There is probably only one word to describe the Vancouver Olympic Games and the journey to the gold medal: wow. I hardly know where to start.
All I can say is, that after 10 months together, intense training day-to-day, 57 games in six months and two World Championship losses, it could not have ended any better.
I am extremely proud of our team, staff and coaches. What most people see is two weeks every four years. That is what most of the media and public perception stems from. Having said that, there is so much more that goes into the process of being Olympic champions. When I look at my gold medal, I see a multitude of moments leading up to it. The work that is done away from the spotlight of the games is what makes champions.
Our team motto this year was “Luctor and Emergo,” meaning “Struggle and Emerge.” We had many moments where that motto was evident throughout the last four years. Our coaching staff also talked about the phrase, ‘on any given day,’ referring to being resilient and ready to perform under any circumstances. It was far from a smooth ride to get to the gold medal, but we found a way.
Probably the most disappointing thing about winning was having to answer and defend our celebrations, why the game should be in the Olympics, and answering critics. I can’t think of any other country in the world where you win a gold medal and you get criticized for it. That definitely took away from the moment of winning.
On the other hand, there were so many great things to remember and celebrate. I have many Olympic highlights—here are my top 10:
• Reciting the Oath at the Opening Ceremony. Being super nervous just a few moments before walking out and then feeling complete calm as I stepped onto the stage.
• Watching Alexander Bilodeau win his gold in the athletes’ lounge with other Canadian athletes including Shea Weber and Sidney Crosby.
• Traveling between venues and our entire team watching and cheering for the other Canadian athletes on our TV phones
• The cafeteria at the Athletes’ Village. Eating with my team and watching the other athletes.
• Our entire team watching and cheering for Joannie Rochette at the IBC building.
• Watching my good friend Clara Hughes race what she called, “the skate of her life” and win a bronze medal.
• Standing on the blueline with my teammates after we won looking out to the sea of red and white Canadian fans.
• Being in the rink to witness the men win three days later: You could not have written a better script, double gold and the “Golden Boy” scores the winner in O.T. It was truly magical.
• Celebrating the completion of the Games with all of Team Canada in the parking garage of our building in the Athletes’ Village.
• Wandering the streets and listening and watching the excitement and joy of Canadians and people from around the world.
Thank you Vancouver and thank you Canada for an amazing experience and for all the support. I think these games will be remembered as the Games that moved a nation. I am proud and honoured to have been a part of them. |