Watching Alex Bilodeau gyrate down the course at Cypress and find gold at the end of his bumpy rainbow may be the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen.
It’s safe to say I’m not alone in that sentiment.
Another witness was Peter Mansbridge, chief correspondent of CBC News. He was beaming and flashing me hand signals while reading a voiceover in the “live” broadcast of The National. His aim was to learn the result and get it out as fast as he could once the last skier came across the line.
When it happened, Mansbridge got the sign and was able to acknowledge the explosion of cheers from the Whistler village square.
“Finally, gold for Canada at home!”
In the aftermath of Bilodeau’s accomplishment, there is a sense that a weight has been lifted … a stigma erased … and more importantly, something precious for all Canadians.
“I was just so honoured to be here to see it,” said Sam Edney. Edney races the luge and had just recorded a landmark result by a Canadian man by finishing seventh in a competition tainted by tragedy in its early stages.
“We all gathered and ate pizza and watched it on TV,” Edney said. “The Canadian fans are awesome and so is Alex Bilodeau.”
There’s something going on here, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the jet stream of pride and passion in the evolving Canadian performance.
As downhill racer and Whistler native Britt Janyk considered what is happening, she reflected on her chance to deliver at the home Olympics the way Bilodeau did. And she could hardly contain her excitement.
“It means I can look back and see the path I’ve taken,” she said. “I wouldn’t want it to be any different. I feel a real sense of community building.”
Janyk may have hit the nail squarely on the head. Canadians are coming together. In the thrill of victory on home soil, they have discovered the newest and shiniest of national treasures.
It’s amazing to be here to witness it all unfold.
– Gemini Award winner and author Scott Russell is the Host of CBC Sports Weekend seen Saturday afternoons. A 20-year CBC Sports veteran, he has covered a variety of professional and amateur sports including nine Olympic games and numerous world championships.
