History. We're History.

"So it's you and me for the first time in history. We're history."


Vancouver 2010 was a time of beautiful tales, and some tragic endings...


The party won't stop for days in Vancouver. The Olympics ended on a superb note for the host country this year as 22-year-old Sidney Crosby scored the most inspiring goal in Canadian history, and arguably, hockey history. The good times were balanced with some tragedy, as the death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili sent shockwaves around the globe, developing a grim atmosphere hours before the opening ceremony. Nika Rurua is the Minister of Sports and Culture for Georgia, and also the one who officialized the willingness of participating of the country in the Winter games, proclaiming effort to be dedicated to the country's "fallen comrade". It was a courageous and meaningful act on his behalf and Nodar's death is certainly not going to be fading from conversation or anyone's memory any time soon.

Speaking of remarkable gestures, February 14th was full of them. Yes it was Valentine's Day and there were many sweet occurences between love birds, but if you were in Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada, you'd recall Alexandre Bilodeau's supreme efforts to capture gold in the men's moguls, becoming the first Canadian to win a gold medal at an Olympics held on Canadian soil.


I don't know who is standing next to Bilodeau, but it can't be good for his ego...

After defeating the U.S. in Women's hockey, the Canadian team celebrated a stellar performance, huffing cigars and consuming champagne on the ice, while in uniform, with their medals around their necks.

Controversial? Well it's understandable. Did it have to be? No way... You'd think the European bureaucrats would let some things slide but no way do they understand how important this is. Achieving a gold medal in hockey when you're playing on home soil is every athlete's dream. However, I can comprehend their fury in regards to the underage players taking part in the celebration. Honestly, it looks like the coolest way to celebrate ever. How often do you win a gold medal on home soil?

Mmm... Molson Canadian. Way to go Gillian Apps!


Meghan Agosta there for the assist to Tessa Bonhomme.

Jon Montgomery, who won Canada's fourth gold medal in skeleton, experienced similar backlash for his post-game party antics.

And then there was Men's hockey. Another anticipated event at the Winter Olympics and being on home soil in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this made it extra special. The lackluster performance in 2006 made it necessary for Steve Yzerman and Kevin Lowe to assemble a skillful, competitive team.

If there is one athlete who will stand out for me during these Olympics, it's number 87.

What can I say about Crosby that you haven't heard or read before? Eight months ago, he captained the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup, becoming the youngest team captain in NHL history to do so at age 21. And now at age 22, he has a gold medal to add to his list of accomplishments. He really came through when not only the team needed him, but the entire nation.

On February 18, 2010, Canada played Switzerland in an intense yet very passionate game. Canada was leading 2-0 until the Swiss stormed back to tie the game, force an unresolved overtime, and go to shootout. It was Crosby who got the game winning goal that helped Canada get their second win of the tournament.

It was Crosby then. It is Crosby now.

Ten days later, who could have imagined a similar scenario? Canada's Jonathan Toews scored in the first period, marking the first time the Americans had ever fallen behind in this tounament. Corey Perry followed in the second period with an assist from fellow Anaheim Ducks teammate Ryan Getzlaf. The U.S. kept up with Canada's aggression throughout the game and before the period ended, Ryan Kesler scored a much-needed point on respective Vancouver Canucks teammate, Roberto Luongo. Cutting the lead in half, the momentum didn't slow down for either side. Kesler's goal was proof that if each side wanted the gold medal, they needed to play harder, and better.

Throughout the entire game, both teams threw their weight around. One such hit which still rings clear in my mind is Brooks Orpik shoving Dany Heatley onto the Americans' bench. I'm sure you have your own pick, but I imagine this would be the most recounted. With under a minute to play, the U.S. had an extra attacker as Miller anxiously awaited on the bench, for one more glimmer of hope, for one more opportunity to skate back on the ice and play net. He got his wish when a shot fired by Patrick Kane tipped off of captain Jamie Langenbrunner, to Zach Parise, who buried it before Luongo could even get a glimpse of the puck.

