Memories of Vancouver 2010

Olympics are in full swing now over in Russia. Seems hard to believe it has been four years since Vancouver hosted the winters in 2010. I still remember in great fondness my experiences working in that massive crowd of people, and am still amazed at how the vast majority of people we extremely well behaved albeit very celebratory in nature.

What was demonstrated there was what the real meaning of International sport is. There was immense pride by everyone in their athletes. Everyone was cheering for their own as they should. Canada came from a very dismal showing in the medals last time the Olympics were held in Canada in Calgary in I think it was 1988 where I think we were shut out. 2010, we did own the podium having set records none of us here thought that we would do, but are elated regardless. We are on our way to that end again, but it is early yet. We have strong opposition from many of the participating countries for sure.

I would really like to see the Jamaican Bobsled team win a medal. Now that would be something to cheer about, from every country, would it not?

Anyway, I was reading my blog from 2010 on the games which prompted me to post this. May your teams and athletes make you proud to be citizens of your respective countries. I know I am more so during these games, especially the Winter games.

http://vimeo.com/9451898

 

Randy, your making it more difficult for me to move down to South America with Long and take the label of Ex-Pat. If I go I'll always cheer for Canada, as you, my only exception will be for Jamaica in the bobsled, at least they have a Canadian coach.

 

Last night Canada slipped and are now playing second fiddle to Norway in the medal standings. Remember the Golden Eagle? A ski jumper from Great Britian. He was the immage of sportsmanship back in the day. I also remember Jean Luc Brassard back at the Lillihammer games. He was being interviewed and everytime the TV reporter tried to compliment him on his medal winnings (moguls I think) he placed the praise on just about everyone and everything but himself. True teamwork mentality.

Then there was that Nancy Terrigan disgrace in Lillihamer. But the games bring out the best in most be it talent or grace.

 

Great post! I love the Olympics My best friend went to the Olympics for snowboard cross in Torino 2006 and I went to surprise her and cheer her on. My dad surprised me with a ticked to the Opening Ceremonies which is still one of my most memorable experiences in my life. Being in a crowd of people watching the Olympic Athletes walk into the stage and cheering for the Canadians was an overwhelming and emotional experience. Watching the opening Ceremonies for Sochi reminded me of those memories. Pretty amazing!!

 

:usa2:
USA...........USA..............USA...............
Ok I will cheers for :canada: since you guys are our pal ound:

Rob how the housing hunting in SA?
Don't forget the Guess house for Long :hump:
We can and :drinkers:

 

I have heard that Vietnam was going to enter a team in the Biathlon but their sponsor, 7-11 could not afford to stop making snow cones long enough to build them a track to practice on. Too bad cause Long was a contender. He would have won gold for sure. Maybe they will invent a sport based on Ice Diving and he can compete for the mother land then.

BTW. I am cheering on Team USA, men and women's hockey in their bid for silver this time again

 

So. Today Canada beat Austria 6-0 in Hockey. Not a surprise. Austria is not known for hockey bur are right up there in the Nordic events. Canada still has to face USA and or Russia. Both strong contenders that make Canada fight for every goal.

 

An interesting tid bit I just learned. The IOC does not recognize medal counts. That is a media generated thing and depending on where the media is based, has different meanings. ie. some places a medal is a medal while in others, a value is placed on the different medals.

So there you have it. What exactly does that mean? Be damned if I know. the phrase "tid bit" is not recognized by the IOC who are a bunch of stuffy bitches anyways.