Olympics Notebook: Vancouver 2010
Vancouver podcast — day three
There’s gold in them there Canadian Hills. Join our podcast crew to discuss Canada’s first success at a home Olympics, the Swiss winner of the men’s Alpine skiing downhill and, of course, The Simpsons.
Winter Games — picture of the day
Picture of the Day has to feature Alexandre Bilodeau, the man who wrote himself into the record books by becoming the first Canadian to win a gold medal at a home Olympics.
This picture, taken by Mark Blinch, captures him just as he launches his arms into the air in celebration at that gold medal win in the moguls freestyle.
Original caption: Canada’s Alexandre Bilodeau celebrates after his run during men’s freestyle skiing moguls finals on Cypress Mountain at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 14, 2010. Bilodeau won the Gold Medal in the event. REUTERS/Mark Blinch
Breaking news: Canada wins first gold
Alexandre Bilodeau’s nerveless performance in the men’s freestyle moguls has ensured his position as a national hero, while lighting up an Olympic Games that had been in danger of falling flat.
The 22-year-old from Montreal became the first Canadian to win a gold medal at an Olympics hosted by the country — and this is their third — when he clinched victory at 1819 local time on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, at Cypress Mountain.
After the disappointment of the first day, and most of the second, the sense of relief among Canadians must be enormous. Canada spent billions of dollars bringing the Games to Vancouver and more than a hundred million on their Own The Podium programme, designed to improve their medal account and the Summer and Winter Games over five years.
The Olympics was badly in need of a lift after the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili on Friday morning.
The terrible weather that ruled out any Alpine skiing competition over the first weekend also spoiled the mood somewhat but from now on it’s going to feel like a different Games.
PHOTO: Canada’s Alexandre Bilodeau competes during men’s freestyle skiing moguls qualifying on Cypress Mountain at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 14, 2010. REUTERS/Mark Blinch
