CHRIS O'MEARA / Associated Press
Well, the Olympics have come to a close and the host country did a fine job after a rocky start (see Olympic Malfunction post). This year it didn’t always seem like the main focus was the almighty gold but the drama surrounding specific athletes and teams. (records, injuries and obstacles). There were personal goals, team goals and winning goals (Canada’s Men’s Hockey).
The Yanks hit a milestone with medals, the Canadians won the Hockey Golds (all they really wanted) and a determined woman skater defied the odds of family tragedy and pulled in a medal and competition of a lifetime. It was theater that couldn’t be scripted.
However, for the last few days that’s all I heard about was the negative reports surrounding a gold medal celebration. Supposedly, the Canadian women’s hockey players had been ‘disrespectful’ in victory over the US with a raucous display after the game. Yes, the girls had a few beers and stogies following their hard fought victory over the rival Americans. Sure, there was the star of the team spotted with a beer (she is only 18) which is a no-no in British Columbia with a drinking age of 19. Not that I condone under age drinking but this is Canada folks….NOT the US.
These kids worked, practiced and sacrificed in order to get to the Olympics and win a medal. They came together as a team, won as a team and partied as a team. (notably after all the fans were gone) Their strategies, teamwork and execution got them to their childhood dream. They did offer an apology, but sheesh….cut them some slack…they just won a gold medal! (next time, keep the beer cans off the Zamboni ladies…)
