tomorrow. >> and make sure you know where your umbrella is. we'll have local updates throughout the morning. >> thanks for watching. good morning. face-to-face. president trump set for an emotional ple aal meeting at th house today, with survivors of the florida school shooting and other victims of gun violence. >> we have to do more to protect our children. >> but what will congress do? weather whiplash. record-shattering heat covering the east coast. dangerous ice storm and flooding across the midwest and south. and cold gripping the west. lindsey vonn makes history winning bronze in the downhill. >> i kept working hard and i am really proud of this medal. >> a tough night on the ice for american figure skaters.

♪ >> triple lutz. >> and stunning upset. the u.s. wins gold in dramatic fashion. a photo finish in the women's cross country team sprint, the first gold ever for the u.s. in that sport, showing all that glitters really is gold today. today, wednesday, february 21st, 2018. ♪ >> from nbc news, this is a special edition of "today," at the olympic games, with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, live from pyeongchang, south korea. >> good morning, everybody. welcome to "today." it's 7:00 a.m. on a wednesday morning back home. it's 9:00 at night here in

pyeongchang, south korea. this is the photo finish that everyone will be talking about. it hasn't been seen in the u.s. yet. >> a lot of people don't know what's happening right here. this is an american woman crossing the finish line, and as she did that, making history. this is an incredible duo. you're going to learn more about them. one of them is a mom. it's a great story. >> a photo finish, come-from-behind finish. you think they're fired up about it? we'll have more about this historymaking moment at the games. the president hosting students, teachers and parents who have been directly impact by some of the country's deadliest school shoots. it happens today amid growing calls for tougher gun laws. we start with nbc chief white house correspondent, kristen welker. good morning to you. >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you. a white house official says two dozen students, parents and

teachers are coming to the white house to talk to the president about gun violence. some of the attendees are parkland students who have ask to speak directly to the president. these families want action. in just a few hours, president trump will host families who know the pain of gun violence first hand. they will be from sandy hook, columbine, and parkland, florida. the face-to-face comes with the president who ran on a platform of protecting second amendment rights, now, showing a willingness to make measured changes. >> we must do more to protect our children. we have to do more to protect our children. >> reporter: the president tweeting, whether we are republican or democrat, we must now focus on strengthening background checks. earlier tuesday, mr. trump asking the justice department to impose regulations banning bump stocks, allowing some guns to

shoot hundreds of rounds per minute. while the move could face legal challenges, mr. trump insisting. >> we cannot take actions that make us feel like we are making a difference. >> reporter: social immediate ka is being inundated with conspiracy theories, claiming that some of the groieving students are hired actors. some posts like this one being shared 100,000 times. one of the students falsely accused being part of a hoax speaking out late tuesday. >> i'm so sorry that these people have lost their faith in america. i'm not a crisis actor. i was a witness to this. >> reporter: sarah sanders held a briefing tuesday for the first time since robert mueller indicted 13 russian officials for meddling in the u.s. elections. sanders says the president believes that russia meddle. when pressed on why mr. trump hasn't imposed sanctions on

russia passed last year, sanders said the president has done a number of things to put pressure on the country and said there could be more action announced in the coming days. >> kristen welker, leading us off at the white house. thank you. while some families impacted by the parkland shooting are at the white house, others are making their voices heard at the state capital in tallahassee. kerry sanders is there with the latest. >> reporter: good morning. there may be upwards of a thousand students here at the capital. the students that traveled here from marjory stoneman douglas high school will not attend the rally. the state representative said this is an open rally. and she fears there will be gun advocates who come here. it's only been seven days since the rampage on the campus. and she fears that having those two sides confronting would come at a time when the student survivors are still emotionally

vulnerable. overnight, a warm welcome for the survivors of the shooting at marjory stoneman douglas high school. students on a mission, bringing their anger, grief and a tough gun control message to florida's capital. >> we're sick and tired of politicians saying, this was inevitable. we need to carry forward change. >> reporter: they're learning that won't be easy. tuesday, the florida legislature voted not to take up a bill banning assault weapons. a crushing blow to students who were there. some are urging them not to attend today's rally, where grieving students might be confronted by pro-gun rights advocates. >> we have to be mindful that these kids are very fresh from a terribly traumatic event. >> reporter: sam fuentes survived the rampage. shot in the thigh. shrapnel behind her eye. two of her classmates died.

she feels guilty she didn't care more about other mass shootings. >> i don't know how column combine wasn't enough. i don't know how sandy hook was not enough. i don't know how the pulse nightclub was not enough. i don't know how any of it was not enough. but now it is. >> reporter: this most recent shooting parking a nationwide movement, even among some gun owners, to get rid of assault weapons. as planning gets under way for next month's gun control march in washington, celebrities are lending their support. george and amal clooney say they will be there. writing in a statement, they are so inspired by the courage and eloquence of these young men and women. we're donating $500,000 to help pay for this groundbreaking event. oprah tweeting, she'll match the donation. she's inspiring young people remind me of the freedom riders of the '60s who said, we have had enough. but there's no letting up in the

grief. carmen schentrup would have been 16 today. and 15-year-old peter wang. his parents say he dreamed of attending west point. the military academy admitting him paosthumouposthumously. sam is optimistic. >> this doesn't have to be a reoccurring thing. >> reporter: the students that are here have been handed an agenda, which includes meeting all day with lawmakers inside. the day will end with a two-hour meeting with republican florida governor rick scott. he's long been a gun rights advocate and has received an a-plus rating from the nra. hoda? >> all right. kerry sanders, thank you for that. we have a lot more to get to this morning, including the weather. record warmth in the east.

record heat in the west and a nasty storm between. >> we're seeing all kinds of crazy weather. let's show you what we have going on. we're talking about massive flooding that's going on in northern indiana. a record amount of rainfall. the roads are swamped. there's been high-water rescues. as you go further to the rest, we have dangerous lightning and hail. we had some reports of funnel clouds and tornadoes. this is a real mess. it's going to continue to get worse. here's what we're looking at. basically, a line of showers and thunderstorms with a mixed bag of precipitation behind it, stretching from texas all the way to western new york. what's going to happen, we have colder air out to the west but also this flooding possibility. 42 million people at moderate risks from texas to tennessee. rainfall from 7 to 10 inches locally through friday. and we have the warm air and cold air meeting, this ice is

stretching from indiana back down into texas. and also, into western new york. as we watch this, we're looking at temperatures that are mild in the east but temperatures 25 to 30 degrees below average where the jet stream dips down. albany, boston, new york, down to washington, d.c., continues to the south today. we're going to see records near bristol, raleigh, charleston. in florida, we're talking about temperatures near 90 degrees in tampa. this will be short-lived. we have details on that coming up later. >> all right, al. thank you so much. ahead on a busy wednesday morning, there's some big stories from here in pyeongchang, including historic medals for team usa. craig has the very latest on all this. hey, craig. >> hey, hoda. lindsey vonn was happy grabbing bronze in her downhill race. on the ice, lady's figure skating is in full swing. this morning a lot of folks are

talking about team usa's historymaking team sprint. in a surprise win america snagging its win. ki kikkan randall and jessica diggins grab gold. the first u.s. women to medal in cross country ever. a stunning victory in the women's team sprint relay. >> down goes vonn one last time in the olympic downhill. >> reporter: while the queen of speed, american lindsey vonn, adds to her legendary career, racing back to the medal podium with a bronze in the women's downhill. >> it's been smooth so far. >> reporter: after a devastating knee injury forced vonn to sit out in sochi, the two-time olympic medalist has been waiting eight years for another shot at gold and glory. >> vonn takes the final jump to

the finish line. >> reporter: the 33-year-old leaving it all on thecbecoming ever to medal in alpine at the olympics. >> i gave it my best shot. i worked my butt off. and i'm proud to have competed for such amazing girls. i'm proud to have competed for my country. i'm proud to have competed for my all. >> reporter: vonn, finishing just behind mowinckel and goggia taking the gold. vonn and goggia hugging, the competitors are friends. the rivalry that's heating up in the figure skating competition, the 15-year-old going head-to-head with her teammate during the women's short skate. >> triple flip, tippriple toe.

