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[Solo]

Were these Winter Olympics the best ever?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jamespearce/2010/02/worst_ever_these_olympics_may.html

The answer is a resounding YES. Best two weeks to be a Canadian I can ever recall.

 

[Peru]

They definitely weren't the best ever, but I think they were better than Torino and Salt Lake City in atmosphere (and Salt Lake had some even more unfortunate 'scandals' during its run).

 

[Canova]

Yeah, it's going to be shit tomorrow, but that said, I hope the spirit lives on in this city.

Vancouver hasn't been this alive since ever, for once, I'm damn fucking proud of this city. We shown the world why we're the number one god damn city in the world. I was honestly surprised when I saw the massive turnout and spirit, I really didn't think the city had that in it, but I was pleasantly wrong.

Sure, the games might've cost us quite a bit, but looking at what this city has been like these past two weeks, I'd say it was worth every god damn penny.

Vancouver finally woke up.

Financially, I think Vancouver might get a much larger boost in tourism than they expected. The amazing spirit in the city coupled with that long period of sunshine and those fantastic over the sky shots by NBC, will likely encourage a lot of people to come and visit.

Yup you guys did great. It's like the Olympics legitimatized Vancouver as a world-class city, even eclipsing Toronto in that sense, as the no. 1 city in Canada. The same way Barcelona came out of the shadow, and even eclipsed Madrid as the no. 1 of Spain.

I mentioned it before, as a Torontonian, I wish we could host an Olympic and hosted it the way you guys did. Congrats

here's more buzz around the globe, even from the skeptical Brits. The buzz is that how Vancouver embraced the game like no other city before (maybe Sydney, but even that's in the Summer Games, which is a much bigger event)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olliewilliams/2010/02/vancouver_atmosphere.shtml

Will London be as British as Vancouver is Canadian?

It is hard to convey just how Canadian these Winter Games have been.

Multi-Olympic veterans to whom I've spoken are in awe of it. Even Canadians seem occasionally taken aback. Vancouver is a city painted red and white, partying long and loud into every night on the crest of a wave of national fervour. Each gold medal is a new excuse for Canada to celebrate the fact of its existence.

I have sat and watched as floods of fans transformed empty venues into a seething mass of maple leaves - nowhere more so than the Olympic ice hockey arena, Canada Hockey Place, for the women's gold medal game on Thursday.

Enclosed arenas amplify noise at the best of times, and the crescendo as the Canadian team took to the ice must have made the home team feel 100ft tall. It is hard to recall one fan who did not turn up in national colours.

That has been replicated at every venue, in every event, and out on the streets no matter the day of the week. Is that simply what happens to Olympic host cities, or has this been a peculiarly Canadian phenomenon? Will London 2012 feel like this?

Any public place in Canada is operating beyond fever pitch as these Games slowly reach a close. On one occasion, we were treated to impromptu renditions of the Canadian national anthem three times in one cacophonously patriotic half-hour.

Queues of Canadian fans waiting to get into venues exhibit similar characteristics. Anywhere a crowd of more than four or five gathers, it is not long before chants of "Go! Canada! Go!" are struck up, to the ringing of cowbells and honking of passing horns.

"The most important thing is the enthusiasm of the people," said International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge earlier in the week. "I have never seen a city embrace the Games in this way."

Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt added: "All of us have been totally amazed by the way the Canadian nation has been absolutely entwined with these Games. The challenge for us now is to make sure the home team is really at the centre of the London 2012."

And therein lies a critical difference. The Canadian national sport is ice hockey, and there was never any doubt that the home hockey teams would be front and centre of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Every second Canadian on the streets is wearing a hockey jersey - the other is wearing the Canadian flag as a cape.

The women's team have already made themselves heroes and the entire nation will stop what it is doing, don the national colours and watch, impatiently, when the men take to the ice in Sunday's final. Canadians will wait for the chance, the right, to celebrate their status as the finest hockey nation in the world.

This is a country so secure in its patriotism, so comfortable with its international reputation for "nice", that when the American women appeared close to tears collecting their silver medals, Canadian fans thundered "U-S-A! U-S-A!" in sympathy. (Would English football fans do that for players from a rival team?)

