Tim Gayda, VANOC's vice president of sport, is a busy man these days. Regardless he took some time to answer a few questions and provide FIS with an update on how things are looking for the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, set to begin on 12th February 2010.
Q. With just 16 days to go, how ready are you and what is your overall assessment of the level of preparedness especially at the FIS venues?
A. We are feeling confident about where all the competition venues are at. The FIS venues in Whistler are in very good shape. Our one challenge is Cypress Mountain due to unseasonably warm weather but we have planned for all contingencies at all of the outdoor venues including the stock-piling and preservation of snow for the field of play.
At Whistler Creekside, the mountain operations crew started building the alpine courses in November thanks to an ample early snowfall and freezing temperatures for artificial snow production. The courses for both the men's and ladies are in great shape.
At Whistler Olympic Park, there is currently a snow pack on course and all trails of more than a metre. Whistler Olympic Park typically receives large amounts of snowfall annually and this year has not been any different. In addition to the natural snow, we have been producing artificial snow on our Ski Jump site. As with the alpine courses, it is in good condition.
Cypress Mountain has presented challenges due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Aa snow salvage project is currently underway to conserve snow. This has resulted in the closure of the alpine runs to the public earlier than expected as a protective measure. We have ample amounts of snow which have been stockpiled at the higher elevation of the mountain to construct the snowboard and freestyle courses.
Q. After record snowfall in late 2009, it has recently turned unseasonably warm in the Vancouver area, even leading to an early closure to public of the runs at Cypress. Does the weather in Whistler/Cypress make you worried?
A. We have planned for all weather contingencies, from too much snow, to too little snow. At Cypress Mountain, we implemented one of our contingency plans when we started to experience rain and warm weather. We have a great team, the right equipment and plenty of snow to get the job done.
Q. Is there anything (else) that keeps you awake at night?
A. Just the thought of having the sporting world focus on what we are doing to ensure the best field of play we can is enough to keep me up at night.
Q. Rumor has it that the previous Games always had several sport directors but you have been onboard since the very beginning. What is your secret?
A. Should I make it through the Games, it is my understanding that I will be the longest serving Sport Director in the history of the Olympic Winter Games. I started in April 2001 in the Bid Phase so it will be nine years once the Paralympics Games are complete. My secret has always been if you work on what you love, you will always be successful. There are still a few weeks to go so I am not out of the woods yet.
Q. What do you look forward to most when the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver 2010 finally get underway on 12th February?
A. Watching the venues come to life with the world's best athletes in action and seeing the Sport Department doing what they have been working so hard on over the years.
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