The snow (and rain) has finally settled in Sochi and everyone here at The Agency is proud of our Team USA athletes who competed at the 22nd Winter Olympic Games. Over the course of seventeen days, host country Russia topped the medal count with 13 gold medals and 33 overall, while the United States finished 4th, just five medals shy.
We would like to extend a special congratulations to the athletes who live in California, two of which reached the medal round. Snowboarder Kelly Clark (Mammoth Lakes), a veteran Salt Lake City 2002 Champion, won Bronze in the Ladies’ Halfpipe, while Figure Skaters Ashley Wagner (Laguna Beach) and Gracie Gold (Hermosa Beach) took home Bronze medals in the team program.
It should come as no surprise that California is an athlete’s haven. A fitness-oriented presence thrives in our temperate climate, providing year-round sunshine and diversified terrain whether you are an alpine skier, hockey player, or compete in the luge. With more than 25 ice rinks ready for use in Southern California, figure skaters are treated to year-round indoor training, while snowboarders can enjoy the rugged, snowy training turf of Mammoth Mountain.
Of course, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to cash in on all the perks. A day can be spent with your toes on the nose in the ocean as easily as it can reaching the peak of a mountain. On that note, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available to you as a Southern Californian resident, and be sure to check back on our blog for more “on location” posts like this one.
California leads all US states in producing the most Sochi Olympians. View the Washington Post map below for a complete breakdown for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
