Day 19: Golden Blades

They snuck under the radar. Their not a big hockey story. Canada vs USA in the women's hockey final for Gold in a few days, and the men's team starting low in their quest for the hockey podium with a match against Germany today. Ashleigh McIvor starting the women's skicross qualifications this morning to hopefully be in the final four this afternoon. These 2 stories have been monopolizing the airwaves lately.

Many of you woke up to find out Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won Canada's first ever Gold medal in figure skating's dance event at an Olympic Games. An event usually dominated by Europeans. The place was packed and when the Russian couple received their score putting them in third , it meant Scott and Tessa had the Gold.......the place erupted. I'm surprise the roof is still on. It is now 11:15 am and I don't think they've been to sleep yet. Pictures, media, CTV, etc.......I don't think they'll get a break for a few days.

But the Games are going on. Our curlers are dominating and today are fighting to get into the finals. Shall I dare say we might "Own the curling Podium"? I better be careful.

Things are still medically quiet for us and athletes are enjoying themselves. Some have finished competing and become cheerleaders for their peers. They get to go see other sorts as well. Most never get to see anything else as they are training and competing according to their schedule and if they are in a sport that lasts most of the games, they are committed and don't get to see much else. It's nice to see the stands with Canadian athlete cheering. Although they're hard to find as it appears that most people have been to HBC and bought some Canadian apparel which makes everyone look like a Canadian Olympic team member. The home team is therefore huge.

As I write this I am watching Cheryl Bernard throw her last rock against team Great Britain. Most, like myself, have trouble getting excited about curling. After looking at so many highlights of impressive control by our Canadian teams, We have become riveted by what is happening at the Curling Centre. So many phenomenal shots and Cheryl's last one, for the win, is long by about 6 inches. She has made this shot many times over the last few weeks. It's a draw. They're not done yet as they will play an extra end. But the pressure rises. I never thought curling could be that exciting but these are the best in the world and they have had a packed house at the venue. Some have said it's the noisiest crowds.

Ladies singles are on the ice starting today. Joannie Rochette will be skating and I suspect will have solid support from the audience .We also have a full schedule with medal events with the short track speed skaters tonight. Things aren't done yet.....