The Sports World Turns To Vancouver Friday

While the buzz in the U.S. may still feel a bit muted 48 hours before the Opening Ceremony, the early word from Vancouver is that the city is ready to host the world. IOC President Jacques Rogge says he believes the Vancouver Games will leave a “blueprint” for future games. Raves also were directed toward the Athletes' Village, as it "offers a gorgeous backdrop of water, city and mountains." U.S. speedskater Chad Hedrick: "It's like a five-star hotel. This is going to set the standard for future Olympics." Meanwhile, the IOC today begins three days of meetings in Vancouver, and new USOC CEO Scott Blackmun says he will be active in working the room. Also, NBC shows that it will leverage every advantage possible from Vancouver, as it exclusively features Lindsey Vonn speaking about her shin injury to lead the “Today” show this morning.