OTSEGO COUNTY - The roof nearly came off Gerry and Mary King's house Saturday evening where friends, family and Gaylord fans of Olympic Speedskater Alex (Izy) Izykowski gathered to watch Team USA secure a bronze medal in the men's 5000m short track relay.

“It could have gone either way,” stated Mary King, who chose to watch the event, rather than learn the results from earlier broadcasts, or friends who knew the outcome. “I was a little rude with people because I told them, ‘If you know what happened, don't tell me.'”

According to King, her nephew Izy, 22, of Bay City, skated in the team's second spot behind J.P. Kepka and was followed by Rusty Smith and Apolo Anton Ohno. “It was good Apolo skated last because he really made up a lot of time,” she said.

Following the race, Ohno grabbed American Flag and handed it to Izy stating, “Here, skate the victory lap with this.”

King said, “There Izy was with the flag held proudly over his head and a smile from ear-to-ear, which is unusual since he is usually so serious. Ohno was really great about sharing the Olympic experience with his teammates.”

King was disappointed the medal award ceremony was not televised, but noted, “All the races and medal ceremonies can be viewed on the NBC-Olympics web site - www.msnbc.com/sports/winterolympics.

Izy won't have long to relax.

“He has to begin preparing for World Championships in speedskating which begin on March 31. To me Alex is my nephew and he's done well, but to others he's a hero. It is fun to see that admiration.”

As far as when Izy and the Olympic bronze will be in Michigan, King can't say for sure, but she promised, “When he comes up here, I will let everyone know.”

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