On Feb 13th, I blogged under the title, “No, we are really not that boring”. It was in response to the opening night gala of the Olympics and a phone call from a dear American friend. I have subsequently deleted the body of the post but decided to retain the title as a reminder of how perceptions change.
At this point, no one can say Canada is boring.
February 12th was remarkable for its highs and lows. Following the torch that Friday was truly an emotional high. The feeling of utter despair and heartbreak on hearing of the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili that afternoon, was the ultimate low.
Joannie Rochette may have won the bronze in the figure skating but won gold in the hearts of the world for her strength, courage and perseverance. For the duration of the Olympics and most probably her life, she will be known as Canada’s daughter.
Our first gold medal was not Alexandre Bilodeau in skiing, but one of our youngest “national treasures”, Nikki Yanofsky of MONTREAL. Yes, I admit to bias. I wasn’t a supporter of her rendition of O Canada but am thrilled by the accolades she is receiving from “ I Believe”. the Olympic song. There is something very special about Nikki.
I refuse to allow the Canada USA hockey game to be the defining moment of these extraordinary Olympics, so I am posting this before it starts. If we win, of course I allow myself the prerogative to change my opinion and state that it was the defining moment. For now, 13 GOLD medals is not only an incredible feat, but as I am not a triskaidekaphobiac, good luck. Maybe, by tonight it will be 14.
Canada, with our population of only 30,000,000 has won the most gold medals in the 2010 Olympics. More than the USA who is in first place and has a population of 300,000,000 with 9 gold medals or Germany, who is in 2nd place with a population in excess of 80,000,000 and 10 gold medals.
In the next day or so, every journalist and blogger, will be opining these past 17 days and what it meant to them Our Olympics have come and are will soon be a memory. I am not a sports fanatic or at least wasn't until two weeks ago and probably will not be again for a long long time. I can’t believe I even watched some curling even though I admit to not understanding it.
I love the spirit in this country. The past two weeks have been indescribable. There really is something so magical about these Olympics. I don't think it is exclusively because it is in Canada either. It started off with such sadness and it ending on the ultimate triumph. It has brought this country together sharing a wonderful journey.
Tomorrow, I, like many others, will revert back to reality of every day living, with our red mittens as a tangible memory, exemplifying sportsmanship, unity, national spirit and cohesiveness, from sea to shining sea.
I am proud to be CANADIAN!
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