Like
most people I know, I’ve been watching some of the Olympics. Not all of them, I have a life too.
For
the most part, I’ve been pleased with Canada’s results in the various
events. We’ve been seeing competitors like
our Ladies Gymnasts move on to the medal rounds, something that hasn’t happened
in a long time if ever.
While
we’d all like to see more medals, it is as important if not more so that our
athletes represent us well on the world stage.
Canadians
don’t quit. We may not always be medal
contenders but we strive to reach the next round, to reach the next place. And even if the odds are insurmountable we
finish the race.
Take
Paula Findlay, after finishing last in her triathlon event, she apologized to
Canada. Paula completed a gruelling
event when she was not fully recovered to compete. Many would have given up. You did not.
You did not disappoint us, you showed us your true grit and
determination to battle your way to the finish line.
Isn’t
that typically Canadian to apologize when it’s not your fault?
Apology
accepted, but it was not necessary Paula.
As
much as the Olympics are about Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps they are about the
competitors who fall but get back up and finish the event.
We
watch to see the lesser knowns who come from nowhere to win an event or at
least win our hearts. Who won the ski
jump the year Eddie the Eagle competed?
Who won the bob sled the first year of the Jamaican Bob Sled Team? Do you remember watching Ryan Cochrane win
the Bronze Medal for the 1500 freestyle four years ago? I do.
What
will we remember about the 2012 London Olympics?
Will
it be Michael Phelps’ record 18 Golds and 22 Medals overall?
Usain
Bolt’s successful defence of his 100 m title?
“Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius 400 m races?
Rosie
MacLennan’s Gold Medal on trampoline?
Hamadou
Djibo Issaka of Niger who finished his single sculls competition more than a
minute after the rest of his heat to the cheers of the crowd?
I
think I’ll remember the young woman who faced adversity in the triathlon and
battled her way to the finish line. I’m
sure she will be back to compete in Rio in 2016 and will be a force to be reckoned
with.
I
hope to see you there, on TV unfortunately.
And
finally, for those who want to whinge and moan about our lack of medals, I’ve
included a link to Huffington Post’s Medal Map.
I’d suggest comparing medal count to population.
We’re
not too bad are we?
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