Silken's Blog

Figure Skating was another first yesterday. The whole atmosphere was so intimate you could see the skaters in the ready area with their coaches. Being at the event it really hit home that these athletes are never free of the cameras. There is even a camera completely dedicated to following the coach. -- Silken

Yesterday was a day of firsts. William was keen on getting tickets for snowboard cross, a sport I had never even heard about. Thanks to Omega my kids and I attended and had an absolutely crazy fun time. The sport is skilled boarding, tactics and chance, all built into one.  Four Canadians made it into the quarterfinal, which made for crazy amounts of cheering and foot stomping on the bleachers. My son was cheering madly for Fagan who got grabbed by a snow snake according to my fiancée, and was eliminated from the next round. Between rounds loud music blasted through the speakers and all the fans got to know one another. My daughter made friends with an American couple behind us, and the deal was we would cheer for the Americans as long as a Canadian wasn't competing. This is half the fun of being at the Olympics as a spectator. Everybody is experiencing the event together and that connection begins conversation. We met parents of athletes and shared their excitement and disappointment. -- Silken

I opened the globe and mail today to see the most beautiful image of Jennifer Heil just missing a gold medal. Her face is so calm and composed, and sad all at once. The stakes in sport are so high, you train so intensely for so many years, and a little wobble of the knee, and gold turns to silver. She had a beautiful run and knew it but the American Hannah Kearney was just a little bit better. You are amazing and inspiring Jennifer.

We spent the day walking the city and joining the crowds of people who came downtown to soak up the atmosphere. Then off to an art exhibit put on by Canadian Centre for Sport in Calgary, featuring a series of Canadian Sport Heroes painted by Gordon Milne. The paintings are powerful and unusual, and as a collection they are simply stunning. Alex Baumann was there as were a dozen or so other Olympic athletes. Kyle Shewfelt and I talked about the transition from sport to next passions. It’s a tough transition and one must be willing to just be okay at something for a while. Many athletes have a tough time handling moving from being the greatest in the world at something to just okay for now. I guess I am better than many in accepting this because I am bad at so many things. When I start something new I just expect to be crummy at it because it takes me awhile to learn new skills, athletic or otherwise.

Oh yes, and Alexandre Bilodeau’s gold medal in men’s moguls. What a great start to the games. I watched Own the Podium’s Alex Baumann’s face, as he saw Canada win gold, and he looked relieved. The streets were full of gold Canada gold and much revellery in Robson Square. We were at the ballet tonight as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Dance Canada Dance with both the National Ballet of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. I loved it but unfortunately both kids were asleep beside me so I left before the end. Exhausted from walking the city with my kids my fiancée and his daughter, but we are having a wonderful time and my kids will never forget these experiences. Silken

Today we went to Long Track Speed Skating - Men’s 5OOOM. Those crazy Dutch fans were almost as loud as us Canadians. When Sven Kramer won gold the whole band started and the entire grandstand erupted in singing!   Great athletes, and as endurance athletes whose race last roughly the same time, I could relate to the pain.

Now we are at women’s hockey. Canada vs Slovakia.  Canada is leading by seven and my son just ran out to the concession and met Premier Campbell. I asked William if the Premier had remembered him and William answered, “he meets hundreds of people mom, but he gave me a pin!”

There are people everywhere in this city and anybody selling something red with Canada on it is making a fortune. Hopefully a large percent of all proceeds will go to our athletes! It is wonderful to see the sea of red everywhere you turn. If you are going over wear your running shoes. To get into most venues it seems you have to circle them several times by foot. Yesterday I had boots on and I went to bed with huge blisters. Saw Jennifer Heil just before leaving the hotel today. She had a great run and as I far as I could see but until I get to a television that is all I know, so in fact you who are watching rather than being here are in some ways getting a more complete idea about how Canadians are doing.   --Silken

The Opening Ceremonies were amazing as seen through the eyes of my children. They were so happy to be there and they knew they were lucky. Kate sprayed her hair red and spent the entire time talking and pointing so much, I worried that our gracious hosts the Royal Bank, would ask her to be quiet. My son was so awed he was absolutely mute, but at one point leaned over and told me it was the best day of his life.

My impressions. Amazing performance - I loved the maple leaves and the fiddlers. The whale scene was incredible, but the highest moment was watching my friend Rick Hansen wheel into the stadium. I wanted him to just keep going and light that cauldron. It was great to have Wayne and Steve Nash and Catriona there, but I would have been just as happy to have Rick have the final honour. I think Rick represent all that is best about humanity, courage, persistence, vision and caring.

Great start, now let's watch our athletes.