Transitions

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