Whether it's as easy to be secure in feeling British is a different question - one you could write books on, let alone an Olympic blog. But Britain as a sports team has always felt like a tricky concept for much of its population to grasp.

Britain's constituent nations play the sports about which they are most passionate as separate entities - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Football would be the British equivalent to ice hockey in Canada, but how many people are fans of British football? Type "Team GB" into a search engine and on the first page of results you will find a website dedicated to opposing a British football team at London 2012.

Fans of football, cricket and rugby, which many British people would list first if asked to name sports they follow, are English, Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh. They are unlikely to identify themselves, first and foremost, as British when it comes to sport.


.....

For Canada, it feels as though the entire Games has been an outlet for a national consciousness in existence for many, many decades. The raw, patriotic energy was there, and the Winter Olympics simply channelled it to spectacular ends.

Does the challenge for London 2012 organisers lie in channelling the patriotism of individual nations into that British team, or in generating that patriotism in the first place?

Will Trafalgar Square become a living, breathing carpet of red, white, and blue, or will the London Games be an entirely different affair? Will being British at London 2012 feel like being Canadian at Vancouver 2010? And is it necessarily bad if it doesn't? I'm looking forward to finding out.

 

[Solo]

I think these games have put the Winter Games back on the map in a way they havent been in years. And to be in Canada these past two weeks has been a special experience. Patriotism like Ive never seen. Random bouts of "Oh Canada" breaking out in the streets? Awesome.

 

[Wiggum2007]

I miss the Olympics already.

 

[Medalion]

Canada knows how they are viewed around the world, so poke fun at yourselves, because really... what else do we have to be THAT proud of?

It was the only closing ceremony we could do, without alienating people going through most of the show, "Who the fuck is this playing, or speaking?"

 

[Solo]

The only problem is, and the lack of response during the ceremony proves this, is that the humor was decidedly TOO much of an inside joke. The whole "Im sorry" bit, while hilarious for us canucks, leaves most of the other nations cold, because they dont get it and it means nothing to them.

 

[Medalion]

Yeah I did notice that a lot. A lot of tongue and cheek that seemed somewhat sarcastic to the non-canadians, "...this is how you view us so we'll play up to your stereotypes because you're dumb like that, haha we won a lot, thanks for coming to our country, don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out."

 

[C.Dark.DN]

The only problem is, and the lack of response during the ceremony proves this, is that the humor was decidedly TOO much of an inside joke. The whole "Im sorry" bit, while hilarious for us canucks, leaves most of the other nations cold, because they dont get it and it means nothing to them.

yep, didn't get it at all. usa here

 

[Medalion]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

 

[Fersis]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

The hell? Not at all.
We view Canada as a first world country.

 

[RSTEIN]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country

? Please explain

 

[Canova]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

WTF?!? stupid comment

 

[Medalion]

I was exaggerating a bit but there's still a little truth in it.

 

[diehard]

They definitely weren't the best ever, but I think they were better than Torino and Salt Lake City in atmosphere (and Salt Lake had some even more unfortunate 'scandals' during its run).

Hell no man we actually had snow.

 

[RSTEIN]

I was exaggerating a bit but there's still a little truth in it.

Again, please explain. In Canada we prefer to converse, not troll.

 

[DrEvil]

Again, please explain. In Canada we prefer to converse, not troll.

It's okay RSTEIN, most of GAF considers Medalion a joke or a non-poster. I wouldn't worry too much about what he says about our great country

 

[btkadams]

Canada knows how they are viewed around the world, so poke fun at yourselves, because really... what else do we have to be THAT proud of?

It was the only closing ceremony we could do, without alienating people going through most of the show, "Who the fuck is this playing, or speaking?"

i noticed you said "we." are you actually canadian? you sound like your pretty ignorant about your own country.

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

i thought the "we're sorry" was kinda funny also because foreigners say they can tell who is canadian because canadians are always apologizing. like if they bump into your or something.

and fuck you if you actually think Canada is viewed as a joke or a non-country.

 

[Igo]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

The only country that view's Canada like that is America. That view only comes from a certain element of the population and is just military posturing anyway.

 

[naijaboy]

Actually winning tournaments instead of finishing in 2nd or 3rd.