>> reporter: just minutes after she broke her best in the short program. >> after that triple lutz, very solid. >> reporter: team usa's trio not faring as well. >> the opening elements have not been good for the americans so far today. each falling minutes into their performances. nagasu falling on a triple axle, after she became the first women to land that same jump in women's history. finally, to hockey and a crushing loss for team usa. the americans were eliminated in a shoot-out loss to the czech republic. the czechs seizing control in of the game, going ahead 2-1. the u.s., bouncing back to tie it up. ten minutes of overtime, sending the game to an intense shoot-out. the czechs scoring for the win.

here's one more highlight for team usa, the men's curling team advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2006. here's the medal count. no surprise, norway still dominating at these games. the u.s. in a log jam for fourth. lindsey vonn and mikaela shiffrin in the women's alpine combined. in freestyle skiing the halfpipe final. and in hockey, team usa and team canada meeting in the gold medal game for the third-straight olympics. and you can watch it live on the nbc sports networks. >> craig, thank you. let's get back to the emotional and historic bronze medal for lindsey vonn. keir simmons was there. he caught up with lindsey and her family right after that race. >> down goes vonn, one last time in the olympic downhill.

>> reporter: she gave it her all. today and every day. >> and lindsey vonn crosses the line in second. >> reporter: this morning, determination gave way to emotion. >> it's sad. this is my last downhill. i wish i could keep going, you know? >> reporter: that medal looked like silver. then, slipped to bronze. with her through all the tension and tears and endless injuries, her sisters. >> i've been with lindsey through all of her leg surgeries and rehab. and carin was with her through her elbow rehab. we're nursing her back to health. >> and really, the olympics is the pinnacle. every time something happens, it's like how many weeks am i out? and can i get back for the olympics. >> reporter: there she is. >> oh, my god. >> oh, my god. >> i'm so excited. >> reporter: this is the best.

these guys are so ro proud of you. my goodness. her family celebrating together one more time, but one person missing, lindsey's grandfather who died three months ago. >> i wanted to win so much because of him. but i still think i made him proud. our family never gives up. and i never gave up. i kept working hard. and i am really proud of this medal. i know he is, too. >> she's got one more race. >> yes, she does. she did really, really well. >> we're all proud of her. mr. roker, what you got? >> good news is, things are calm out west, with the exception of chilly air, where it's bitter cold in the plains. but all of the action is in the eastern half of the u.s. heavy rain through the central gulf and into the mississippi

river valley, where we have icy conditions from texas all the way back into indiana. way back into indiana. sunshine this is google home mini. it's got the google assistant in it, so it's super helpful. watch this: hey google, good morning. google voice: good morning, claire. it's 52 degrees with a chance of rain, so you might want an umbrella. oh, that's thoughtful. it'll also read you the news, look up traffic, and tell you: google voice: your first meeting is at 9:00 a.m. and you know how sometimes you're in bed and you can't get out of it until you hear that one song that: google voice: okay, playing your "get out of bed" playlist. (song from "the lion king") yeah, it can do that too. it's google home mini, and the rest of the google home family. ( ♪ ) good morning. i'm meteorologist bill henley. expecting a high temperature of 76 degrees in philadelphia. 4 degrees above the record high for today. these are typical temperatures for the beginning of june. 73 in the suburbs, new jersey up to 76 degrees.

warm winds ilbe blowing in the lehigh valley. 73 degrees this afternoon. and the fog in delaware thins out for sunshine and 76 degrees. have a great day. >> and that's your latest weather. >> all right, al. straight ahead, the twists, jumps and falls that dominated the opening of the lady's figure skating competition. scott hamilton is here and he will break it all down. plus, the gold medal match between hockey rivals. the u.s. opens up to us about the big showdown with canada. it's going to be a great match. first,his is "today" on nbc. t

♪ [vo]it doesn't matter if you're from a small town... [mom] it's time to go watch the race, ok? [vo]a big town... [broadcaster] welcome back to the winter olympics. [vo]a nowhere town... [tv broadcaster] this is jessie diggins on the right! [loud cheering] [vo]we all call the same place home.

i love you, afton! [vo]comcast is proud to bring the olympic winter games 2018 home to afton and every other hometown in america. pyeongchang, the freestyle skier from the u.s. stirring up some controversy for not being that great at skiing but being here at the olympics. >> speaking of not being great at skiing, i skied once and

savannah never skied. we're going to get a lesson from a if you're anything like me, your to-do list just keeps growing. (laughs desperately) it never stops. which is why the online financing application at carmax.com is so convenient. get some of that finance stuff out of the way from wherever you are, at the doctor's office, karate practice or my favorite... back at the doctor's office. knowing before you go means more quality time sewing a costume for the school play that is not going to look anything like a frog.

just a little heads-up, mrs. davis... ha ha ha, yay kids! dates, peanuts, chocolate chips and sea salt. looks like the most complicated part of this bar will be unwrapping it. lärabar food made from food. when you have a cold, stuff happens. [ dog groans ] [ coughs and sneezes ] nothing relieves more symptoms than alka seltzer plus maximum strength liquid gels.

his life is pretty comfortable. then, he laid on a serta and realized his life was only just sorta comfortable. i've been living a lie. the new serta icomfort hybrid mattress. not just sorta comfortable, serta comfortable. discover organic ancient grains, like barley or quinoa. just add protein and vegetables to create delicious new flavours. new knorr one skillet meals don't just eat, discover.

listerine® total care strengthens teeth, after brushing, helps prevent cavities and restores tooth enamel. it's an easy way to give listerine® total care to the total family. listerine® total care. one bottle, six benefits. power to your mouth™. today, right now, you have more power at your fingertips than entire generations that came before you. but it's not really about what technology can do, it's about what you can do with it. we are living in the future we always dreamed of. we have mixed reality that changes how we see the world, and ai empowering us to change the world we see.

so what will you do with it? the bathroom. when things go wrong here, you remember. quilted northern is designed to work so well, you can forget your bathroom trips. but sir froggy can never forget. "i used to be a prince. but no princess would kiss me now." "i used to be a prince. it's ok that everyone ignores it's fine. drive. because i get a safe driving bonus check every six months i'm accident free. and i don't share it with mom! right, mom? righttt. safe driving bonus checks. only from allstate. switching to allstate is worth it.

