A Combination of Professionalism, Moral Grace, and Raw Parking Skill

January 2, 2018 11:30 AM

“As the events kicked off, the athletes jostled and clowned around in front of the logos of fellow parking firms. They smiled for their close-ups. A local event photographer took official portraits and action shots. Like cowboys before a rodeo, the contestants checked each other out. Some valets did high kicks and lunges; others nervously straightened their uniforms.” The suprisingly human story of the 2017 National Valet Olympics (SLAtlantic).
posted by Maecenas (8 comments total)

I really enjoyed this read, thanks!

Valet parking is something that I associate with fanciness- I don't think I have ever used a valet parking service.
posted by freethefeet at 1:06 PM on January 2, 2018

I was thinking that they should have occupational olympics for various jobs, starting with those guys with the glass-fronted helmets, body armour and truncheons who carry large plastic cases of money into and out of banks. Perhaps a capture-the-flag game, with them divided into two teams, dressed in full protective gear and armed with truncheons, or some football analogue with the briefcase as the football?
posted by acb at 1:21 PM on January 2, 2018 [5 favorites]

This was a great read, thanks for posting.

I’ve used valet service once or twice, at hotels. The story was interesting to learn more about the perspective of those providing a service when I only have limited experience as a consumer.

But honestly, as someone that used to get really stressed out about parking in my earlier days of driving - navigating tight lots, parallel parking in the city, etc - I just love reading stories about people that make a living doing something at a master level that it took me a long time to even manage on a basic level. Skill envy.
posted by Cyrie at 1:53 PM on January 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

Valet Olympics

Valympics
posted by Faint of Butt at 2:29 PM on January 2, 2018

It's a great read, but I was disappointed that they did not include an event requiring the ability to drive a stick shift. The last time I stayed at a hotel with valet parking (a few years ago; I do not often stay at nicer hotels) the valet guys had me park my own car because they couldn't drive it.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:20 PM on January 2, 2018 [4 favorites]

Oh man, I would be lost without valets. As a woman of certain age, and limited mobility, valets are totally worth their cost and tips. Dip, re sticks: I used to go to a club where they just held a spot in front for me, and I would hand them the keys in case the fire department or something showed up. My car was a stick. I've never seen a valet that could drive it.
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 6:28 PM on January 2, 2018

Valet parking is something that I associate with fanciness-

I rarely use valet, but sometimes you're forced into it if you're invited to a fancy party, or whatever.

I used to absolutely delight in driving up in my jalopy of a stationwagon--a stick shift, no less!--and forcing the valets to contend with it and put it among a bunch of BMWs and Benzes.
posted by TwoStride at 10:22 AM on January 4, 2018

Another suggested taking a parking lot with space for only 10 or 20 vehicles, then seeing how many cars each team could fit inside without a single scratch or ding.

Also, I would totally pay to watch this event.
posted by TwoStride at 10:37 AM on January 4, 2018