LAKE PLACID, New York (WWNY) – Olympic athletes competing this week in Milan, Italy, trained at Lake Placid’s Olympic venues, where New York State funding helps maintain facilities that continue producing world-class competitors.
Winter Vinecki, a two-time Olympian in aerial skiing from Michigan, said Lake Placid’s sports history and culture drew her back to train.
She first visited as a 9-year-old when her mother competed in an Ironman race. Vinecki took a picture under Olympic rings during that childhood visit.
“I had no clue what sport it was going to be in, but I stood under those Olympic rings and just wanted to work as hard as I could to get there someday,” Vinecki said. “Lake Placid is the perfect place to have those big dreams start and follow them through.”
Active Olympic venues maintain training edge
Lake Placid is one of few Olympic villages worldwide where venues remain active, including the Ski Jumping Complex, bobsled, skeleton and luge track. Skiing, hockey and speed skating all thrive, ready to turn out the next Olympian.
Chadd Cassidy, vice president of Legacy Venues Operations for the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority, said athletes get an Olympic feel training on venues they will compete on at the Olympic Games.
“That’s why we have so many events here, because it’s that feel,” Cassidy said. “Whether you’re training at Mount Van Hovenberg or at the ski jumps, it’s going to train you and get you ready for what you’re going to be in for in Milan and Cortina.”
The luge team practices at Mount Van Hovenberg, where Lake Placid officials watch athletes who trained there compete in the Olympic Games.
“We brag about that a lot and whenever we see an athlete who trained here, we feel a little bit of what they accomplished and a little part of their medal,” Cassidy said.
Vinecki said the tradition and support in Lake Placid create hope for athletes.
“Here in Lake Placid, it’s the same thing; we still have the torches around town, the Olympic training centers being used,” Vinecki said. “I think it’s really cool that all the facilities and a lot of the things that were used in past Olympics are still being used today.”
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