breaking right now crews are working to put out a fire in a three story home in delaware county. an nbc 10 crew just got to scene on pitman avenue. let's get reports on that. >> we're seeing the route 102 trolley being affected by this fire and now shuttle busing passengers. we're also seeing 30 minute delays on the west trenton and elwin service as well. this is approaching an earlier accident scene in conshohocken now off to the shoulder.

already 59 degrees outside. let's find out the temperatures to come today with meteorologist bill henley. >> once we get some sunshine the temperatures will really warm up. wilmington you can see the light fog. allentown, zero visibility. and this is the coolest spot in the region, too. pottstown, 60, 64 in dover. mount holly is at 63 degrees. we're on track for another day of record temperatures into the 70s this afternoon. allentown mayor ed pawlowski is expected to take the stand today in a corruption trial. the mayor has pleaded not guilty. we'll have another update in 25 minutes. join us weekday mornings on nbc 10 news today from 4:00 to 7:00 a.m.

back now, on a wednesday morning, february 21st, 9:30 in pyeongchang. you're watching speed skating's team pursuit, just across the way from us at olympic park. it's cool these events are happening as we speak. and across the plaza, we have a big group of people from the usa cheer squad. >> i know. >> they are -- i mean, there's a woman who is up in the air. >> they are fired up and ready to celebrate team usa. we're going to have a lot more from the winter olympics just ahead. first, let's get you caught

on today's other headlines from back home and around the world. >> high-stakes meeting at the white house. president trump set to host students and parents directly impacted by gun violence, including the recent florida tragedy, as mr. trump calls for both parties to focus on strengthening background checks. >> we must do more to protect our children. we have to do more to protect our children. no shows. the state department reveals north korea backed out of a scheduled meeting with vice president pence just hours before it was supposed to take place at the winter olympics. arizona police arrest two parents on reports of child abuse after allegedly holding their four kids captive in their home without food, water or use of a bathroom. authorities only learning about it after one of the children escaped through a window and called police. peanut allergy breakthrough. a california company announced the first successful treatment

to help allergic reactions to peanuts. and royal runway. britain's queen elizabeth makes a surprise appearance at london's fashion week, a first for the 91-year-old monarch. today, wednesday, february 21st, 2018. meantime, the glamour event of the olympics, ladies figure skating. it got under way last night and natalie was there for every spin, jump and fall. >> the russians turned in two spectacular performances after a rough start for the women of team usa. >> everyone is waiting for this jump. >> reporter: it was one of the most anticipated moments of the night. >> she is setting up right here. nice curve.

>> reporter: this time, mirai nagasu came up short on the triple axle, after coming up with it in team competition. very emotional right now. are you going to give it another try in the free skate. but are you focusing on what's next? >> i'm super upset. but at the same time, i'm so proud of going for jumps that other people wouldn't even try. >> reporter: nagasu is ninth heading into tomorrow's free skate. >> she needs this. >> wow. shocking error. >> reporter: bradie tennell and karen chen. >> she needs this triple. >> reporter: -- also struggling with their first jumps. >> i can't change it no matter how hard i think about it. i was like, silly mistake, let's move on. >> i rarely make a mistake, especially in my short program. you have to get up and put it

behind you. >> reporter: chen is in tenth place, tennell in 11th. it was a night of russian dominance, a triple lutz, triple loop combination landed alina zagitova on top of the leaders. evgenia medvedeva turned in her own powerhouse performance. the russians, though, not f performing under the country's flag after a doping scandal. canada's kaetlyn osmond rounding out the top three. they go into the free skate, one the americans have to crush to make the medal stand. mirai nagasu was emotional when we were talking with her after missing the triple axle. she says she is having fun here. she is getting to sample the

korean culture and experience. we'll see what she and other skaters have planned for the free skate. >> and nothing can take away what she did in the team event. >> i had to give her a big hug and console her and tell her she did it. >> nat, thank you. we have to talk to scott hamilton about all of this. a gold medal winner and the host of "olympic ice." >> crackling good television. >> it is crackling good. bradie tennell had to skate first, which is really tough. >> it's the worst place to skate. it can work for you or against you. i've never seen bradie miss. i got there and i saw the replays of her falling down on this element. i was like, wait, no. i've never seen her miss a jump, nonetheless fall on a jump. >> that's not the bradie you

know. >> yeah. it was odd how it happened. on this triple toe, watch the toe go in. it was late in the rotation. and your body gets confused and then there's no way to save it. it was really unlucky. man, it was shocking. >> let's talk about mirai nagasu for a minute. she tried that triple again. >> you know what was crazy about that triple? >> tell us. >> it was massively overrotated. most people can't get past that jump. she was way past it. she was trying to get the fourth turn. she stayed with the program the rest of the way. the triple axle brought her enough points where she was able to stay above the other two american girls. >> and karen chen? >> really just one mistake. she has a jumping technique, too, which is up and in. she will go up and in. you see how she's open and pulls in. most of the people, they rotate on the way up, instead of up and

in. when she does that, she's rotating on the way down and it's harder to stop and control the rotation. >> let's talk about the russians for a minute. they seem better than everybody there. >> that's because they had a great night. they really are. i introduced myself to their coach and she's just figured out how to advance young women quickly into being these gigantic world beaters. you look at these two women, okay, evgenia medvedeva, this is alina zagitova right here. she did a triple lutz and triple flip, which is difficult. look at the arm position, above the head, which is difficult. and the flow out of it, it's perfect. the spins and everything else. medvedeva is a little different. she is more of an artist. zagitova is more in the

classics. medvedeva is more dramatic. she's undefeated for two years and she gets to the europeans recently and loses to zagitova, first year in seniors. zagitova is the reigning junior world champion. that's how good she is. and they're both so great, anything can happen in the long program. they'll probably skate clean and it will be up to the judges to see where they reward the elements and how much extra they give on the well performed. it will be exciting as always. >> i know. >> and beautifully skated. >> thank you, scott. >> you always get us excited. the ladies' free skate is tomorrow night. we're going to go over to mr. roker for another check of the weather. >> let's talk about this heat and cold we're talking and looking at. it's frigid out west. these temperatures, it's 22 degrees in minneapolis. 42 in detroit. and 73 in roanoke.

