Thank-you Team Canada

By MLA Rob Anderson

Like most Canadians, I found myself enraptured by the amazing spectacle that was the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. I can honestly say that for me personally, I have never been so proud to be Canadian. From watching Alex Bilodeau win our nation’s first gold medal at home, to witnessing the already iconic overtime winner of Sidney Crosby to secure our world record 14th gold at a Winter Olympics, I was amazed by how many of our athletes performed under pressure and how Canadians from coast to coast rallied behind them and our country.
 
I was worried at first, like many of you, when the games opened with the tragic death of a Georgian athlete, malfunctioning equipment at the Opening Ceremonies, and some early athletic disappointments. Cynics used these early challenges as an opportunity to criticize our ‘Own the Podium’ program as proof Canada was too cocky and prideful and was receiving its just desserts. Some international media even went so far as to say Canada’s games were turning into an utter failure.
 
However, as it is with most things in life, it is not whether we face adversity that determines who we are, it is how we respond to it that matters. Canadians responded. Our athletes performed at levels unequaled by any country at any Winter Olympics…ever. Our people ignored the cynicism, volunteered, cheered, emailed and voiced support, took to the airwaves to promote, waved the flag, and sang the anthem with enamored pride.
 
Some athletes didn’t win gold, but did our country just as proud as if they had. Who could have been more proud of Airdrie’s own Melissa Hollingsworth, who in risking it all for a golden finish, lost control of her sled and a medal. She could have safely held back and secured a silver or bronze, but that wasn’t good enough for her. She taught us that it is better to have done all we can to achieve our potential, rather than to hold back and settle for something less. From my viewpoint, Melissa’s tearful and humble apology to her fellow Canadians was one of the turning points of the Games. Her words reminded us that we, athletes and countryman alike, were in this together – and nothing short of our best would do.
 
And their best is exactly what our athletes gave. The final week of the Olympics was a stunning display of Canadian accomplishment. From the inspiring and emotional performance of Joannie Rochette skating so beautifully for her mother who had passed on just hours previous, to the fortitude of our men’s hockey team who managed to fulfill the hopes of an entire nation; Canadians piled up victory after victory after victory on our way to a golden world record.
 
It is often said that it is not how you start in life, but how you finish that matters. And maybe there is a lesson in that for our country. Our history has been a mix of good and bad, disappointment and accomplishment. We’ve seen petty differences divide us, and great causes unite us. But whatever our history, and it is useful to be mindful of it, it is just that…history. What matters now is what we become. Will our nation squabble or will it build? Will we settle for mediocrity or will we devote ourselves to setting an example of excellence for all the world to follow? If Vancouver 2010 is any indication, I think I know the answer.
 
Thank-you Canada!
 
Rob Anderson