In Beijing, U.S. Olympic dreams are being fulfilled at the winter games. Those dreams aren’t just for the athletes. A Rochester-area man is fulfilling one of his own dreams.

Regarding the Olympic Games, this isn’t Tim Bostley’s first rodeo. His part this time comes with the title “speed skating first assistant referee.”

"Having been to a couple other Olympics, this is a different experience," said Bostley. "I'm used to a party, and this is not a party."

Bostley’s day job is as a veterinarian in Hilton. He founded the Hilton Veterinary Hospital more than three decades ago. His involvement in speed skating dates back to the ‘90s. The first two Winter Olympic Games he attended were in 1994 and ’98, to support his then-wife, Olympic gold medalist Cathy Turner.

Bostley later helped found a speed skating team in Rochester and became a referee, years of experience which brought him to his current assignment in Beijing.

"It’s pretty cool," said Bostley, via Zoom from his hotel. "It’s been kind of on my bucket list."

Many of Bostley’s past assignments have been as a video specialist, where he would monitor several camera feeds during competition. Now he is a referee on the ice.  

Bostley says everyone involved in this Olympics is under strict control. He only has access to the hotel and the rink. There are daily COVID tests. Just getting to China was a chore: He had to fly to New York City the day before he left to be tested.

"It’s been, to say the least, a little bit stressful, getting everything done," he said.

With just limited spectators in the stands, Bostley says the games are a bit strange. He attended Friday’s opening ceremonies and looks forward to the competition.

"It's exciting," he said. "It’s kind of emotional, especially having been with someone who's won a gold medal, and to know what that feels like."

Even without the big crowds, this year, it’s a feeling like no other.

"It’s amazing," he said.