Athlete Interviews
Credit: Forward Focus Productions Ltd.
Source: Mary Anne McEwen fonds. Crista Dahl Media Library and Archive, VIVO Media Arts Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Excerpts of on location interviews with athletes about their experience at the Games.
An equestrian takes her horse over outdoor jumps at the Campbell Valley Equestrian Centre in Surrey.
Equestrian interviewed at her trailer: “When they had equestrian I said, “Alright, Cherokee, we’re going.” (she laughs) And I’m glad we’re here, but, you know, we’ve been preparing for it for a while, and uh, you know, and it would be the best game ever if Tom was here. That’s all I got to say (chokes up)…but it’s great we’re still going on and it’s great that it’s gotten humongous since we started and it’s good to be in the third Games.”
(Sound of applause)
Bicyclist 1: “I’m having a great time in Vancouver. It’s been excellent. (someone off camera yells ‘Get used to it, Andy’ and he replies) Thanks! Hah! (To the interviewer) The organization has been fantastic. I’ve met so many people from all over the place. It’s incredible. And it’s great to come to a race, too, and know there’s other gay cyclists, and I feel great, at home, and like I can have… (looks around)…Where’d he go? My boyfriend around with me. Just to have his support, and have it open, and I feel great! It’s like…it’s everything I would want.”
(Images and sound of cyclists riding past on the Seawall in Stanley Park)
Interviewer: “Running into a lot of good people then?”
Athlete: “Yup, absolutely, made good contacts everywhere. Exchanged a lot of address, phone numbers from everywhere, from around the world, which is nice. Feeling for once to be part of an international gay community which is something… I think it’s important.”
Interviewer: “Yeah.”
Bicyclist 2: “It’s too bad that gays and lesbians are discriminated against, you know, with national sports teams, and this kind of thing, and…but at the same time I think it’s great that we can kind of celebrate together, you know, as a group and have some straight people along.” (laughs)
(Image and sounds of women hockey players talk together on a bench in the skating rink box)
Interviewer to a female spectator in the rink stands: “What do you think about the Games?”
Woman: “I think they’re wonderful. It’s great to arrive at B.C. Place for the Opening Ceremonies and find 4000 women that look like I do.” (laughs)
(Images and sound of players skating. Shouts and cheers from the crowd. The referee blows the whistle.)