Words from Whistler

Canadian Athletes Rule on February 24

What an outstanding day for our Canadian athletes. Our women won both gold and silver in Bobsleigh, the women’s short track speed skating team won silver, Clara Hughes won bronze and the men’s hockey team soundly beat Russia in the quarter finals. Coincidentally, February 24 is also the day the men’s hockey team won gold at the Salt Lake City, Olympics.

Everyone in Whistler was still celebrating Ashleigh McIvor’s gold in ski cross, and today they went crazy over the performances of Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse as they won gold and Helen Upperton and brakeman Shelley-Ann Brown who won the silver. The victory celebration through Whistler was all encompassing. What made it even more amazing was the inclusion of everyone on the team, including the coaches, the support staff and the bobsleigh track team, forerunners and operations staff. The athletes and coaches are adamant that they could not have succeeded without the help of everyone around them and their desire to include them and recognize them in their celebrations this evening epitomized the ‘team’ in team sports.

The silver and bronze speed skating medals by the women's short track speed skating team in the 3,000-metre relay and Clara Hughes has everyone believing Canadian momentum is certainly on a high. Even the showdown between Canada and Russia has fans once again believing we can bring home the gold in men’s hockey.

And so, with Canada winning four medals, the men dominating their hockey game, the king and queen of Norway visiting Whistler Canada Olympic House and a wild medal celebration party, I would say February 24 was a good birthday.

Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.