| Salt Lake City |
 |
 |
| GER |
12 |
16 |
7 |
35 |
 |
| USA |
10 |
13 |
11 |
34 |
|
| NOR |
11 |
7 |
6 |
24 |
|
| CAN |
6 |
3 |
8 |
17 |
|
| RUS |
6 |
6 |
4 |
16 |
|
| AUT |
2 |
4 |
10 |
16 |
|
| ITA |
4 |
4 |
4 |
12 |
|
| FRA |
4 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
|
| SUI |
3 |
2 |
6 |
11 |
|
| NED |
3 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
|
|
|
Germans and U.S. dominate Medals Plaza one last time
By Angie Welling
Deseret News staff writer
Spectators at the final celebration at the Olympic Medals Plaza spent Sunday afternoon much like the others who visited the plaza during the past 15 nights — cheering for German and American athletes.
The two countries dominated the 2002 Winter Games, with their athletes making more appearances onstage than any other countries. Germany ended the Games with 35 medals, and the United States claimed 34.
And Sunday's ceremonies were no different.
Eight American men took the stage to claim silver and bronze medals in the four-man bobsled. The athletes, who broke a 46-year drought for United States in the sport, didn't seem to mind the smaller-than-normal crowd and truncated ceremonies.
Seeing the two American flags on either side of the German flag brought tears to the eyes of five-time Olympian Brian Shimer, the 39-year-old driver of the bronze medal team.
"I've just visualized that so many times in my career," Shimer said. "I was thinking, 'I don't know if I'm dreaming this,' because it happened the way I've always pictured it in my dreams.
"Just one small ingredient was missing," he said. "That our national anthem wasn't playing."
Silver medalist Randy Jones had a similar experience on the podium.
"Somebody pinch me. Am I awake?" Jones asked shortly after picking up his medal, which he couldn't stop touching. "I just have to grasp it, squeeze it, make sure it's real."
When asked what he planned to do with the medal, the 33-year-old North Carolina native said, "I'm going to wear it. It's like a part of my wardrobe, just like my T-shirt and my undergarments."
Germans Andre Lange, Carsten Embach, Kevin Kuske and Enrico Kuehn then climbed atop the gold medal podium to claim gold in the event.
The final cross country skiing medals were also awarded Sunday. Gabriella Paruzzi, Italy, picked up a gold medal in the women's 30K classical event. Stefania Belmondo, Italy, and Bente Skari, Norway, got the silver and bronze, respectively.
Sunday's celebration had somewhat of a nostalgic feel, with Salt Lake Organizing Committee volunteers taking pictures and milling around after the ceremonies ended.
"I'm kind of sad," venue press chief Margaret Plavocos said. "I can't believe it's all over."
The Medals Plaza stage will stay in place and be used during the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Paralympics, but the volunteers will not be needed.
E-MAIL: awelling@desnews.com
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February 25, 2002
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