The snow was lightly falling on the track at Utah Olympic Park on the afternoon of Feb. 19, 2002. My anticipation for the women's bobsled competition had been building for over two years after the International Olympic Committee had granted our request to add this event to our Games. We hoped the United States would do well (who said we had to be impartial?), but we were uncertain, given the changing makeup of the team competing. I was offered the chance to present the flowers to the eventual winners and of course I jumped at the opportunity.
At the track, I was once again startled by the incredible speed of the sleds as they hurtled down the track.
At the end of the first of two runs, I was happily shocked to see USA 2 in first place! Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers were in the lead. Everything now came down to the second run.
In the second run, the athletes compete in reverse order of standings, so Jill and Vonetta would run last. As Jill's and Vonetta's turn approached, the suspense grew to a crescendo.
I rushed to reach the finish area to present the flowers and arrived just before their final run. In the midst of strong USA supporters, I watched their time at each interval. Close, but one mistake could end the dream. They crossed the finish line right in front of us. Incredibly, they had increased their lead to win the gold medal. I'll never forget that moment.
The time then came for the flower ceremony, giving me the chance to meet all of the medal winners. German teams won both the silver and bronze medals — they were celebrating as well, which brought back to my mind the phrase, "I didn't lose the gold, I won the silver."
This was how it should be. The German athletes were indeed athletes at 6 feet tall and very fit. Jill and Vonetta were a contrast — still very athletic, yet petite. Size and strength don't necessarily determine victory — many times it comes down to focus and determination.
As each team stood on the podium, I had the opportunity to share in the moment by presenting the flowers. Each athlete was very gracious and incredibly happy. The most special memory I have is of Jill and Vonetta standing on the podium, tears in their eyes as I was able to warmly congratulate them.
We had two wonderful firsts: Women's bobsled in the Olympics for the first time; and Vonetta Flowers, the first African-American ever to win a medal in Winter Olympics history, and a gold medal at that!
Such memories are never to be forgotten and are very representative of the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 in Salt Lake City — dare I say the best ever?
— Fraser Bullock, Salt Lake Organizing Committee president