77 in knoxville. tomorrow and thursday, look at these temperatures. they start to drop from minneapolis to boston, pittsburgh. roanoke is still warm and knoxville. we head into friday and that cool air takes old. it stays warm down to the south. but we'll see temperatures get back to norm app. everybody feels pretty good about what's going on right now. but we will be back to our normal winter temperatures before long. record highs along the east good morning. i'm meteorologist bill henley. another foggy start, another day of record warmth. expecting a high temperature of 76 degrees in philadelphia, 4 degrees above the record high for today. these are typical temperatures for beginning of june. 73 for the suburb, new jersey up to 76 degrees. warm winds will be blowing in the lehigh valley. 73 degrees this afternoon. and it fog over delaware, that thins out for lots of sunshine

and up to 76 degrees. have a great day. >> and that is your latest weather. >> all right, al. thank you so much. m much more ahead today, including, can a medal-winning olympian teach us how to ski? if you think you know the answer, you're probably right. >> it looks worse looking at the video. and the controversial olympian making some waves for looking a lot like the rest of us on the slope. we'll talk to us about that live. and we'll hear from the u.s. women's hockey team as they get set for tonight's gold medal game against rival, canada, right after this. ♪ ♪ ♪ (vo) you can pass down a subaru forester. but you get to keep the memories.

love. it's what makes a subaru, a subaru. (avo) get 0% apr financing on all new 2018 subaru forester models. now through february 28th. (phone) maddie... you've been on your skis longer than you can even remember. you have everything you need right inside you. ♪ ♪ i love you. 9 out of 10 u.s. olympians grew up drinking milk. it's got natural protein and balanced nutrition to help your kids grow strong and milk life. olay regenerist shatters the competition. hydrating skin better than prestige creams costing over $100, $200, and even $400. for skin that looks younger than it should. fact check this ad in good housekeeping. olay regenerist. ageless.

everyone wants to be (cthe cadbury bunny because only he brings delicious cadbury creme eggs. while others may keep trying, nobunny knows easter better than cadbury!® ♪i'm singing in the rain,♪ ♪just singing in the rain. ♪what a glorious feeling i'm happy again,♪ is weto find your balance! everything you need plus an extra 20% off eat healthier with an air fryer get moving with new active apparel. and sleep well with cuddl duds. you'll get kohl's cash too! and yes2you members earn triple points! kohl's. in our home we make memories. in our home we are grateful.

in this family we know what matters most is made at home. to everyone else, ieveryone else. but on the inside, i feel chronic, widespread pain. fibromyalgia may be invisible to others, but my pain is real. fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by overactive nerves. lyrica is believed to calm these nerves. i'm glad my doctor prescribed lyrica. for some, lyrica delivers effective relief for moderate to even severe fibromyalgia pain. and improves function. lyrica may cause serious allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts or actions. tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worse depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior,

swelling, trouble breathing, rash, hives, blisters, muscle pain with fever, tired feeling, or blurry vision. common side effects: dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain, swelling of hands, legs and feet. don't drink alcohol while taking lyrica. don't drive or use machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. those who've had a drug or alcohol problem may be more likely to misuse lyrica. with less pain, i can do more with my family talk to your doctor today. see if lyrica can help. "today's athlete to watch is sponsored by oreo. cant-miss moments start with or oreo. >> we're back with "today's athlete to watch."

it's the entire team to keep your eye on. >> lots of athletes to watch. the u.s. hockey team taking on canada in tonight's gold medal game. kate is going to get us so excited for this. >> reporter: i'm so pumped up for this, savannah and hoda. a u.s. women's hockey team has not beaten canada at the olympics in 20 years. but this is a new team. this is a new day. and they are very confident this is their year for gold. >> go, usa. >> reporter: it's game day for team usa and canada, the two women's hockey heavyweights and the stakes couldn't be higher. >> skate hard. >> yeah. >> think they can do it. >> reporter: overnight, the u.s. women were on the ice for one last practice before the gold medal game. how do you psych yourselves up for this is it? this is it? >> there's no psyching up needed. this is the right group. we have put ourselves in a position to win a gold medal. we're really excited. >> we've looked forward to this

our whole lives. i'm looking forward to playing with 22 girls that i love so much. >> lee stecklein played in sochi. >> i think we've been getting better every game. >> of the 23 u.s. players, 13 are new to the olympic team. the strategy, a bit different. teamwork, never give up the puck and let anyone score. last spring, they banded together, threatening to boy kocot if they weren't paid the same as male players. and they roomed together to build team trust. >> it's a new day. >> reporter: last week, when the u.s. lost to canada in a preliminary round, it wasn't the friendliest game. canada took that game 2-1, and has won gold at the last four olympics. >> i hope canada takes it. >> reporter: and they are sounding confident, too. >> we have a great team. we respect them a lot.

but obviously, when the time is on the ice, it's a battle out there. >> reporter: i don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but can you picture standing on the podium? >> we pictured it our whole lives. >> reporter: look at you. how old are you? >> i'm thinking maybe 6 or so. >> reporter: they know a lot of little girls will be watching tonight. >> a lot of it is for setting up the future, too. and giving our country something to be proud of and to rally behind and giving young girls something to look up to. we take pride in that. >> reporter: the last time the u.s. beat canada in 1998, these players were the kids. you remember when the u.s. last won. >> 100%. a memory as clear in my eyes. i'm sure these guys remember it, as well. that lit the fire in all of us. from that day forward, we wanted to win a gold medal for our country. >> reporter: they admit, there are some nerves ahead of this game. they're elite athletes.

they know how to handle stress. this is such a hot ticket. there are some tickets still available for about $230. >> wow. >> we have tickets. we're going. >> i don't know anyone more pumped than kate. this is going to be big. you can watch the gold medal game later on live on nbc sports network. coming up, the soundtrack of these games. we're going to explore the kpop craze. first, these messages. ♪

introducing the npower jean aka the perfect straight. and the new relaxed slim for men. power up with up to 50% off all jeans. adults from fifteen dollars, kids from ten dollars. at old navy. ♪ ♪

this disinfectant spray says i have to rinse off the disinfectant after i've disinfected? yeah, i'm not gonna do that. but i am gonna do this. seventh generation's disinfectant spray. it kills 99.99% of bacteria, and there's no rinse required. which means i can spend more time tickling these babies. guess what time it is? time to come clean with seventh generation. #comeclean and it's packed with powerful cranberry nutrients that can help your body defend against certain infections. i'll be your body on cranberry juice! bring it on, bad stuff! still healthy. pain from chest congestion can make this... when you have a cold, ...feel like this. all-in-one cold symptom relief from tylenol®, the #1 doctor recommended pain relief brand. tylenol®.

i try to take care of my teeth, but there's acid in what i eat and drink everyday that can do damage over a lifetime. so my dentist told me to go-pro with crest pro-health. crest pro-health protects against acids in everyday food and drinks better than regular toothpaste. that's how you nail a checkup. crest. even when nothing else is. keep her receipts tidy, brand vo: snap and sort your expenses with quickbooks and find, on average, $4,340 in tax savings. quickbooks. backing you.

coming up, they had us acting like this. >> yeah. [ cheers ] >> the women behind team usa's >> the women behind team usa's historic gold medal in ♪ jen, i've got questions. boots or flip-flops? boot! great. smokey or natural eye? ugh, natural. good choice. how about calling or texting? definitely calling. puppies or kitties? sorry, cats. dry eyes or artificial tears? wait, that's a trick question. because they can both get in your way. that's why it is super-important to chat with your eye doctor if you're using artificial tears a lot and your eyes still feel dry. next question. guys, it's time for some eyelove!

