So it
all went to script with an extra twist to heighten the excitement. Canada
really did Own the Podium after securing hockey gold against arch-rivals USA.
In overtime, no less. What an epic finale.
Pity I
couldn’t see it live. Got to the entrance and was turned away for having the
wrong ticket, even though the International Olympic Committee official who gave
it to me insisted it was valid despite my queries. Ah well, that was one of few
personal mishaps in an otherwise brilliant Winter Olympics in Vancouver and
Whistler.
Hockey,
Canada’s no.1 sporting passion, has a new convert. I will no longer abruptly
turn over from the Cayman TV channel when NHL comes on every Saturday night for
a zillion hours. Bring on the power plays!
It now
warrants a passing glimpse at least and even longer if any players called
Crosby, Nash, Brodeur or Luongo are involved, especially Crosby. He had a
relatively quiet tournament but produced the goods when it really mattered for
that sensational gold medal clincher.
The
Games will hold many fond memories, not least the friendliness of the Canadians,
particularly when spotting my Cayman Islands coat. “It’s a bit warmer in Cayman
than here,” I often heard, but the genuine warmth from locals rivalled tropical
sun – and it was not contrived either. Canadians have an immense reputation for
their accommodating nature. It showed with endearing brilliance for a
fortnight. Coming home in the early hours weary after a long day’s work, I was
cheered by a couple of Canadian girls chanting: “Go Cayman go!” Completely
spontaneous. (Their dads must have a financial interest there.)
Apart from seeing Dow Travers do superbly in the giant
slalom, my best moment was going to my first ever hockey match, when USA beat
Canada 5-3. Priceless. Bring on Sochi, the next Winter Games, in Russia. Going
there has never appealed, but if it’s half as good as Vancouver the Russians
had better pile up their vodka stocks from now.