also an amazing person, one whom I hope to meet (again) someday.
You are doing a great job, and the way you show compassion and empathy for your teammate, Scott shows just how wonderful of a person you are.
Congratulations on all of your successes, and keep tearing it up! I know you can do it.
January 26th, 2008 at 6:27 am
YES YES YES!!!!!
You smoked ‘em today!! Way to go Marco!
You rock! Congrats on the well deserved win!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Hey, just wanted to congratulate you!
so CONGRATULATION!! Unbelievable!! So fantastic!
I am so happy for you, I believe you deserve it really!
Enjoy your day and the feeling!
best wishes and do it soon again!
January 26th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Congratulations Marco! I knew it wouldn’t be long before you won this season.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:25 am
My Chinese astrologist was right; it is the year of the MARCO!
Nice one!
The beer is on me.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Well done Marco! Such a well deserved win! Great to see you doing so well! Congratulations!
Cress Bohnn
January 26th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Congrats Marco~ Sooooooooooooo deserved!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
YES!!!!! So happy and excited for your totally deserved and long time coming win. Great job Marco!
January 26th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Congratulations Marco! Keep up the great work, enjoy this feeling.
January 26th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeej!!!!!!!!!!i?m so happy for u!!!!finaly!!!!we all knew that that was comeing!!!i`m so happy it was today!this was one of the most happiest days from i don`t know when!in the sport!!!croatia in handall final,YOU WON!!!!,and ivica in top ten!YOU WON!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xxxo
January 26th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
congrats man!! way to lay it down. as i was on my way out the door this morning for a powder day at squaw i remembered to check the chamonix results……and there you were with that big goofy grin on your face. well deserved! keep hammering.
January 26th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
ALRIGHT Marco!!! Congratulations man. Good job!!!I am so happy for you!! You so deserve this win, and you got it!! YES, awesome awesome awesome work!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Great job Marco! My son is a Mighty Mite and he’s so stoked that you won, he wants to be just like you he said!!! Enjoy the victory, you deserve it. The world knows your name now!
January 27th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Not just your first win, the FIRST AMERICAN to win the Chamonix downhill! You will always have that distinction, Sully. Congratulations!
January 27th, 2008 at 6:45 am
What a thrill to watch you screaming down that mountain. Chamonix is one of our favorite mountain towns. You must be on SUCH a high, Marco. Fabulous news. We’ve finally got great snow in Vail & the Beav. We would try to emulate you, but the ski patrol would yank our passes! Love, Pam & Rick Smith
January 27th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I don’t think my neighbors appreciated all of the noise I made hooting and cheering but it felt good to see that win. Congratulations… it was well deserved…!!! THAT was backflip worthy indeed… but until I learn to do one the world will have to settle for the victory twirl….!!!!
January 27th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Yeah, Booooy. Had that feeling yesterday was going to be a great day, 10″ of fluff on top of a week total of 3′ soft, blue skies, 1st tracks down hanging garden to kima’s paw. A psuedo, world-class run out of big balls, then non-ers the rest of the day on the mothership. Schweet.
News of your win spread like wildfire. Everyone is way stoked for you. Many pints were hoisted in honor of your smokin’ run later up at the loft and then at OVI for English Beat.
Enjoy it Marco, it is well deserved. Keep rockin’ and best of luck for continued success.
Dan
January 27th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Congratulation on the DH win! The happiness and smile you had say it all!
What a great feeling! Best of luck! Well deserved!
January 27th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
We knocked a few back for you at the Chamy for you yesterday…nice work brotha.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Congrats - well earned. SV was abuzz with excitement when we learned of your 1st place podium. We wore our hats (they are now a coveted item)and Linda and Ann had the Mighty Mites chanting MARCO all over the mountain.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Marco: Congrats on the DH win. Well done. I was glued to the webcast and cheering you on. Everyone at WCSN is cheering for you each race. Note: This is T.K. from WCSN; I handle the marketing and p.r.
Chelsea: If you read my post… we met in Beaver Creek. I’ve been wearing my “Marco Rocks” green beanie cap with pride in Wash, D.C. (and on Sat to celebrate his amazing DH win). Please get in touch when you chance. Cheers.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Marco - way to go. What a great day for you and the US Team. Jim Collins sent me an e-mail from New Zealand with the results but I had already read about the win in the SF Chronicle. I am an old Squaw Valley local who left the Mountian in 1986 to finally grow up and get a real job. Mark Sullivan or “Sully” was one of my friends up there from the Tahoe City Trailer Park (man I feel old) along with Jim Collins and a long list of others (Steve McKinney, Kavaeh, Tamera, Herb at Granite Chief, Pablo at the Chamouix etc. the list is too long for this). I have been sking a few time since I left as golf is now my new passion as I grow old, but I can still schred with guys my age and need to get back up to taste some of the fine powder from the last storm. I am sure that the Chamouix loft was ripping with the news of the win. I sure do miss the mountians…..Keep on the winning track, you can do it! The best gliders always were from Squaw. Reytigre AKA Jim Worrall, Stockton CA. GO USA!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Yeehaa! Nice job Marco. You are awesome, and like the hat says, YOU ROCK. Congrats on the victory, you deserve it. I’ve been sporting the green beanie all weekend in your honor, well I tend to sport it most days, but especially this weekend!!
January 28th, 2008 at 11:57 am
congrats marco! you’re amazing and your win was well well well deserved! We are all cheering for you and cannot wait to see you during the rest of the season. Congrats again and keep up the great work!
January 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Congratulations Marco from an old fan in Gilroy. I decided not to leave a comment until you won one! I’m so happy to be compelled. Hope to cross paths with you someday at Squaw. Good luck for the rest of the season!
January 29th, 2008 at 2:00 am
Marco-
Wow. . . . what an amazing month, uh!! Love the interview on U Tube, and way to give Tahoe some props, I watched your run and you stomped that shit. Well done and way to bring it home for the NT Lakers. If you talk to Scott, tell him what’s up and it tell him he is already the talk of Alaska with Artic Man approaching in a few months. I loved how you dedicated the win to him because after reading your “Crazy week in Kitzbuhel” that must have been challenging to fight those emotions. I think if you walked into my office at work you would be proud as Marco Sullivan posters fill the walls . . . YOU ARE GOD!!! I was hanging in Girdwood with Burnski and all the racer kids at Alyeska and we all were talking shit about you. John Love was taking names and says hello. Talk to you soon.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Marco,
Looks like the Beaver Creek race chicks left a few days too soon!! Nice work in Chamonix. My kids and I played “downhill racer” all day Sunday in ski school as a tribute to the US sweep over the weekend and I made sure they went to youtube to check out all the action. Keep it rolling in Val d’Sere……Marco Rocks!
Jodi(& Katie)
January 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
T.K….lost your contact info, sorry! What is the best way to get ahold of you?