Olympic Fever Comes to Canada

I’m more than a little bit sad these days because the Olympics are over.

For two weeks, I watched TV every night, inspired by the athletic heart of young people around the world. And like never before, I was inspired by the unique and infinitely lovable Canadian spirit.

In hosting the Olympics in Vancouver, Canadians stepped into the spotlight in a way we seldom have before and we let our big, wonderful enthusiasm and love for our country shine with pride and confidence and our own sense of style. Every night, they partied in the streets of Vancouver and Whistler, and Canadians across the country partied on with them.

We delighted in the gold medals but more importantly, we delighted in the special people who represented our country and came away with the top prize. Alexandre Bilodeau, the first to win a gold medal on Canadian soil (or is that snow?), was the most humble and down-to-earth guy. Joannie Richette showed unbelievable heart, skating just days after her mother passed away in Vancouver awaiting the start of the competition. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moyer demonstrated ice-dance perfection with their long program.

Oh, and there was the hockey. Both Canadian teams, men and women, won gold in the sport that is called “Canada’s game.” They were both extremely exciting games, and sources of unending pride.

I’ve always been proud to be a Canadian. And I was thrilled that Canadians from coast to coast seized the Olympics as an opportunity to revel in our greatness and express our uniqueness.