Super Bowl Meets Winter Olympics
Amid the excitement of the Winter Olympics underway in Milan Cortina, a unique situation has arisen for some American athletes as the Super Bowl approaches. For Zack DiGregorio, a member of the U.S. men’s luge doubles team and a dedicated fan of the New England Patriots, the timing of this year’s championship game presents a challenge. DiGregorio hails from Massachusetts, where he has deep roots with the Patriots, thanks in part to his mother having a long-standing career with the team.
For him, the Super Bowl — set to kick off at 12:30 a.m. local time on Monday — is not just another game; it’s an event he has never missed since his birth, and a clash with his Olympic commitments could test his loyalties.
Olympians in Dilemma
As the prestigious event unfolds, several of DiGregorio’s fellow Olympians also find themselves in a dilemma over the game, which sees the Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks. Notably, there are 15 athletes on the U.S. Olympic team who share Massachusetts roots, as well as others from Seattle, leading to a palpable buzz about the game amidst Olympic pursuits.
While some athletes intend to focus exclusively on their events and catch up on the score later, others are finding creative ways to show their support for their teams, with plans to wear jerseys to bed or set alarms to wake up for a second half glimpse.
Creative Support
Indeed, for curling competitor Korey Dropkin, the late hour means he will have to forego live viewing but has decided to wear his Patriots jersey as a form of support. His fellow short track speed skater Corinne Stoddard, a Seattle native, is confident in her team’s chances, even stating that she wouldn’t be monitoring the game live due to the late hour. Similarly, Alex Carpenter, a women’s hockey player and dual citizen, has made plans to check the score in the morning after her game on Monday.
Scheduling Challenges
The overlap of the Super Bowl and the Olympics is an increasingly common occurrence, stirring excitement but also concern within the sports community. This year’s Super Bowl marks only the second time such an event has coincided with the Winter Games, a trend likely to continue as the NFL season stretches longer than in decades past.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry has acknowledged this challenge, suggesting that key stakeholders across all major sporting events need to collaborate on scheduling to avoid clashes.
Community Spirit
In a show of enthusiasm, Mark Henderson, whose daughter Grace is scheduled to compete in freestyle skiing shortly after the Super Bowl ends, has arranged for a local bar in Livigno, Italy to remain open late, ensuring his group can celebrate the game together while enjoying food and drinks. Similarly, Krista DiGregorio, hoping to catch the game at a bar in Cortina d’Ampezzo, expresses her determination to support her son while cheering for the Patriots.
Despite the looming clash with his Olympic events, both her son’s participation in the opening ceremony and the excitement of the upcoming game promise to make it an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
In reality, the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl offers a unique backdrop to the Olympic festivities, creating camaraderie among athletes and fans alike as they navigate their loyalties and responsibilities. Whether through wearing jerseys, gathering for watch parties, or planning how best to stay updated, the spirit of competition pervades, showcasing not only athletic prowess but also the strong bonds that connect these sports communities.
Regardless of the outcome, it has indeed been a remarkable season for those involved, filled with moments of pride and passion shared amongst family, friends, and fellow competitors.
