Valentine's Day in Vancouver is seeing love and sport collide in a very unique way. As athletes and officials prepare for their competitions, there are very different approaches being taken by the stars of the Games when it comes to spending time with their ‘special one’.

All will be fair in love and war at the Figure Skating tonight. As Jeremy Barrett and girlfriend Amanda Evora will face off against each other in the Pairs Program.

The American’s may be partners off the ice, but on it, Barrett is paired with Caydee Denney and Evora with Mark Ladwig.

“We were not made to be together on the ice,” Evora said. “But we were meant to be partners away from it and I am very happy with that.”

“It is actually a really special thing that we both get to go to Vancouver and chase our dreams together.”

Barrett and Evora should be thankful of their unique situation as the majority of Olympic athletes will be separated from their loved ones today.

“Just a phone message. No flowers. She knows I am busy and she wants a [men’s Ice Hockey] medal,” said Janne Kisakala of the Finnish Hockey team.

US speed skating superstar Shani Davis won’t be spending time with his girlfriend either.

“I will probably call her. I sent her some gifts early, she won’t be coming here.” said the Torino 2006 Gold Medallist.

“I’m lucky to have such a good girlfriend. I have priorities and obligations but she’s with me in spirit.”

Davis’ US speed skating teammates and couple Jileane Rookard and Trevor Marsicano will be finding some time to escape for a candlelight dinner for two.

“We’ll buy a candle and one of those character blankets and put it on the table and have a romantic dinner at the [Athletes Village] Café and get some flowers.” said Rookard.

Tom Read
AOC Vancouver