Monday, February 27, 2006

Olympic Glory

Canada has never done so well at the Olympic Games, the athletes won a total of 20 medals but the victories that moved me had little to do with a medal.

First there was Clara Hughes, a speed skater, who won the gold medal in the 5000 meter race. I don't remember the minutes and seconds she won with but I do remember that she wrote "joy" on her palm of her hand before she raced and went on to win with that joy of being completely alive.

Then there was the Vancouver mayor, Sam Sullivan, who in the tradition of the representative of the next hosting city, waved the Olympic flag. Sam Sullivan is a quadriplegic. He broke his neck while skiing when only 19 years old. With the help of a special adapter to hold the flag on his wheelchair and with practised movements, he waved the flag triumphantly.

These were glorious moments.

12 comments:

FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

It is amazing to see and how wonderful to know that people do different things to give themselves boost when trying to achieve Victory. It is also surprisingly a wonder that it works.
Will be on the march on Friday. See you there.

MaR said...

Missed those specific moments but they surely sound glorious. Congrats to your medalists!

jane said...

I especially love the personal stories that go along with each athlete. So many have gone thru so much to make it to the Olympics. One thing those athletes can teach us about is personal sacrifice.

Carol said...

Friday's Child,
Your response encourages individuality and creativity. Thanks.

Thanks Mar!

You're right, Jane. The personal stories behind the games are awesome but we don't need to be an Olympian to inspire. Many are told right here in blogland.

Dwayne,
Reality steps in,too.

J. Andrew Lockhart said...

I'm ashamed to say it, but I didn't watch it at all -- it used to be a big deal to me and I still think it's important, but it just flew by me ---

nancy said...

I enjoyed the very same moments as you. Proud to be a Canuck at times like that. I had to explain to my kids what and how someone could cry cause they were so happy. Now they play 'pretend crying' and tell me they are actually happy. Go figure.

Jake Silver said...

I'm just happy it's all over now so that NBC will resume normal TV schedules.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Moving moments, indeed. I was happy for Canada winning so many medals..Candanians must be very happy about this. I didn't see Sam S and the flag...that had to be incredibly moving!

mompoet said...

It's four years now until the Olympics comes to Vancouver, Carol. Our son is optimistic he may get a job as a volunteer. He'll be 19 that year. What fun that will be for him! We in the poetry community are already envisioning arts events connected with the games.
mp

MaR said...

Dropping by to say hello :)

mompoet said...

Hi Carol, this isn't about the Olympics, but I wanted to make sure you hear back from me. It's about the CBC Poetry Face Off. If you check my blog again I have replied to your question about internet broadcasts. I hope you can tune in!
mp

Carol said...

Okay, so I'm a little late with my replies...

J. Andrew,
Actually, I didn't watch any of it either except for that portion of the closing ceremony. I was impressed though that almost every morning there was another Canadian athlete on the front of the newspaper with a medal.

Nancy,
Proud to be Canadian was exactly how I felt too.

Jake,
Well, that too.

Hi OOLotH!

Mompoet,
It will be such an exciting time.

I have the CBC web site. Thanks!

Brother Terry,
You would think being Canadian, I would know something about curling. Nope.