Canadian Olympic Spirit
The Canadian Olympic Team made a conscious decision to fuel their athletes’ confidence for these Olympic games with their slogan “Own the Podium”. International controversy and the politics of athlete funding aside, the high expectations created and the amazing sense of pride and community that has evolved in Vancouver from hosting these games is incredibly contagious.
No matter where I go in Vancouver now, I am mobbed by a sea of people dressed in red and white. Never in my life have I seen so much clothing donning a Canada logo and vehicles and homes and stores alike flying Canadian flags. For a country that has struggled with identity and unity for centuries, it is an amazing sight. I have never felt more Canadian. Even the opening ceremonies were decidedly Canadian, with the capping moment for me being the poem read by Shane Koyczan towards the end of the evening.
And after only one weekend of competition, Canadian heroes, who are great role models for our kids, have emerged. The Men’s and Women’s Freestyle Mogul events alone has motivational stories—whether it is our first Gold Medalist, Alexandre Bilodeau’s story of inspiration from his older brother Frederic, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy; Jenn Heil, a reigning Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion, who graciously accepted Silver; or Kristi Richards who decided to give the audience a show with her final jump, demonstrating grace after her fall and last place finish, each athlete left us feeling proud. Victorious or not, Clara Hughes, Cindy Klassen, Charles Hamlin, Erik Guay, Sydney Crosby, Hayley Wickenheiser, and many more Canadian athletes are sure to have unforgettable moments, too. Regardless of whether we “Own the Podium”, we are inspired by the magical atmosphere that has overtaken our city.
Lastly, the tragic death of Georgian Luger, Nodar Kumaritashivili, cannot go without mention. The team unity that the Georgians showed during the Opening Ceremonies and the standing ovation they received from the spectators was the only moment that night which moved me to tears. Patriotism was washed away in favour of sportsmanship and international community—values we want our children to espouse.
