Canada loves hockey. So far, the dramatic journey of the national men’s team at these Olympics has more than made that apparent. Our collective obsession with a frozen team game has been cemented gloriously. But equally as heartening has been the public’s response to the wonderful women who are leading the way at the home Olympics.
Already more than three quarters of the medals won by Canadian athletes at these Games have involved women. Skaters, skiers, hockey players and even daredevils in bobsleighs have performed to resounding ovations.
The flag bearer, Clara Hughes, has demonstrated incredible fortitude in finishing her illustrious career with a sixth medal from both the winter and summer Games. She stakes a claim to go down in history as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Period. Then there’s figure skater Joannie Rochette, whose personal tragedy has turned into a triumph of the human spirit. No moment at these Olympics can surpass her courageous odyssey on Pacific Coliseum ice. It will be remembered forever with overwhelming emotion.
And the women of Canada are so gracious and glorious in their victories. They positively beam as they greet massive crowds that have awaited their arrival for hours as they did in the Whistler Village Square following gold and silver in bobsleigh.
“I feel so lucky,” said silver medallist and pilot Helen Upperton. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is such a privilege to be here,” beamed her teammate, Shelley-Ann Brown.
And sharing a craft to win gold was a pilot from the foothills of Alberta who got a push from her Prince Edward Island friend. Heather Moyse of Summerside put it all in perspective.
Calgary’s Kaillie HumÂphries heaved a sigh of relief and allowed herself a gigantic, beautiful smile. “Anything can happen at any time, especially here.”
And it already has.
At these Olympics, Canadians are waiting with bated breath for the hockey gods to work more magic. The wonder women of this country have already delivered the goods.
– Gemini Award winner and author Scott Russell is the Host of CBC Sports Weekend seen Saturday afternoons. A 20-year CBC Sports veteran, he has covered a variety of professional and amateur sports including nine Olympic games and numerous world championships.
