It's the Olympics! I'm not a huge fan of traditional professional sports like football, but when the Olympics roll around I just can't stop watching--the passion and determination on display from these (mostly) amateur athletes is just amazing. I even bought a TV this year so I'd be able to catch all the BBC's coverage.

There have been quite a few stories of Olympians using Skype to stay in touch with family and friends while they compete in Beijing. I heard that Dan Walsh, a member of the US men's eight and friend from my rowing days, was using Skype on his Sony PSP to keep in touch, so last week I asked him a couple questions over email and he found the time to answer them amidst his preparations. Dan was an alternate for the US rowing squad in 2004 when the US men's eight won a gold medal; this year Dan will be going for gold in the Olympic final on Sunday.


Skype Gear: So Dan, how did you first hear about Skype?

Dan Walsh: A friend of mine told me about it when I was traveling over to Japan [for the 2005 Rowing World Championships] so I figured I would give it a try.

SG: Who are you talking with on Skype? Are you making free Skype-to-Skype calls or calling phone numbers? Are you making video calls?

DW: I am usually just talking to family using phone numbers when using Skype. I am waiting to get a new MacBook with built-in camera then I will start the video calls.

SG: Do you just use Skype on your computer, or do you ever use it on a hardware device like a cell phone, wifi phone or Nokia internet tablet?

DW: I use my computer but while here in the Olympics I am using my PSP, which is awesome. As long as I have a wireless signal I can make calls and it sounds great.

SG: Do you schedule your calls with family and friends? Does the time difference affect when you talk?

DW: No scheduling is necessary. The 12 hour difference makes it easy.

SG: Have you used Skype to stay in touch when you've been away at international races in the past?

DW: I have used Skype for the past four years whenever I go overseas. My best use for Skype was when I broke my cell phone and I couldn't get a new one for about 4 days. I was concerned about not being able to call anyone but then I remembered "I have skype" and was able to check my voicemail, return calls, the whole nine.

SG: What's the most outrageous thing you've said (or done) over Skype?

DW: Just some dirty SMS messages to my girlfriend while in Germany.

SG: Who's the first person you'll call on Skype after winning the gold?

DW: My father.


Thanks to Dan for taking the time to answer my questions, and best of luck to him and the rest of his crew in their final, which is at 17:30 Beijing time on Sunday.