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Vancouver 2010 Olympics - What are your thoughts a year later?

• The Vancouver Olympics happened over a year a ago now, and I'm curious as to what people's thoughts are after a considerable amount of time. Do you still think about the Olympics? Do you miss them? Or are you glad they're over? What have you heard about your favorite Olympians after the games ended? Did the Olympics change your community at all? Did they change your view of winter sports? How so? What about your view of Canada? Whether you're from Canada or not, what are your thoughts about the country before and after the games? Would you like to see the Olympics in Canada again at some point? What other country(s) do you think would do a good job of hosting the games? When you think back to Vancouver 2010, what moment or memory stands out the most? *Anything else you'd like to add, I'll be happy to read!* As for myself, I loved the Olympics. They were so amazing. I, along with everyone I know, was glued to the tv and/or radio those entire 17 days. I am Canadian, and never in my life have I been more proud of my country. We won more gold than any other country ever has in the history of the Winter Olympics. In my opinion, despite a few setbacks, we put on an amazing show with the opening and closing ceremonies, and proved to be a wonderful host to the world. And, most importantly, it was amazing to see how the entire country united as one. No matter who we were, no matter where we lived, we all came together to share our national pride and celebrate what it means to be Canadian. You couldn't go two blocks without seeing a Canadian flag or hearing the anthem. It was truly an incredible thing to witness. Amazing what a sports event can do, huh? Not only did the Olympics change my community, it's very safe to say they changed my country. I've noticed in the past year that our anthem is sung louder and with more passion, our flag is waved more proudly, and the love for our country has grown stronger. Not only were the Vancouver Olympics special to us at the time and in the moment, but the memories will stay with us forever, as will our new-found passion for our country. When I think back to Vancouver 2010, so many memories come to mind: the torch relay and getting to see the Olympic flame in person, getting a pair of those sought after red mittens, Alexandre Bilodeau celebrating with his brother after winning Canada's first gold medal on home soil, Joannie Rochette's brave and inspirational figure skating performance, Jon Montgomery winning gold in men's skeleton and walking down the street with that now famous pitcher of beer, Canada winning both gold and silver in the same event in women's bobsled, Marianne St-Gelais cheering with such energy and emotion for Charles Hamelin during his race, and of course Sidney Crosby's golden goal in OT - just to name a few! I also very much enjoyed watching other countries compete in various events as well. I remember being fascinated with learning about different people, races, countries, traditions, and even listening to other national anthems. Watching the athletes and their fans celebrate after winning a medal was heartwarming. I miss the Olympics! For weeks after they ended, I swear I went through Olympic Withdraw! I have since purchased the 5-disc Vancouver 2010 Box Set that CTV put out, and it's awesome!! I love it!! Now I have the DVDs and the Olympic mittens as keepsakes, as well as the memories that will last a lifetime. So...tell me what you think. Thoughts, feelings, memories, anything. Whether you're Canadian, American, Scottish, German, Australian, etc, I'm interested to hear what y'all have to say! Thank you and God bless :)

• Answer:

  i always watch the olympics whether its summer or winter. i prefer summer but thats beside the point. im from the U.S and ive always liked canada as a competitor. i was acctually in canada during part of the olympics and watched it when i wasnt busy. of course cheering for the u.s more but always canada second. my views of canada havnt really changed for say, but my views of the people and competitors did. back in 2010 i was a receational skiier and i enjoyed watching the skiiers compete. i now snowboard but prefer to watch skiing. it is so much more showy if you understand. it look better if a skiier does a double cork that a snowboarder. just my preference