This entire tournament, the U.S. was comprised of an All-Star line-up who showed consistent power and control during play. Their versatility and ability proved that they were just as much of a contender for gold as Canada or Russia. They had already defeated Canada once and the Canadians had overcome adversity - eliminating Russia and hanging on to defeat Slovakia 3-2 in the semi-finals. Canada was used to opponents fighting back, but this time, it was far more personal. With twenty-four seconds remaining, Zach Parise was reminder that the Americans were in Vancouver to crash the party. Patrick Kane achieved his second assist of the evening and I have to say he was one of my favourite players to watch in the tournament.

Just like every other Canadian, my world was rocked. I was at a rehearsal and could not focus as my phone vibrated four times in my pocket. I knew I had missed two exhilerating periods, and could not live with myself had I been absent for another moment. We had already tied the record for most gold medals won and one more would break that record, solidifying the excellence within Canadian athletics. Overtime was coming and that meant whoever scored the next and final goal, there would be no chance for the other side to attempt a return. It'd be over. Canada was on the verge of coming so far and falling one goal short of victory. The numerous outcomes that could have taken place still give me chills... February 28, 2010 could've marked the day of a memorable result or a nightmarish ending.

Overtime started and each side was one player short, playing four on four, just like the NHL. This time it was for all the bragging rights. Ryan Miller had been spectacular, Patrick Kane had stepped up and pushed harder and harder each play, Roberto Luongo was keeping Canada alive and well - everyone was doing their part on each side to stay well alive. The question was, who was under more pressure to deliver? the Americans came so far and acquired the overtime which they had been oh so desparate for the previous period, yet the Canadian team had the weight of an entire nation on their shoulders.

Sidney Crosby was once a child who had a fateful dream like any one of us. To be in a deadlock situation, and to be the hero who produces the best outcome for his side.

Crosby skated into the American zone with Iginla and arranged a pass for his linemate, as Crosby set up in front of the net to receive a pass that just looks like it was meant for him. The shot slid by Ryan Miller, who had been phenomenal in the entire tournament, and it was somewhat bittersweet to see such an easy shot beat the astronomical netminder. The sound of the goal horn was perhaps the greatest sound to ever resonate in Hockey Canada Place (which is actually GM Place). That play, that sound confirmed whose game this really was.

Once again, Sid the Kid, who should now be called Sid the Man, came through in a bigger way than previous for his country. He scored once against the Americans during their round robin bout, in the final minutes of the third but it wasn't enough as the Canadians lost 5-3. However, this was more than enough, this was the ultimate dream. Scoring for your NHL franchise is one thing, for the city you play for, but to score for your home country... for millions and millions of fans is something else. As he received his medal, the crowd chanted his last name for minutes. It was an overwhelming occasion to have seen a young player grow in the league and stand there, in the midst of a dreamy vision. Even Mike Babcock had to hold back tears. It's hard to cheer for Crosby when he plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins because he isn't representing your home team... But on February 28, Crosby was the hockey hero for an entire nation. He will be for a very long time. Not just because he scored the most necessary goal in recent memory, but also contributed to an international record.

Sidney Crosby is my overall Olympic athlete because he embodied the Olympic spirituality which the games have been based upon for thousands of years - making the most impressive yet necessary efforts and at the same time unifying a nation, reaffirming a belief which had been shaken up several times during these tournaments. It's incredible to witness a dream come true for someone who is regarded with grace and an unmatched athleticism.

Those vintage U.S.A. jerseys may have had something to do with defeating Canada in the exhibition round last Sunday... After all, that design was worn by the American team for the 'Miracle' game 30 years ago against the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid games.

However, hockey isn't based on what kind of jersey you wear. Sidney Crosby was meant for this team and to be a part of history and thanks to him, this is one of the greatest occurences for this country. For him, it's a beautiful tale, while for the warriors who stormed back and fought to the fullest, it still wasn't enough... they deserve the gold as much as Canada, but there can be only one winner, hence, the tragic ending.

Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver for the year 2010.