...with floral fusion oil. for caressable soft skin... ...indulge in the rich lather... ...and delicate scent. pamper yourself. [background music] get caressably soft skin. with caress. this is food made to sit down for. slow down for. put the phone away, and use a knife and fork for.

and with panera catering, it's food worth sharing. panera. food as it should be. my doctor recommended i andswitch to miralax.on, it's food worth sharing. stimulant laxatives make your body go by forcefully stimulating the nerves in your colon. miralax is different. it works with the water in your body to hydrate and soften. unblocking your system naturally. miralax. while expecting, jennifer discovered the chex mix combination of one corn chex, one wheat chex and three breadstick pieces. her little bundle of joy can't stand breadsticks, but what's he going to do? get born and then you can pick your own mix, baby! pick your mix with chex mix. (phone) maddie... you have everything you need right inside you. 9 out of 10 u.s. olympians

grew up drinking milk. it's got natural protein and balanced nutrition to help your kids grow strong and milk life. is weto find your balance! everything you need plus an extra 20% off eat healthier with an air fryer get moving with new active apparel. and sleep well with cuddl duds. you'll get kohl's cash too! and yes2you members earn triple points! kohl's. ♪ ♪ ♪

we are following breaking news out of delaware county in calling dale. a fire tore thru a house on pitman avenue causing it to collapse. the home next door has fire damage as well. we're working to learn if anyone was hurt. the fire is impacting septa service. we're checking in with the route 102 trolley because of that fire and they're currently shuttle busing passengers around. that might take an extra amount of time to get where you want to go this morning. watching for delays and earlier problems. this is the southbound side traffic barely moving at all because of a crash up ahead. let's get the weather with first alert meteorologist bill henley. >> the temperatures are climbing

in spite of lots of gray out there. there's still the areas of fog especially in the lehigh valley which is 59 degrees right now in allentown, but 47 in easton. look at the warm up. 70 degrees at 1:00 this afternoon. on track for another record breaker this afternoon. up to 76 degrees for philadelphia. philadelphia police are looking for the car and driver in a hit-and-run that cesent a woman to the hospital. it happened in nice town just after 12:30 this morning. she has a broken arm and internal injuries, but she is expected to be okay. join us weekday mornings for nbc 10 news today from 4:00 to 7:00. the "today" show continues in just a couple of minutes live from pyeongchang. thanks for watching. have a great day.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, face-to-face. president trump set to meet with families and victims of gun violence today. >> we have to do more to protect our children. >> as students step up, calling for change. but will it be enough? we're live on capitol hill. plus, slow and steady. how did this american competing for hungary make it to the winter olympics with this performance? the fascinating story that has the internet fuming. and apres ski anchors. >> yes, we're in. >> hello. >> we did it. >> i'm a skier. >> hoda and i enlist the help of gus kenworthy to learn from a skiing champion. and it goes as well as you would

think. i pizzaed and nothing happened. "today," february 21st, 2018. >> hi, from south korea, we love you. go, team usa. >> hey, mom and dad in uniontown, pennsylvania. go, team usa. >> good morning, shenandoah university in winchester, virginia. we'll be hope next week. >> hi, everybody. a shoutout to justine and dad. go, team usa. >> good morning, everybody. welcome back to "today." thank you so much for joining us. it's 8:00 in the morning. it's 10:00 in pyeongchang. you want to see two young ladies. jessie diggins and kikkan

randall are back from your gold medal-winning race. i can't talk because i'm so excited. >> talk about a photo finish. this happened and they made histo history. they just came off the course. we're going to have a conversation with them live. we're busting. >> we have. >> we are busting for you. >> they are amazing. i love the glitter on the cheeks. they are gold. let's start this half hour with your news at 8:00. we start in washington. the president declaring that more must be done to protect america's children. he's calling for new regulations and stronger background checks for gun purchases. and today, the president is hosting a listening session with parents and students who were directly impacted by gun violence. hallie jackson has more from washington. hi, hallie. good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you. about two dozen parents, students and teachers, according to a white house official, will be here in washington today to talk with president trump to ask him to take action, even as he asks his own department of justice to do the same.

today, the gun debate takes center stage at the white house. the president, talking to families affected by school shootings, in parkland, columbine, and sandy hook, after calling for a ban on bump stocks, the devices that allow semiautomatic weapons to fire faster, like automatics. >> we must do more to protect our children. we have to do more to protect our children. >> reporter: the president's asking the department of justice to propose regulations to outlaw pump sto bump stocks that were used in the las vegas concert shooting. >> i expect the critical regulations will be finalized very soon. >> reporter: the president's also tweeting support for strengthening ground checks. he says, whether we are republican or democrat. a white house official tells nbc news, today's listening session will also include students from the most recent school shooting in florida, who have written, asking to meet with the

president directly. another example of just how involved some of the survivors have become. >> stay strong and you keep the message. >> reporter: students, by the busload, traveling to florida's capital, to meet with lawmakers. >> it's the first time i've seen people survive a shooting and directly after it demand change. that's something that should have happened in this country a long time ago. but it's taking kids to do this. >> reporter: across the state, students walking out of class, demanding safety from gun violence on campus. >> stop gun violence. >> reporter: some of the same students may march in washington next month, advocating for safer gun laws. celebrities like george clooney, oprah and steven spielberg saying they will donate to help offset the costs. capitol hill this week, quiet with lawmakers back home on break. but the gun debate will be front and center when they return. so will russia. today, two democrats will demand a public report from the trump administration to learn more about how russia may be trying to interfere in the 2018

midterms, after friday's indictment of 13 russians accused of interfering with 2016. those charges, part of a special counsel the investigation the president has repeatedly called a hoax. >> it's very clear that russia meddled in the election. it's also clear it didn't have an impact on the election. >> reporter: of course, the d.o.j. has been careful to limit's conclusions, only to th indictment. there's some news this morning out of the vice president's world. out of your world there at the olympics. "the washington post" reporting that mike pence was supposed to meet secretly with north korean delegates there in pyeongchang. but that meeting, they say, was derailed when north korea pulled out just hours before it was supposed to happen. savannah? >> all right. worlds colliding, hallie. thank you so much. turning back to the winter olympics. it's been a successful day for team usa. craig is covering it all. >> hoda, savannah, great to see

you. at the beginning of the morning, lindsey vonn was back on the medal stand after what was likely her last olympic downhill run. that was the story we were all talk about. then, came the surprising gold medal in an unexpected sport. a dramatic finish in women's cross-country skiing. the u.s. squad of kikkan randall and jessie diggins, edging sweden for gold in the team sprint. the down-to-the-wire gold was the first medal in cross-country skiing history. >> we know good things can happen. >> i gave it everything that i can because when you have a teammate you love and care about waiting for you at the finish, you're never going to give up. >> reporter: skiing star lindsey vonn trying to add to her olympic legacy. >> down goes vonn, one last time in the olympic downhill.

>> reporter: rocketing on the slopes. the 2010 downhill gold medalist skiing with poise and purpose. >> can she bring it back? >> it's been smooth so far. >> reporter: aiming for another medal stand. >> takes the final jump to the finish line. >> reporter: the 33-year-old snagging bronze, becoming the oldest female alpine skier to win a medal. competing in memory of her late grandfather. >> i kept working hard. i am really proud of this medal. i know he is, too. >> reporter: an emotional vonn, sharing an embrace with the gold medalist, italy's sofia goggia. vonn looking back on a downhill career to remember. >> i love what i do. my body can't take another four years. i'm proud to have competed for my country. i'm proud to have given it my all. >> reporter: on the ice, a highly-anticipated women's figure skating showdown, setting

the stage for a stirri inring f. russian medal favorites, delivering record setting performances in the short program, carving up the ice with style and substance. the skating superstars finishing in the top two spots. leaving a trio of americans plenty of work to do. >> wow. >> bradie tennell, mirai nagasu and karen chen struggling to stay on their skates. the americans are looking to bounce back in the free skating portion. >> we're all human. we make mistakes. you have to get up and put it behind you. >> and heartbreak for the u.s. men's hockey team. the united states losing a quarterfinal slugfest to the czech republic, in a dramatic overtime shoot-out. >> the czech republic wins. they will advance. >> it's tough. we can be proud of what we did this tournament. we battled to the end.

