Barnesville native aids US athletes at Olympics
By ERIN DONNELLY, Times Leader Staff WriterArticle Photos
BARNESVILLE - Each night, Americans have welcomed Olympic athletes into their homes. Whether it's watching Apolo Ohno win his eighth medal or cheering on Shani Davis as he sprints past the competition, Olympic spirit has hit the Ohio Valley
What viewers can't see is that on the other side of the ice skating rink is a little bit of the Ohio Valley.
Nicole Detling Miller, Barnesville native and sports psychologist for the U.S. speed skating team, has been there from the start. And she says she is having the time of her life.
"It's somewhat surreal. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say 'Yes. You're really here,'" Detling Miller said.
Detling Miller has been with the U.S. Speed Skating Team for two years. In Vancouver, she accompanied the athletes to every practice and race. She lives in the Olympic Village on the same floor with the U.S. speed skating athletes, coaches and staff. Athletes often knock on her door looking for some mental preparation before their big races.
Detling Miller said the athletes come to her for a variety of reasons - some are nervous, some are too excited, others need to focus. She helps remind them of what works for them and helps them reach a better mental state before they step on the starting line.
When it comes down to it, most of the experience is the same. It's the same number of laps; It's the same equipment; It's the same race they've done many times before.
"If you take away all of that ... the only thing that's different is the external environment and what the outcome means," she said.
It's been repeated success on the ice throughout the Olympics. One of the more notable athletes of the 2010 Olympics is Apolo Ohno. He won his three medals at the Vancouver Olympics after he captured the bronze in the 5,000 short track relay. That brings his career total of Olympic medals to 8, which makes him the most decorated American Winter Olympian ever.
"That's a big deal. That's an accomplishment," Detling Miller said.
The U.S. Speed Skating Team won 10 medals in Vancouver, contributing a significant amount to the U.S. record total of 37. It's a historic milestone that Detling Miller is thrilled to be a part of. The medals are what she says is the personal highlight of the whole Olympic experience.
Another highlight topping the list is being in the company of so many accomplished athletes. She enters the cafeteria and there will be a hundred people, among them are those who are at the very top of their sports.
One day, she also spotted a familiar face. She ran into a physician she interned with at the Mayo Clinic 11 years earlier. He works with the U.S. hockey team, an instant connection for Detling Miller whose husband John is a die-hard hockey fan.
"He's jealous but on the other hand he's living vicariously through me," Detling Miller said.
John will be receiving a hockey jersey autographed by members of the U.S. hockey team, thanks to the chance meeting with the U.S. hockey team physician. A souvenir he will forever treasure back at home in Utah. Her children 5-year-old Logan and 3-old Elias will receive gifts as well. However, Detling Miller said that at such a young age they aren't aware of the significance of where she is.
"All they want is toys."
So each will receive a toy bought by their father, and given to them by their mom after she returns. It will bring a smile to their face now, and as they grow older they will realize what an exciting role their mother played in the 2010 Olympics.
From on-ice successes and medal ceremonies, Detling Miller said the most tremendous experience happened off to the side.
While the team was waiting to get on the ice at the practice venue, the Canadian team was just getting off. And at the same time, Canadian speed skater Jamie Gregg was competing in an event. Gregg's sister Jessica, who is also on the Canadian Olympic team, was watching her brother race in the athletes' lounge.
"She was so nervous for him," Detling Miller remembers.
The excitement became contagious.
"That energy filled the whole room." Detling Miller said. "We superceded country and we were all cheering for him."
It was part of the Olympic experience that unifies everyone, regardless of country. Everyone becomes part of the Olympic family.
"It's a behind-the-scenes that you don't get on TV."
The experience repeated itself shortly after Gregg's race when American Tucker Fredricks took to the ice. This time, the Canadians were cheering for an American.
"It was a really unique experience. ... It was such a cool feeling to 'feel' the Olympic family," Detling Miller said. "We do become a family."
