What an insane 17 days.I can’t believe the emotions I’ve felt.
When it was first announced 7 years ago that Vancouver would host the Winter Olympics in 2010 I was on my way to work. SkyTrain control made the announcement over the intercom so every passenger could revel in the moment. I cheered along with about half the people on the train that morning. Over the next 7 years the vast majority of local news focused on very pessimistic views of the coming games. I remained confident that the 2010 Olympic Games would be a benefit to our local economy and help put Vancouver on the world map.
I’ve never been big into sports. I’ve never really watched the Olympics before. So when February 12th 2010 approached, I was pretty ho-hum about the whole thing. Sure there would be a party in town for the world, but I never expected I’d share in that.
On February 11th, my friend and running-mate Ali dragged me out of work to see the Olympic torch. Something started hitting me and I began to feel a lot more connected to the approaching games. On February 12th I came home from work and watched the opening ceremonies with Melinda. We were floored. I had never been so proud of Vancouver, my city.
Over the last 17 days my TV has been locked to Olympic coverage. Every chance I had, I was downtown just soaking in the atmosphere. I saw almost every Canadian gold medal win live. I’ve never ever felt this patriotic in my life.
The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are permanently etched in my memory as a time when Canada woke up and declared to the world that we are a united people full of passion.
I’m now evaluating where I am in terms of athleticism. Clara Hughes, and so many others have truly touched and inspired me. My training for the Vancouver Marathon will peak just after the GDC. After that, I’m thinking I’d like to try something… more unique.
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