The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C, Canada - by Moses

It started with tragedy. The first time ever, that an athlete died during an Olympic Games, in training for an event. A Georgian luger went crashing into a steel girder, after sling-shooting off a turn. The World mourned. What could be said of an athlete at this level, dying at such a young age. To live in regret throughout your life could very well be more painful. Nodar Kumaritashvili died tragically and suddenly, doing something he loved to do. Canada was not to blame. This unforseen forcast of events brings to light a mans' humility. To appreciate what we have, when we have it. Life.
During the first five days of the Winter Games, there has been much to remember. The Opening Gala was spectacular, each Country proud to be involved. From the massive teams of the U.S.A, Russia, Germany, and Canada, to the minute representatives of Nations such as Ethiopia, and Estonia. Of course, the representatives from Georgia were still in shock of the loss of their Countryman from the previous day. By the end of the evening, Olympic spirit shined brightly.
On Day One Jennifer Heil won Canada's first Medal, a Silver in the Women's Mogul Freestyle event. Our Nations' elite Female Olympians shined through immensely. The Canadian Women's Hockey Team completely dominated Slovakia and left the Arena with the most lopsided victory in the history of Ice Hockey during an Olympics, defeating the Slovak's 18-0.
As Canada was hosting our third Olympics, neigh one Gold Medal, we all watched expectantly.
Then came day two and with it a day Canadians will surely remember for a long time coming. Alexandre Bilodeau. Becoming the first Canadian to win Gold on Home soil, Bilodeau performed magnificantly at Cyprus Hill in the Mogul Freestyle. Much deserving of his place in history, some would say his win was as huge as David Percy's 100 Metre sprint victory in 1932.
It wasn't just his talent, his immense talent. Alexandre had one completely loyal fan, his inspiration, older brother Frederic. Near tears during his victory speech to the Canadian Public, Alexandre praised his older brother Frederic Bilodeau, who suffers from Cerebral Pulsy. It was clear that Frederic's heart was with Alexandre in his claim of the Gold Medal he achieved for the Nation.
Monday rolled around, and we got a taste of what the Olympics is all about; trials and tribulations of competition. As Mike Robertson raced for Canada in the Snowboarding Finals he looked like a sure lock for Gold. An American caught him on the second last jump, and though Robertson competed valiently, he settled for Silver. During his address to Canada, he spoke volumes of character that we as Canadians all share. As he was asked about finishing Second, taking home Silver; 'It's unbelievable. I still can't belive that I'm at the Olympics, and I've finished second. It still hasn't hit me yet. I'm extremely happy to win Silver.' Canadian humility at its' best. The Canadian Women's Hockey team also shined, defeating an over-matched Swiss Team 10-1, with Hayley Wickenheiser tying Danielle Goyette for most Goals scored in Olympics competition, with her 15th goal.
Tuesday brought Canada its' second Gold Medal in the Games thus far. Vancouver Francophon Maelle Ricker was the class of the field in Women's Snowboarding, taking home the Gold. She reminded this journalist of what it was like to be 22 again. A pure joy to watch. Later in the evening, as the 7:30 P.M (Eastern Time Zone) Hockey Game rolled around, we saw a preview of what to expect from Team Canada and the boys in Red, White, and Black. Behind the solid Goaltending of Roberto Luongo, we looked respectable against Norway winning 8-0. Mike Babcock and his Coaching Staff did a fine job putting lines together, and we saw Iggy pot a Hatrick, Two goals from Cory Perry, and one wicked snapshot to the top right corner off the stick of Dany Heatley from the slot.
Wednesday, February 17th provided a taste of America to the World on Center Stage. The U.S.A won Gold and Silver in the Women's Downhill Ski Event, with Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso finishing One and Two respectively. Shawn Davis took home Gold in the 1000 Metre Speedskating event with decisiveness, and it was also a shining moment for Shaun White, as he dominated the Men's snowboard halfpipe with an incredibly electrifying performance. Our friends to the South were gracious to the Olympic spirit and lead all Nations, with 14 medals to date, Canada sitting fourth with six medals. At the end of the day Marianne St. Gelais took home Silver for Canada (our sixth) in the 500 Metre Short Track, and was darling to the Camera's eye. The Women's Hockey team also dominated on this day defeating a clearly overmatched Sweden, 13-1, and Hayley Wickenheiser now has the most goals scored amongst all Women Hockey players in the Olympics, all-time.
To cap the day, we watched the ever growing rivalry between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in Men's Hockey. Behind the usual brilliant Netminding of Tomas Vokoun, the Czechs defeated the disbanded Slovakia 3-1, with Jaromir Jagr returning to the Media Spotlight, netting the winning goal.
Today to come has our Men's Hockey team squaring off against Team Switzerland. Babcock has the intriguing argument of either staying with a hot goalie in Luongo, or playing the best goalie of all-time in Martin Brodeur. I would imagine that only an idiot would second guess his decision for later today. Maybe Babcock will surprise everyone and start Marc-Andre Fleury.
Oh, and did I mention, our Men's Curling Team is 2-0 up to date.