February 24, 2010 February 24, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – Todd Lodwick, 33, a native of Steamboat Springs, came back from retirement in November 2008. He wanted to win the Nordic Combined World Championship and a medal at the Olympic Winter Games. On Tuesday, Feb. 23rd, his wishes came true and his fairytale came to a great end. But, will this really be the end?
Todd, you were fourth at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. How does it feel to be in second spot now at the 2010 Games?
Todd Lodwick: Home soil, home country, and to be fourth was bad. This second place is redemption. It hasn’t sunk in yet, what we’ve accomplished.
Did you win the silver, or lose the gold?
TL: We won silver today – we won, without any doubt. Don’t forget, we’ve been dreaming about this day for four years. And we weren’t so arrogant to say: only gold will count. There are a lot of strong guys and strong nations out there; being second is a big win!
It is hard not to feel good. For us it was a team effort. We are really psyched. This is an Olympic medal, I mean, we came second today and that’s huge. Huge for us, huge for the team, huge for everyone’s moral. After the jump we thought we had a chance at gold and I think all of my team mates and I left everything out there.”
Many people suggested that for the Nordic Combined Team event the USA is strong but does not have a valid fourth athlete.
TL: Today, Brett Camerota showed that all of these people were wrong. Before, we were kind of missing the critical fourth person and needed to step up, and find someone to complete the team. We found that person in Brett. I give 100%, well a lot of credit to Brett. Not only did he jump far, but he skied the race of his life today. The whole team left Whistler for home in Colorado after the first competition during the break between events.
How important was returning home for your performance in the Team event?
TL: It was so great. We got to go home, rest a bit. And we came back with fresh legs, fresh hearts and fresh minds.
You spend 300+ days a year with the rest of the team. Doe this ever pose a problem?
TL: Not at all. To tell you the truth I enjoy it. These are my best friends. Outside of skiing, there’s hunting, fishing and Alpine skiing. We have a lot in common. We’re kind of the old hat here; we’ve been to four Olympic Games together. I couldn’t pick more honourable people to share the podium with, or three more professional athletes to share this moment with.
What were you thinking about during the Flower Ceremony?
TL: A lot of people… and I was thinking about my family. The two reasons I came back to the sport was: one, to have fun, and two, to earn some hardware. Mission accomplished.
How will you celebrate this Team medal?
TL: Live it up a little and let it sink in. Definitely spend some time with the people who have worked so hard with us.
When you came back from retirement, you said that you wanted win medals at the Olympics and at the 2009 World Championships. You’ve achieved both saying you are living in a fairytale. Will you now retire again, definitely?
TL: I don’t know. Let me celebrate this medal, then we’ll see. But you know: never say never.