Canada a Winner No Matter What the Final Medal Count

by Chip
(San Francisco, CA)

I have been to Vancouver in the past (on quick business trips) and always thought it was a beautiful and friendly place where I’d like to spend more time.

Since the 2010 Olympics began, I’m more determined than ever to go back to spend some quality time. The scenery is breathtaking; and even though I’m not a snow or cold weather fan, I feel like buying skis (or a snowboard?) and heading north. Kudos to NBC for the shots of the city, the mountains and throughout the country. A Hollywood art director couldn’t have designed a more beautiful place.

The opening ceremonies were spectacular. K.D. Lang’s version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was so moving and touching and was the perfect complement to all the celebrations and dramatic visuals. It really showed Canada’s depth of talent and resources, something we Americans don’t think about enough.

Getting to know (or be re-acquainted with) some of the athletes has been fun. Apollo Anton Ohno has been interesting to watch, since no one seems to mind when his medals aren’t always Gold. That’s unusual. Shaun White is irresistible (not so much the women snowboarders). Skiers like Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn who re-appeared from past are also propelling the U.S. team.

I hope Canada brings home the most medals because it means so much to the country. I think Shaun, Apollo and others, though, will lead the U.S. to the most medals. Of course, the Canadian curling team is getting a lot of attention (as is the hockey team, of course), so perhaps Canada will catch up. That would be the right thing to happen, and there is momentum as more Canadians are winning.