Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Thank you Canada . . .

I managed to keep up with the 2010 Vancouver Olympics thanks to NBC's website and yesterday I watched the Gold Medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA and the closing Ceremony, and all I can is Wow!

I have been a huge fan of the Olympics ever since I can remember and I'm pretty sure that my love and passion for the games grew in part out of my love for Travel and Adventure. Think of it . . . . athletes from all over the world converging in different host cities and countries every 2-4 years! It can't get any better than that! Well okay, it could be better if I can get to visit these cities too someday! :) I can remember my experience visiting the Olympic Park in Munich Germany to see the venues.

The informal motto introduced during the 1908 London Games by Pierre de Coubertin, says it all . . .

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

There were many memorable moments during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics:

- Bodie Miller's comeback;

- Lindsey Vonn & Julie Mancuso's success in winning 4 alpine skiing medals;

- Apolo Anton Ohno's mark in history winning 8 medals in three Olympics making him the most decorated US Winter Olympian of all times passing the amazing Bonnie Blair;

- Steve Holcomb and USA-1 winning Olympic gold in the four-man bobsledding and ending a 62-year drought;

- Johnny Spillane's amazing Silver medal finish in the nordic combined, an event dominated mostly by countries like Norway;

- Canada's women and men's Gold medal wins in Ice Hockey (and on this same note, how about USA men and women earning Silver...you can stand tall too for your achievements);

- Shen Xue and Zhao Honbo's return to finally capture their illusive Olympic gold in pairs figure skating;

- Evan Lysacek earning Olympic Gold in men's figure skating;

- And to all the athletes from around the world who earned their place in history by being the best in their sport to represent their country;

So many memorable moments . . . and some sad moments like the fatal luge accident that took the life of a 21 year old Olympian, Nodar Kumaritashvili (the entire world also mourned for his family's great loss).

I think for me, these Vancouver Winter games will always be remembered most of all for the courage and elegance demonstrated by figure skater Joanne Rochette of Canada who skated to a Bronze Medal only a couple of days after learning of her mother's death. And when she looked up towards heaven at the end of her performance, you could just sense her mother looking down and feeling so proud of her daughter! Thank you Joanne for that inspired performance and demonstration of unimaginable courage.

And to the people of Canada, you have been a most gracious host during these Olympic games and the World says a big collective Thank You!

Next up....