Tag Archives: Susan Izzo

1992 Staples grad Susan Izzo just returned from the Sochi Olympics, where 4 snowboarders — all represented by her Mosaic Sports Management firm — competed.

Here’s her behind-the-scenes report, and photos:

After 4 flights and spending Valentine’s Day in 3 different countries, I made it back from Russia to my home in California. What an experience!

February 11th was our big day. Three of our athletes competed in the men’s snowboarding halfpipe event. Unfortunately, like the Vancouver games, they were not able to showcase their best abilities due to a subpar halfpipe.

Two of Susan Izzo’s US snowboarding halfpipe riders — Greg Bretz (left) and Danny Davis — relax between events.

In Vancouver on the day of finals, the halfpipe shapers worked miracles and pulled it together. Unfortunately in Russia, this was not the case. The best riders on that particular day were from Switzerland and Japan. They deserved their medals, for navigating through the less-than-desirable terrain. Kudos to each of them for being able to land their runs and come out on top.

Every 4 years the world gets excited about the Olympics, and they should. It is an amazing experience watching all of these countries come to one place to compete in so many sports. The fans, families, athletes, media, event organizers and sponsors all unite for the sake of sport. It is special.

The eyes of the world were on Sochi — and spectators there had a great time.

The security was blended among the Olympic-goers and in camouflaged tents along the mountainside, but I never felt as though it was unsafe to be there. It saddens me how many people did not attend because of the bad press and scare tactics of the media. I do not doubt there were terrorist threats; there typically are at any major event that brings that number of people to one place. But it was a shame, because Russia did its best to create a beautiful and safe environment.

ID tags were required everywhere.

Walking through the Mountain Cluster, it was evident that the Russians ran out of time to get everything ready. The buildings were built, but only the lower levels were occupied. You could see that so many of these places were meant to be hotels or restaurants, but time and perhaps resources were not on their side.

The Coastal Cluster and Olympic Park, which was 1 1/2 hours south of the Mountain Cluster down by the Black Sea, was a very scaled-back version of what we experienced in Vancouver. Sochi did not have buildings in place to host large activities by corporate sponsors.

However, the Olympic torch still shined brightly. Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Natalie Morales (my new favorite TV host) and the “Today” show crew were all smiles. And plenty of Olympic enthusiasts from the around world continued to exchange pins and take photos with one another.

The athletes — the reason we come together — wore their countries’ uniforms proudly, and did their best to showcase their exceptional abilities and talents in sport.

And by the way, Bob Costas’ pinkeye was brought on by him calling the slopestyle discipline “jackass stuff.” Karma gets ya every time, Bob.

Nighttime in the Olympic Village.

Yesterday, “06880” spotlighted Staples grad Susan Izzo, whose sports management firm represents 4 snowboarders at the Winter Olympics.

This morning, she sent this report from Sochi. Despite reports of roaming packs of stray dogs, poisonous tap water and athletes trapped in bathrooms, Susan is having a great time. She says:

Before my trip Russia I was a bit terrified, due to all of the negative press regarding safety. People in my industry were canceling their trips. They were not willing to risk their lives to support their athletes.

I completely understood. I own a house, a dog and a business. My  peers have children and spouses to worry about. I respected their decision.

The flight to Russia was a bit a of trek. I flew from LA to Paris, then to Adler, Russia. As we walked out of the gateway I expected security guards, machine guns, bomb-sniffing dogs, the works. Instead I was greeted by incredibly kind and accommodating Russian volunteers helping us obtain our Olympic credentials and guides to get us to our hotels.

The scene in Sochi. (Photo/Susan Izzo)

Booking hotels in Russia was difficult. Russia has been preparing for the Games for 7 years. They built a city from the ground up. Unfortunately many of the hotels were not finished in time. The structures here are beautiful. It is like walking around in Whistler, Canada. It is a village-type feel with shops and restaurants and hotels. It could have been amazing, but they ran out of time. Each day we see a new store or restaurant having a grand opening.

We ended up having to book a b-and-b about 9 miles south of the Mountain Cluster, the Olympic Village in the mountains. The accommodations are fine: hot, clean running water, clean beds, private internet, etc.  We have visited friends staying at the Marriott, Radisson and other hotels in the mountain cluster that are brand new. They are the first people to stay in the rooms, and when they arrived construction was literally being finished.

The Olympic spirit flourishes. (Photo/Susan Izzo)

I am disappointed in the American media and press. Russia has been amazing. The people are incredibly kind and happy to help. Yes there is a language barrier at times, but I refuse to be an arrogant American who expects everyone to speak English. We have used our iPhone translator and have lots of laughs with the Russians trying to figure out what we are both trying to say. The media scared all of us, when in actuality I could not feel more safe and experience such a wonderful vibe from the Russian community.

The mountain cluster/village is spotless. It has an Austrian vibe, with beautiful buildings on either side of a rushing river. There are a lot fewer people than the Vancouver games, but the Olympic spirit is alive and well.

A mountain scene. (Photo/Susan Izzo)

I am aware of the people who were displaced to build these venues, the laborers who most likely were not treated well, and the absurd amount of money spent on construction. It is disheartening to think about these things, as I imagine this place will be like an empty Vegas strip 2 weeks from now.  But in the meantime the media should focus on the athletes — their personal stories, the passion, dedication and perseverance that has gotten them to this place, to have this moment.

Russia, you definitely are not as bad as what the media made you out to be. And it feels good to be cheering for your athletes, as well as ours.

Добро пожаловать в Россию! (Photo/Susan Izzo)