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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Joannie Rochette wins Terry Fox Award

Awarded for determination, and pushing on regardless of the obstacles an athlete faces, Joannie Rochette was the co-recipient of this year's Terry Fox Award.

Along with Slovenian cross country skier Petra Majdic, Rochette was given the Award aftering winning a bronze medal in figure skating, only days after her mother, Theresa Rochette, tragically passed away.

Majdic, who won a bronze medal in cross-country skiing, competed after falling 9-feet (3 metres) into a rocky pit during a training run. During the fall, Petra Majdic broke multiple ribs, and still managed to compete.

Rochette, shocked the sporting world by putting together two memorable performances to capture a bronze in womens figure skating. Although Petra Majdic should not be overlooked in this story, Joannie Rochette is definitely one of the Vancouver Olympic Games' most compelling stories.

Her ability to overcome what looked like impossible odds to compete, let alone win a medal, was absolutely amazing.

Canadians have experienced more gold medals, and more medals total in the Vancouver Olympics than ever before, but Joannie Rochette's bronze will be remembered long after many gold medal winners are only names in a record book.

Joannie Rochette was well deserving of this honour, which was named for one of Canada's bravest and most determined athletes.

Let the games begin.

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Joannie Rochette is skating for more than her country

As Joannie Rochette takes to the ice in womens figure skating, she is living a dream and a nightmare simultaneously. Following the tragic death of her mother Therese, Joannie Rochette is skating for more than gold in Vancouver.

Therese Rochette suddenly passed away from a heart attack in Vancouver, only two days before her daughter was set to skate in the 2010 Olympic Games.

Just by stepping on the ice at the Vancouver Olympic Games, Joannie Rochette is exhibiting a strength and courage many people do not have. Rochette's mother was integral in her rise in the figure skating world, and has been at Joannie's side every step of the way.

Although Theresa Rochette isn't beside Joannie at the Vancouver Olympics, I'm sure her presence will be felt by the 23-year-old Montreal, Quebec resident.

Joannie Rochette is not just skating for a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, in fact, that is likely the last thing on her mind. Joannie is skating for the memory of her mother.

Luckily, Joannie Rochette has the encouragement and support of an entire nation. Canada is backing her and will cheer her every move.

When the music stops on Joannie Rochette's final program at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, regardless of her results, you can bet the Canadian crowd will be cheering her as though she won the figure skating Gold. If for nothing else, they will be cheering for the golden spirit and heart this young athlete has shown in such trying times.

Let the games begin.

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