Despite all the criticism of the 2010 Winter Olympics from the New York Times and other American publicists, Canadian pride continues to grow at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Call it jealousy of recognition, or pessimism, American journalists have been harshly critiquing Canada for some of the problems Vancouver has been facing for their first time hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics. First, the death of 21 year old Nodar Kumaritashvili, then the technical malfunction of one of the torch stands at the Opening Ceremonies, and now the cancellation of tickets to the Snowboard Cross event. But what we all know is that none of these problems could have been pre-diagnosed, and Canadians are getting the true brunt of it.
Every Canadian was just as shocked as the rest of the world to hear of the death of Olympic hopeful Nodar Kumaritashvili. A horrible tragedy to start the beginning of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, nobody could have predicted his tragic death, after many perfected practice runs on the luge track in Whistler B.C. Sure, as critics' state, this particular luge track is known to be the most challenging luge run in the world, but as we all know that is what these athletes thrive on. Every Olympian signs a waiver knowing the risks and dangers of the sport they compete in, and as tragic as Kumaritashvili's death is, this is not the first fatal incident this sport has ever seen.
As for the simple technical malfunction at the Opening Ceremonies, you could easily say that this was an unnoticeable glitch to the amazing show the Canadians put on. Not only did they have one torch lit, they had an outside replica torch which was enflamed by the great one himself, Wayne Gretzky. The Opening Ceremonies focused on recognizing Canadian artists including Katie Lang, Garou, and Sarah McLachlan, as well as Nelly Furtado, and Bryan Adams. There were many spectacles to be seen including killer whales splashing along the bottom of the stadium floor; a giant bear; and trapeze artists levitating and falling around a lit maple leaf. This was no doubt a performance that reflected Canadian pride, inclusive of all races, and cultural identities. New York Times Journalist Charles Mcgrath noted how Canada is a country that is even "unafraid to put a poet up there on stage." But despite this writer's sarcasm, poet Shane Koyczan's line admitting that Canada is a country that's not afraid to use the words "please and thank-you" would not have been as convincing if recited by just any country including the United States.
But the cancellation of tickets to the Snowboard Cross event is undoubtedly a disappointment for all Canadian fans. Since Vancouver was counting on more snow and better weather for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the unfortunate circumstances for this event were un-predicted. Last year Vancouver faced such harsh winter conditions that this year's mild weather came as a huge surprise. But you can bet that the Olympic team Committee will do everything they can to make sure that this event can go on, and that Canadian fans won't be disappointed.
For the most part if you are visiting Vancouver, you can see that the majority of Olympic fans are satisfied with the Canadian spirit that can be seen in and around the community. Most business's have jumped on the band wagon, making the best Canadian displays in their windows to support the athletes, and join in on the celebration for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
