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Aerialist Peterson is walking on air
By Amy Donaldson
Deseret News Olympic specialist
PARK CITY — Jeret Peterson wasn't supposed to be a competitor in the 2002 Winter Games. Maybe that's why even free shampoo with an Olympic logo is awe-inspiring to him.
"I'm loving it," the 20-year-old Idaho native said. "I mean, I'm here at the Olympics."
To talk to him, one would think just making the team, just wearing the uniform would be enough.
But Saturday, he showed that he's going to make the most of his Olympic experience, both for himself and for the woman whose misfortune made his participation possible. He qualified for the finals in men's aerials at Deer Valley, finishing seventh in one of the strongest, deepest fields ever assembled.
"I just can't believe it's the Olympics," he said shaking his head. "I had a little trouble sleeping last night, so I was a little tired. But this just feels great."
A month ago Peterson had competed in just four World Cup events, and his best finish was fourth. Then a twist of fate was kind to him while cruel to his teammate and friend, Emily Cook.
Cook was the first aerialist to qualify for the Olympics when she won the Gold Cup Dec. 31. Then in mid-January, she injured her feet in a training accident and had to undergo surgery. The rules specify that if an athlete can't compete, the competitor with the next-highest World Cup points, male or female, should take the spot.
That was Peterson.
Since then, he's immersed himself in a dream whose only downside is the sadness he feels for Cook. He said sponsors have given the athletes everything from leather coats to skin-care products.
"I think the only thing I haven't gotten is underwear," he said. The only time the smile leaves his face is when someone asks him about his road to the Games.
"It's a little weird for me," he said. "I feel a little bad, but I wrote 'Hi, Emily' on my gloves, and I stop and wave at her every time I go past (her seat in the stands)."
"Speedy" Peterson said his Olympic dreams began in earnest when saw the gold medal that Eric Bergoust won in 1998 in Nagano.
"He let me try it on," Peterson said beaming. "It just sent chills down my spine."
Someone asked if he could win his own and, amazingly, Peterson's smile gets brighter.
"I definitely have the chance," he said. "I have what it takes. I just have to tighten it up a bit."
Bergoust, the stoic veteran of the U.S. aerial team, breaks into a grin as he describes "the kid's" enthusiasm for even the smallest aspects of the Olympic experience.
"Jeret has the greatest attitude," Bergoust said. "He's been going to every event, getting every free thing anybody's handing out. He gets the free Coke out of the machines at the Athletes Village, every free T-shirt, and every five minutes he says to me, 'Isn't this awesome? We're at the Olympics!' "
E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com
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February 18, 2002
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