14-9

LTTP but give this man a gold medal. fuck total medal count. no one gives shit about silver or bronze when it comes to deciding the winner of the olympics

 

[Solo]

Since I didnt make it to Vancouver (from Halifax) for these games, and Im not going to Russia, Ive decided that if Annency or Munich get the games in 2018, Im so going. Ive always wanted to see Germany, so Id love it if Munich wins the bid.

 

[Jay Sosa]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit, so having Canada go "We're sorry" tongue and cheek is kinda insulting and they won't get the joke.

What?

Not in Europe.

 

[RSTEIN]

It's okay RSTEIN, most of GAF considers Medalion a joke or a non-poster. I wouldn't worry too much about what he says about our great country

Hmm, I've never seen him before this thread, actually :lol

 

[lunarworks]

Anyone got any GIFs of those giant inflatable Mounties and beavers?

(Also, NBC cut that part out? For a REALITY show? WTF? Fuck you, NBC, I'm double-glad Chicago didn't get the Olympics now.)

 

[Peru]

 

[BaronLundi]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country, and losing to them makes them feel like shit.

No, it's just you. Or some US in-joke maybe? In this case I assure you it's a very private joke. Canada's great and that seems to be the common opinion, at least in Europe.

 

[Brannon]

Gotta say, it was a pretty solid Olympic event this year, especially with Canada getting the most gold AND taking the one medal that pretty much belongs to Canada. And this is coming from a US citizen. I mean, you could make a movie out of it; an event that starts off in the worst way (somebody dies before the opening ceremonies), continuous heartbreak after heartbreak (um guys, about owning the podium... *koff*), only to pull it all off in the end (CANADA GOLD!)?

It's absolutely perfect with not a single fl(platinum medal)aw...

...

oh yeah.

Russia. And that whole... thing. And their announcing that their Olympic officials should step down... I'm sure we can fit that in the movie somewhere; Hollywood is smrt at those kinds of things!

 

[ili0926]

Looks aboot right, eh?



Needs more igloos.

 

[Firestorm]

what the hell
O Canada is stuck in my head
the song stuck in my head is our national anthem

 

[ili0926]

what the hell
O Canada is stuck in my head
the song stuck in my head is our national anthem

Beats I Believe.


='(

I sure do love me some montages though.

 

[Threi]

what the hell
O Canada is stuck in my head
the song stuck in my head is our national anthem

It could be worse

 

[Igo]

oh yeah.

Russia. And that whole... thing. And their announcing that their Olympic officials should step down... I'm sure we can fit that in the movie somewhere; Hollywood is smrt at those kinds of things!

What's this about?

No one answered me before. What piece was the Russian opera lady singing. I recognize it but can't name it.

 

[AlphaTwo00]

Any more screencaps of other parts of the closing ceremony?

 

[speedpop]

Great Olympics. Not much more needs to be said. My days will be bleak for the next few months till it is hit with a knockout 1-2 in the form of Tour de France and the World Cup.

 

[Canova]

Great Olympics. Not much more needs to be said. My days will be bleak for the next few months till it is hit with a knockout 1-2 in the form of Tour de France and the World Cup.

Too bad Canada isn't in the World Cup.

I guess I just have to cheer for my adopted-country, Italy

 

[crazy monkey]

:lol

 

[The Interrobanger]

I haven't really been following GAF's opinions on the Olympics but seeing how impressed you guys all seem after the fact is pretty hilarious.

As a Canadian I'm so fucking glad the Olympics are over. I've had to watch the same 10 fucking commercials and listen to the same "analysts" spew pro-Canada propaganda for the past 6 months. I don't know a single person who feels differently than I do in real life...we're all completely exhausted of the bullshit manufactured patriotism.

And if I have to hear that "I Believe" song one more time I'm gonna murder someone.

 

[Pakkidis]

As a Canadian I'm so fucking glad the Olympics are over. I've had to watch the same 10 fucking commercials and listen to the same "analysts" spew pro-Canada propaganda for the past 6 months. I don't know a single person who feels differently than I do in real life...we're all completely exhausted of the bullshit manufactured patriotism.

I disagree, this is the first time I've seen in a very long time where Canada seems very patriotic. Its too bad only hockey can do that for us.

And if I have to hear that "I Believe" song one more time I'm gonna murder someone.

