Whistler Sliding Centre

During the Olympics Irene worked with the OBS (Olympic Broadcasting Services).  Although the original plan was to be at the Alpine venues, the final assignment was at the WSC (Whistler Sliding Centre).  

Here is a view of the WSC looking uphill from the media booths near the Finish.  Note the number of spectators roaming the venue and how close they can get to the track.

Competitions included: 
luge, skeleton & bobsleigh

Here a 4-man bobsleigh is being lifted into the start area.  The competitors will soon arrive, the sled will be turned over, and the countdown will begin.

Between sleds WSC course workers scrape and sweep the ice, rather like human zambonis (those grooming machines that clear ice rinks).

Note the large screen positioned up high on the right side for spectators to watch the entire course while seated at the Start.

Here is a photo of a 4-man bobsleigh coming around the final big turn towards the Finish.  The WSC track is the fastest in the world, with greater vertical drop and more technical turns than other tracks built in the past. 

Note the huge crowd of spectators and the big screen located above the track for spectators to watch the entire race from start to finish.  Most days well over 6,000 people were out to watch and cheer on the athletes.