I have Olympic Games withdrawl

Pressing the recall button on my remote control tonight had a strange effect. First, I saw the evening news. Recall. Then it was an ESPN film? What the heck? Where were the Olympics?

Yes, I watched the closing ceremonies just like everyone else. I realize the Games are over. But now, I was forced to do something I hadn't done for two weeks. I had to press the "Guide" button, and explore what else was on TV.

No skiing, no bobsleigh, no curling, no speed skating. What a rip off. NBA basketball seemed like a cheesy participation ribbon. It seemed like TSN was sending me a message saying, "thanks for tuning in, unfortunately, this is all we have for you."

The Vancouver Olympics were a truly great event and displayed the outstanding power of sport. 14 gold medals were won by Canada, more than any nation in the history of the Winter Olympics. More importantly, millions went back to work following the closing ceremonies feeling refreshed, proud, and excited.

Don't worry sports fans, there are a few things for us to look forward to. We have March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the World Cup of Soccer. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a few years before the Olympics re-appear and much longer before we are able to experience another Olympic Games on Canadian soil.

It was good while it lasted, I just wish it had lasted longer.

Let the games begin.

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Canada sets host nation gold record

The host nation might not have "Owned the Podium" in overall medals, but Canada owned the most important medal count: GOLD.

Canada set the record for most gold medals by a host nation with 13, surpassing the former record shared by the USA and Norway with 10. Canada won gold medals in curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, moguls, ski cross, ice dancing, hockey, snowboard slalom, snowboard cross, short track speed skating, and long track speed skating at the Vancouver Olympics.

Thinking back to the criticism of other nations and from the Canadian Olympic Committee itself, it all seems irrelevant now. Canada did "Own the Podium" at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

More importantly, as is being shown in montage after video montage, Canada exhibited the nation's unique personality. The friendliness, respect, fair play, and kindness. From Jon Montgomery's memorable skeleton gold and celebration, to the on-ice party that commenced following the Canadian womens hockey gold, Canadians have acted as expected.

They have won gold medals, showed dedication through adversity, exhibited sportsmanship, and had fun. On the closing day of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, the host nation is celebrating great success in all facets of the Olympics.

Thank you Vancouver and Canada for hosting such an outstanding and memorable Winter Olympics.

Let the games begin.

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