| Olympic high |
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| Local Content - Editorial |
| Written by production |
| Thursday, 04 March 2010 18:09 |
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Editorial For the past couple of weeks, many Canadians have been glued to their television, watching the events of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. To some, the Games are merely a diversion from watching regular TV shows; but for others, the Olympics give one an opportunity to watch sporting events that they would not otherwise be exposed to. To have the Olympics right in your background makes the event all the more significant. From the opening ceremony to the passing of the torch to the next host country, patriotic Canadians watched and supported their athletes. What happened with these Games and the spectators has been almost as spectacular as the games themselves. People who were fortunate enough to be in Vancouver to take in some of the events, were eager to show their enthusiasm not only for the Olympic Games and athletes, but also for their country. Chants of the national anthem broke out at random moments at events and throughout the streets of Vancouver and Whistler. Watching all the spirit from home only heightened the same emotions from those who could not be there. How did all of this sudden patriotism emerge so brilliantly from coast to coast? It may have been the nationwide torch relay that zig-zagged across Canada, including virtually every community and making the whole event a more personal one for viewers. It could be it was just because Canada was fortunate enough to host the Olympics again, an honour this country has had only three times now and likely will not host again for decades to come. Despite a bumpy start, including the tragic death of Georgian luge racer, Nodar Kumaritashvli, glitches during the opening ceremony, and unseasonably warm weather during the first week of competition, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics can be heralded as a huge success, especially for Canadian athletes who were able to bring in more gold medals than ever before. At 14 gold medals, and a total of 26, it was by far the best medal haul in Canadian winter Olympic history. Watching freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau win Canada's first gold medal ever on home turf and then, valiantly embrace his brother was one of many memorable moments during the games. Of course, the mot anticipated event of the entire Winter Games, was the gold medal final in men's hockey. The two powerhouse teams could not have provided better entertainment for hockey fans across the nation. The nailbiter moment when the U.S. scored the tying goal at the end of the third period was enough to suck the breath right out of a die-hard fan. The one thing nobody wanted to see was an overtime period in the game, but that is exactly what happened and it kept viewers on the edge of their seats until Sidney Crosby got the puck past U.S. goalie phenom, Ryan Miller. The arena, the streets and the nation erupted in cheers of pride and celebration. As the Olympic Games drew to a close later Sunday evening, there was a sense of regret that it all had to end so soon. Well, the Games may be over, but the patriotism in this country can carry on like never before. What seemed to be hidden somewhere below the surface, the Olympics gave Canadians the opportunity to express their pride in their country and in some way, it seemed to create a stronger sense of unity amongst us. And, that is one thing that should never be extinguished. |