>> more good news for america, guys. team usa, just moments ago, winning a speed skating medal. here's some video of them just crossing the license plate. they win the bronze in the women's team pursuit. it's the first medal in that event since 2002. they are holding the american flag, as well. that affects the medal count. let's look this morning. norway with a commanding lead atop the board there. but u.s. moving up the board a bit. looking ahead, lindsey vonn and mikaela shiffrin, in the alpine combined. in freestyle skying, men's halfpipe final. and in hockey, team usa and team canada in the gold medal game. you can watch it live on nbc and the nbc sports network, as well. >> so much good stuff. craig, thank you. just ahead this morning, the american women behind that

historic cross-country gold medal. they're fresh off the course. they're with us live. >> they are. plus, the freestyle skier who is turning heads with her no-frills performance. she will be with us live, as well. then, olympians in the making? or not? hoda and i get some help from gus kenworthy. and we're so happy. we'll be treated to a special performance from the cutest choir you'll ever see. first, these messages. ♪ it's time for the 'ultimate sleep number event' on the only bed that adjusts on both sides to your ideal comfort, your sleep number setting. and snoring? does your bed do that? don't miss the final days of the ultimate sleep number event, our queen c2 mattress with adjustable comfort on both sides is only $699, save $200. ends sunday. visit sleepnumber.com for a store near you.

♪ ♪ i thought i was managing my moderate to severe crohn's disease. then i realized something was missing... me. my symptoms were keeping me from being there. so, i talked to my doctor and learned humira is for people

who still have symptoms of crohn's disease after trying other medications. and the majority of people on humira saw significant symptom relief and many achieved remission in as little as 4 weeks. humira can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious, sometimes fatal infections and cancers, including lymphoma, have happened; as have blood, liver, and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions, and new or worsening heart failure. before treatment, get tested for tb. tell your doctor if you've been to areas where certain fungal infections are common, and if you've had tb, hepatitis b, are prone to infections, or have flu-like symptoms or sores. don't start humira if you have an infection. be there for you, and them. ask your gastroenterologist about humira. with humira, remission is possible. so allstate is giving us money back on our bill. well, that seems fair. we didn't use it. wish we got money back on gym memberships. get money back hilarious. with claim-free rewards. switching to allstate is worth it.

we're back with our olympic heroes of the morning. >> that's right. in a dramatic photo finish, team usa's kikkan randall and jessie diggins won gold in a sport that no american has won gold in before, men or women. we're going to talk to the ladies in a moment. first, how they ended up on top of the medal stand. >> reporter: in a stunning nail-biter, kikkan randall and jessie diggins made history. randall is the only olympic mother here. and diggins competing in her second games, winning the

first-ever women's gold medal for team usa in cross-country skiing. the pair nabbing the top spot in the team event. in the finalrace, team usa had third place. but not for very long, chasing down their opponents with grit and determination. diggins sprinted to the end, first overtaking norway. then, crossing the finish line with just 0.19 seconds ahead of sweden, collapsing on to the ground, winning america's first-ever medal in ladies cross-country. >> i looked over at the scoreboard and saw out a big sc tackled jessie. and she said, did we just win the olympics? yeah. >> reporter: an unexpected and historic victory that has shaken up this olympic games. >> and jessie and kikkan are with us now. ladies, we were watching this in

our newsroom earlier. people were screaming, shouting. we could not believe you did it. it was amazing. how did it feel? >> amazing. amazing. it is still sinking in. we always hope to create that kind of reaction for cross-country skiing. it makes us feel so good to hear you're excited. >> we were pumped. we were watching this, jessie, as you were -- there was a point when it was neck andne. you were a little behind. you were a little ahead. tell us what was going on through that last push where you gave it everything you got and hit that finish line. >> yeah. we skied a smart and conservative semifinal. and in the final, lap one was a little more on the conservative side. lap two, i was like, there's too many people around. when there's too many people, that's when poles get broken or crashes happen. on the second lap, i started to string out a little bit to tire out some of the more pure

sprinters. yeah. on the final lap, i gave it everything i had. on the hill, we had the two girls with me. downhill was my strength. if i could get the draft and get the slingshot, i wanted to come down that hill in third and have high speed coming out of it. it was a tactical move and it was a little risky for sure. we came really wide on that last corner. i had to dodge some poles that were swinging up by my face. but then, you know, i felt like a coiled spring that just came loose on that last 100 meters. d when you have someone you care about so much waiting for you at the finish, you're never going to give up, ever. so, the last up10 big. you were so cute on the podium. we were watching at the end of the event. about this partnership.down.al you and kikkan at the end of the finish line, i mean, it was so

moving to watch. you could see there's two partners who just made history together. >> it was so, so cool to do this as a team. the team events bring out the best in both of us. it means the most to win the first medal as a team. you know, there's so many strong women on this team that could have been skiing these legs. we were just honored to be able to represent team usa out there. you know, we always said, any medal we get is going to be a team medal because it took so many people working so hard to give us the shot. we have this amazing team of wax techs and coaches that have been skiing their faces off, testing the best wax, and all of our teammates pushing us hard in training. it's so cool that it came in a team event. the whole team was out there screaming, pounding on the boards. we heard them out there. >> kikkan, you are unique in so many an adorable baby, the

only mom on the u.s. team. what does it mean to you and what does it mean to your little boy? >> i wish i had him here with me right now. he's back with his grandparents in north america. this team event, this race in particular, it really motivated me to go for one more olympics. it pushed me through my comeback after having my son. it's been so fun, this family on this team, has been helping me raise breck. it's just so cool. i hope it gives a lot of inspiration to all of the moms out there that you can come back to being active and physical and stronger than you've ever been. >> you made us stand up and cheer. we're so happy for you and proud of you. also, love the glitter and the pink hair. >> we're so into you. >> we're so into it. also, frozen precip stretching from central texas to the upper midwest. heavy thunderstorms and flooding

is a problem all along this line, as well. and we've got temperatures that are in the teens and 20s back through thes through the gulf coast. 70s in the mid-atlantic states. record highs along the eastern united states today. heavy rain with flooding making missiso si . thamg. . sds. sds. >> person who w

with integrity and with love. >> the reverend billy graham, passed away at 99. we're back with much more on a wednesday morning. but first, your local news.