This I can agree with.

 

[The Interrobanger]

I disagree, this is the first time I've seen in a very long time where Canada seems very patriotic. Its too bad only hockey can do that for us.

It should also be said that I hate hockey.

 

[Pelydr]

Really good winter Olympics. Not Canadian but you guys kicked ass. The hocky final was fantastic even though we lost. Sure you had some problems but everyone does. I really don't see how Russia will do better.........Also, yeah America for the bobsled gold!

 

[Threi]

It should also be said that I hate hockey.

+1. Too bad Americans decided they had to talk shit instead of quietly taking the win, especially considering it wasn't for any medals. Ideally Canada would have broken the record in gold medals and do really well except in hockey, just as a hint that "hey maybe we can put our sponsorship into something other than hockey"

This country's obsession with that damn sport is borderline disgusting.

 

[BocoDragon]

I haven't really been following GAF's opinions on the Olympics but seeing how impressed you guys all seem after the fact is pretty hilarious.

As a Canadian I'm so fucking glad the Olympics are over. I've had to watch the same 10 fucking commercials and listen to the same "analysts" spew pro-Canada propaganda for the past 6 months. I don't know a single person who feels differently than I do in real life...we're all completely exhausted of the bullshit manufactured patriotism.

And if I have to hear that "I Believe" song one more time I'm gonna murder someone.

I saw real, authentic outbursts of patriotism from human beings all over the streets... nothing manufactured about it on the ground level. You just watched too much TV.

 

[maharg]

+1. Too bad Americans decided they had to talk shit instead of quietly taking the win, especially considering it wasn't for any medals. Ideally Canada would have broken the record in gold medals and do really well except in hockey, just as a hint that "hey maybe we can put our sponsorship into something other than hockey"

This country's obsession with that damn sport is borderline disgusting.

Er, that's what OTP was about, really. A lot of money went into sports that were not Men's Hockey. http://www.ownthepodium2010.com/Funding/winter_sports.aspx

 

[Karma]

The only country that view's Canada like that is America. That view only comes from a certain element of the population and is just military posturing anyway.

No we dont.

 

[Pelydr]

Also, why do people think that the US talked shit when it was Canada that talked up the whole podium bullshit? The US takes shit for things we didn't even talk up. :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[Big-E]

Today felt so surreal after the madness of yesterday. Really feel sorry for those Canadians who don't live in Vancouver and got to experience this. Fucking awesome.

 

[maharg]

There's been quite a lot of American shit-talking in this and the hockey thread. You'd have to be blind to miss it.

 

[jamesinclair]

Alright another Olympics over and another withdrawal week coming up. No Olympics in 2011, damn! .

There is a TV channel called Universal Sports that plays olympic sports year round. I dont mean repeats of the olympics (well, they do), but live events of olympic sports. If you dont have it on cable, check the bunny ears....it's available OTA in most markets.

 

[Socreges]

Most nations view Canada as a joke or a non-country

Have you actually gone to Europe, Asia, or Latin America to actually discover if this is true? Because it's not. Many Americans do treat Canada that way, but for their own ridiculous reasons that shouldn't concern us.

 

[Brannon]

What's this about?

No one answered me before. What piece was the Russian opera lady singing. I recognize it but can't name it.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5isnPCOBS-fug_Kb03sVAvwDIM5vwD9E5VGEG2

Medvedev demands resignations over Olympic flop
By DAVID NOWAK (AP) – 4 hours ago

MOSCOW — President Dmitry Medvedev demanded Monday that Russian sports officials step down over the country's dismal performance at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Russia, a traditional winter sports powerhouse, won just 15 medals — with only three golds — in one of its worst performances. Officials said before the games that 30 medals and a top-three finish in the medal standings was the target.

Russia placed 11th for golds and sixth in the overall medal count.

In televised comments, Medvedev said if those responsible for preparing the athletes don't resign then the decision will be made for them. He did not mention anyone by name.

"Those who bear the responsibility for Olympic preparations should carry that responsibility. It's totally clear," he said. "I think that the individuals responsible, or several of them, who answer for these preparations, should take the courageous decision to hand in their notice. If we don't see such decisiveness, we will help them."

More at the link.

Dunno what the problem is; they have PLATINUM!