The Games are Over
Posted on February 27, 2010
As I sit down and allow my fingers to find their way across the keys of my computer, there is still the gold medal hockey game and closing ceremonies to be completed at the games. But for all intents and purposes, the Olympics are over. I’ll be heading home tomorrow after a rewarding visit to Winnipeg. No matter what happens in the hockey game, in my mind, as feeble as it is, I think these games have been a complete success.
Vancouver was a perfect host. You can’t control the weather so there’s no use complaining. The games themselves were the best ever for Canada when it comes to gold medals. I hope the brain trust in Ottawa understands the need for funding at the amateur level, and maintains the Own the Podium Program. After all, can anyone tell me what’s wrong with being the best?
The games started on a downer with the death at the Whistler Sliding Centre, but I also think it showed the athletes what life was all about. The true Olympic spirit took over and it was evident throughout these games. The athletes, especially Canadian athletes, were gracious in victory and defeat. Yes even Jon Montgomery and our women’s hockey team. I don’t blame them for their celebrations at all.
Joannie Rochette was one of the most courageous athletes at the games. Losing her mother and continuing the competition in her honour was valour above and beyond the call. She could easily, and understandably have decided to go home. The Olympic family embraced her in her grief.
The television coverage was interesting to say the least. The consortium promised us coverage like we’d never seen before, and they delivered. Trouble is it’s what they delivered. I didn’t like the fashion and entertainment aspect of the coverage. It was as if the so called commentators were the stars and not the athletes. If you measure success by the ratings, I guess I’m in the minority, but I would love to see a breakdown of the numbers regarding when people were watching. Were they watching Jeannie Becker and Ben Mulroney, or hockey, speed skating and skiing. But come to think of it I’m not the demographic they’re aiming for, so my opinion doesn’t count.
I’ve had the privilege of working three Olympic games, so I’m not going to criticize the commentators who covered the athletic events. Sure they could have been better prepared, and yes they should have been better prepared. But no one knows what an individual will say in a live situation until you’re presented with it, preparation or not. People react differently to pressure. Some shine, some don’t. What I don’t like, is stating the obvious i.e. “they have to have their best performance tonight”. I think it goes without saying, especially when a medal is on the line.
On a personal level, These games have been have been one of the most satisfying I have ever been involved with. And I wasn’t even in Vancouver or Whistler.
I was coaching and mentoring the Aboriginal commentators who worked for APTN. These men and women, most of them never behind a microphone in their lives, worked, and studied and applied themselves to deliver the games in eight Aboriginal languages. And they pulled it off with flying colours. I am so proud of every one of them accomplishing something that had never been done before. I was honoured to be part of their success.
Everyone will have their memories of the games. Some good some bad. and yes, there will be those who won’t be able to find anything good to say about what happened on the west coast. But I for one, will take home nothing but wonderful memories. Today, more than ever I am proud to be Canadian.
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So beautifully and eloquently written. I loved the comments about the demographics. Once you turn 50 we become invisible.
Safe journey home. It’s great to be a Canadian !!!!!!!!!!