- there's a common thread i see every time i'm in the field. while this was burning, you were saving other homes. neighbors helping neighbors and strangers alike. - this is what america's about. - sometimes it's nice to see all the good that's out there. bringing folks out, we have seen it in community after community.

stepping into the unknown. it can be difficult to find the way.

but with the compassion and security of independence blue cross, obstacles become openings. as we have for nearly 80 years, we'll continue to light the way, with the card accepted in all 50 states. giving you the power to shine forward to whatever awaits tomorrow. independence blue cross. live fearless.

reverend billy graham, an iconic and beloved evangelist has died at the age of 99.

nbc's ron mott looks back at his remarkable life. >> good is saying tonight, i love you. no matter what you've done, how bad you've been, i love you. >> reporter: as a model of faith, few reached billy graham. >> there's a way out. >> reporter: throughout his life, graham preached live to 210 million people in 185 countries and territories. >> there's only one road to heaven. >> reporter: he was called the elvis of evangelism to the general motors of christianity. born in the final days of world war i, he was raised during the depression on his family's north carolina dairy farm. he was a seller of brushes, one of the best the fuller brush company had ever seen. >> until he finds god. >> reporter: but god would become his greatest pitch. >> man has a will of his own. >> reporter: ordained in 1939, he was one of the first

evangelists to temper fire and brimstone with new-age tolerance. >> don't say it's a white man's religion. it's a world religion. >> reporter: he embraced another revelation, mass media. first on radio and then television. >> the gift of god. >> reporter: graham elevated spiritual revivals from parking lot tents to satellite-beamed crusades. his influence stretched from the sinful to the powerful. advising 12 presidents, including a visit with president obama in 2010. >> i love them all, regardless of politics. >> reporter: george w. bush dubbed him america's preacher. in 1996 graham was given the highest honor congress can bestow a civilian, the congressional gold medal. >> we are a society poised on the brink of self-destruction. >> reporter: billy graham continued reaching and preaching to the masses well into his 80s.

in 2005, he held what was billed the final american crusade. and weakened by parkinson's and cancer, his message was unchanged. >> deep inside we need something else. and that something else can be brought about by jesus. >> reporter: in november of 2013, reverend graham celebrated his 95th birthday and released a video described as his final sermon. >> the only way to the father, father god, is through his son, jesus christ. >> reporter: at his side for six decades of preaching the gospel was ruth, his wife of 60 years. >> today, i want to honor her and tell you how much i love her and tell you what a wonderful woman she has been. >> reporter: but in june 2007, the woman billy called his life partner, died. >> i'm going to ask -- >> reporter: even after her death, through his words and his

ministry, guam craham carried o offering millions a chance for new life. all they had to do was believe. >> remember that god loves you. >> reporter: ron mott, nbc news, new york. >> much more on nbc and nbcnews.com. and tonight on "nbc nightly news." we'll return most of youow to "today." this has been an nbc news special report. and here in pyeongchang, it's time to get a check of the weather. mr. roker? >> guys, let's look at your olympic weather and see what's happening. right here along the coastal cluster, we have a little chilly weather right now. it warms up nicely as we head into the weekend and the closing ceremonies. as we look up into the alpensia area, we have temperatures in the 30s and snowshowers early friday morning.

otherwise, weather not too bad. the rest of the country, we're looking at record highs up and down the eastern seaboard. heavy rain in the central and southern parts of the ohio and mississippi river valleys. that's going to cause a lot of flooding. and icy conditions through tes. that's wxaha good morning. i'm meteorologist, bill henley. another foggy start and another day of record warmth. expecting a high temperature of 76 degrees in philadelphia. that's 4 degrees above the record high for today. these are typical temperatures for the beginning of june. 73 in the suburbs, new jersey up to 76 degrees. warm winds will be blowing in the lehigh valley. 73 degrees this afternoon. the fog has been down for lots of sunshine and up to 76 degrees. have a great day! >> "today's medal count" is sponsored by hershey's gold. taste the gold. we want to get you caught up on where the official medal

count stands right now. norway's dominance rolls on. they are in the top spot. but team usa moving up the list. guys? >> yes, we are. al, thanks so much. now, we go to "today's olympic start." we are surrounded by the best skiers in the world. obviously, savannah and i fit right in. >> not exactly. the reality is, you skied once in your life. i have never skied. we decided to try it. we enlisted the help of olympic medalist gus kenworthy. let's just say, one of us may or may not have gotten a special boost down the mountain. take a look. you ready to hit the slopes? >> wait a second. i'm a little nervous. if that's our slope. they call that the bunny slope? >> that's not the bunny slope. that's a fierce bunny. like a mean bunny. a bunny with hair on his chest. we started off our ski adventure with a little light cardio. let's go, bunny slope.

after all, we weren't going to be exerting ourselves too much. were we? i wish we had some help, like a really good teacher. >> anyone who could help us. >> i know. it's not like we need, like, an olympic skier to teach us. >> but wouldn't that be nice? >> oh, i know. just somebody to help guide a little bit. >> anybody. >> we don't need an olympic skier. >> hi, savannah. hi, hoda. >> gus kenworthy. >> gus is here? >> how are you guys? >> this is weird he just popped up. >> if you're not busy, we were thinking about the bunny slope. >> i'm not busy at all. >> do we look the part? are we going to blend? >> you do. i walked up and i was like, damn, some ski bunnies. >> that's what we're going for. the first step of our journey, getting fitted with ski boots. >> these are the boots that were pulled for you. one of these is bigger than mine. >> that's not necessary. these are mine.

i'm fine with it. >> i'm not judging. >> and that first step almost became our last. >> is it supposed to hurt? >> kind of. >> i guess we can't go skiing. >> i can't get my foot in the boot, either. >> it does contort. >> i got it. i got it. i got one boot in. >> that's because your boot is so big. does anybody have a shoehorn like they have at stride right. >> it's like a strut. >> apparently before learning to ski -- you have to learn the proper ski swagger. >> yes. yes. >> do i have it? >> you have it. >> totally normal. nothing to see here. >> we were nailing it and we hadn't hit the slopes yet. putting on our skis seemed like a piece of cake. >> yes. we're in. >> hello. >> we did it. >> i'm a skier.

it had to be all downhill from here. >> you're doing great. >> come on, savannah. >> i'm on your trail. now, i can't stop. and it was. my second fall and i haven't gotten to the chair lift. i actually feel scared. >> you do? >> yeah. >> you're going to be fine. >> as they say, the climb is the best part of the journey. >> whoa. oh, my god. this is kind of nice. >> or in this case, the cha chairlift. look at that person, they fell. i'll see you down there. and the top of the run was about what we expected. >> i can't get up. help me up. thank you. >> get up. >> the pizza, you push your heels apart. >> then, we learned something called the pizza. i need to practice my pizza. wedging your skis like a piece of pizza to control your speed.

go, hoda. and while hoda's pizza was looking delicious -- what am i doing? >> you're going to jump on my back. >> like a real piggyback? >> gus made the executive decision that my pizza needed a special delivery to the bottom of the hill. >> yeah, hoda. >> a bunny hill worth the climb and adventure worth the trip. >> okay. please describe what that felt like going to ski backwards? >> i just want to say that gus, our olympic medalist, says that hoda has a lot of talent. and he thinks you should stick with it. >> okay. >> he did not say that to me. he actually -- i got the piggyback ride and it was awesome. >> he did a 360 with you on his back. >> i know. i was there. it was a sensation of standing on the alpine slopes. and it was fast and exhilarating. and i got it. i understood why. >> i would ski if somebody would do that. >> i know. that was amazing.

i don't -- we really felt -- i fell three times before the chair lift. >> and i couldn't get off the chair lift. other than that, we were stars. >> you looked good. >> i dug it a little. >> did you apres-ski afterwards? >> we didn't have time. tonight, we will. slow and steady, the athlete courting a little bit of controversy just by being here at the winter olympics. she's going to share her story. first this, is "today" at nbc.

