Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com
Well, the crowds have thinned, many of the event locations have been dismantled, and I haven’t heard a “WOO-HOO!” or “LUUUUUUU!” for two days now. But the memories of the Vancouver Olympics – ah, those are forever burned in my heart and mind. I’ve never been so proud, so moved, so GRATEFUL to be a Canadian, to witness, to me at least, a coming-of-age of our national identity as a proud, beautiful, spirted, GREAT country.
It’s impossible to list all of the wonderful memories I have from the Games, but here are some real highlights for me, in no particular order.
- Clara Hughes’ brilliant, stunning last race in her speedskating career – a bronze medal win that put her in the Olympics history books as the ONLY athlete ever to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Games. I’ll never forget her smile.
- Joanne Rochette’s heart-breaking and brave performance in women’s ice skating that earned her a spot on the podium and a place in every Canadian’s heart. Her late mother was her guardian angel for sure.
- The love and support shown Alexandre Bilodeau by his severely disabled brother as he STOOD without his wheelchair to watch him win our very first gold medal on Canadian soil. I bawled.
- The unbridled joy of Jon Montgomery when he won gold in skeleton – and his walk to the podium as he chugged a pitcher of beer. I laughed out loud.
- The love so evident between speedskaters Marianne St-Gelais and Charles Hamelin as they watched each other medal, laughed and cried for each other, and embraced as if the whole world wasn’t watching. It gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat.
- k.d. laing singing Hallelujah during the Opening Ceremonies. Best. Performance. Ever.
- People everywhere, every age and colour, breaking into O Canada and waving Canadian flags at every opportunity. Soul-stirring.
- Heather Moyse, Kaillie Humphries, Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown ruling the bobsleigh track at breakneck speed with gold and silver medals – and making it look easy and graceful and FUN!
- Gold in hockey for our men and women and gold and silver in curling – what more can I say? The ultimate high.
- Finally, Vancouver – my new home, gorgeous, welcoming, vibrant – so deserving of your own gold medal. I love you!