♪ we are back in pyeongchang with an olympian everybody is talking about. >> indeed. that's because by most accounts she's an average skier. so, how did she qualify for the winter olympics. we're going to talk to her in a moment. but first, stephanie gosk has

her story. >> reporter: good morning. the chances of winning a medal are slim to none. and most of them tell us they're happy to be here. american elizabeth swaney, excuse me, takes that idea to a whole other level. elizabeth swaney started her qualifying run with a fist-pump. a hop to shake off the nerves and a drop into the halfpipe. up for the first jump, not much there. the second, same thing. in fact, swaney didn't do a single trick until the end. a little move called the alley-o alley-oops. her competitors flipping and spinning down the pipe. what happened to her? did she panic? was she hurt? nope. this was her plan all along. >> i tried really, really hard to make it here. and i'm so grateful to be representing freestyle skiing and hungary, especially. >> reporter: reaction online to her last place finish was swift and in some cases not very kind.

the worst performance in history. another, worst olympian in history. some called her a hero, some called her a fraud. she didn't let on if it was a joke. >> i was the first freestyle athlete from hungary to make it to the olympics. >> reporter: the 33-year-old is actually american, a graduate of berkeley and harvard. she was eligible for the team because her grandparents are hungarian. to qualify for the olympics, she competed in 13 world cup races with few women halfpipers. all she had to do was stay on her feet. swaney dreams big. like the time she was 19 years old and ran for governor in california, against arnold schwarzenegger. for her first stab at the olympics, she chose, of all things, skelton, racing for venezuela. after that failed, swaney tried her luck at freestyle skiing. she started to get some hate

online. do you think she deserves it? >> not really anyone deserves hate online. >> reporter: gus kenworthy competes for the u.s. >> people have put blood, sweat and tears in it, and narrowly missed qualifying from a competitive country. someone that doesn't have much competition in that sport is able to walk on. >> reporter: swaney may have walked in under the wire. the rules are changing, making it harder to qualify. and it's also worth pointing out that there's a rich history of olympians that aren't contenders, whether it's the jamaican bobsled team or the to tongan competing in cross-country. but she's getting more hate than they did. let's figure it out. liz is here in olympic park. >> good morning. >> this is the dub step. did you except this reaction when you set out to compete

today? >> i'll answer that question. first, i want to give a shoutout to my amazing female competitors that competed yesterday in finals. 11 amazing women. and i was inspired to watch them and congratulated the medalist. i want to encourage you to watch the men in finals in about 15 hours or so. >> they will be great. >> tell us about your thoughts. you knew you were going up against people that were doing crazy flips and turns. when you stepped up there, you knew what you were going to be doing, did you feel like, this is all comfortable with your performance? >> i did three tricks my second run, two on the left wall, one on the right wall and 360 at the end. it's strange to hear i did one strike or zero tricks and tried to get some grabs. not there on the first few hits. i was trying to work on my

skiing. i do front flips and backflips into the water. you saw a glimpse of that into the radvideo. 720 rotations and 540s on the water ramps, as well. the goal is to incorporate those on the hoalfpipe. i'm not comfortable landing the water tricks on snow yet. i'm trying to cross that bridge. >> this is the olympics. and the other competitors are skiing at an incredible level. do you understand why there's a bit of a backlash or people are thinking, what's this all about? >> right. i can understand where people are coming from. at the same time, i'm always trying to do my best. i did a 360 in my run. i would love to do more. i would love to do a higher 360, 540, 720 eventually. and i never had a plan to do the run i did. i wanted to do more than that. it wasn't a strategy. i always tried to give it my all. >> you have an interesting life.

you competed in the olympics. you ran for governor against arnold schwarzenegger. what motivated you to do these things? >> i love challenges and i love what skiing is, just a whole different world. when i learned to ski eight years ago, i loved how it was a new world. and i wanted to share that with others. i became a ski instructor and fell in love with freestyle skiing and the opportunities it gives for people to express themselves. >> what are you going to say to the people sending mean messages on twitter saying you don't mro belong here at the olympics? >> i triy to take every comment an build that into my life as something constructive i can work on. i thank them for their time and also, it's the comments that are negative are unusual because i'm surrounded by positive vibes on

the ski slopes and by such positivity on the world cup. it feels like one of the coaches mentioned, we're on a big basketball team with all of these athletes from different countries and we're pumping each other up throughout every competition and throughout all of the training, the competition hour we're trying to do our best. i would just encourage positive vibes for everyone. but i also appreciate the negativity because i think it helps me, too. >> liz, thank you for being here. thank you for coming to see us. >> thank you. we're back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc.

♪ it wouldn't be a morning without an "olympic boost." >> why don't we take care of that? it's well-known, when it comes to the olympics, canada has some of the most devoted fans, right up with the united states. perhaps the biggest fan of team

canada is this moose. the moose was spotted on a family deck in calgary, apparently looking in the window and watching the bobsled competition. it was on tv. does it get any more canada than that? a moose watching bobsled. >> i love it. >> you didn't see the squirrel on the moose's back. >> that's good. >> love it. >> it's been a great morning here at the olympics. we have such a treat coming up, with an adorable choir from korea. we're back in a moment.

♪ that will do it for us. "megyn kelly today" is up next. >> we're going to wrap up with a cuteness overload, a special performance from the singers of the gangnam olympic choir. 40 kids, you guys. enjoy. ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

we continue to follow breaking news on this house fire in collingdale. we know one man lived in the home on pittman avenue. we are still working to find out if he was inside this home when the fire broke out. we should find that out in the news conference. we have a live stream on nbc app. let's get right to bill henley with your most accurate weather forecast. bill? another day of spring skiing conditions in the mountains. you can see the sun is starting to peek through. wind out of the southwest will be gusting to 25 miles an hour. that's a warming wind for us. it is going to take us into the record books again today. the record in philadelphia is 72. i'm expecting 76 this afternoon

and 70s for allentown, redding, trenton, atlantic city. it turns cooler tomorrow and rain comes with the cool weather. let's get a check on the roads with jessica. looking at 95 at the betsy ross. >> there was an earlier crash up ahead ahead on the southbound side. from the southbound side from woodhaven to the vine, still watching a crash on the southbound side near the delaware state line. 51 minutes southbound headed towards delaware. >> in delaware, they are fryitr to stop the spread of the flu virus. children under the age of 16 are not allowed to visit prisoners. so far, 64 inmates have been treated with tamiflu. i am vai sikahema. "megan kelly today" is up next.

good morning, everyone. welcome. i'm megyn kelly. we begin this morning with breaking news. america's pastor, reverend billy graham, has died. he was 99 years old. in a moment, his friend and ours, kathie lee gifford, will react.

first, lest eer holt has more o grah's life and legacy. >> i accept his revelation of himself by faith. >> you have to come by faith in christ. that's the way to god, through jesus. >> reporter: for more than half a century, billy graham brought his message of christian faith to followers around the world. hundreds of millions of them. more than any preacher in