CoachCanada,
Fredric Bilodeau wins Canada's first gold medal, in our history on home soil. Even though he had ended a 30 year plus drought within seconds of learning he had won, he reached out to pat Guilbault Colas of France (6th) on the back. This gesture sums up the Canadian people and athletes in one motion. Fierce when competing, yet humble in victory, while also showing concern for others.
Canadians fierce? Not exactly our image around the world. But take a step back and look deeper and you will find what is at the core of most Canadians. In daily life manners play a most important role to us. The flip side is that you could quickly get a punch in the nose if you do not use manners while conducting yourself in our everyday society. (visitors are given great latitude).
Our National sport Lacrosse and what is considered our game Hockey. Are the only modern day team sports where there will be fighting in almost every match. Another contradiction to our world image as a polite to a fault country.
Stephen Colbert pointed out in his mock news show the Steven Colbert Report, that access to practice was being denied by the evil Canadians to team USA. Very funny stuff considering the IOC has a specific amount of access to training that has to be given to visiting countries during the Olympics, and Canada in all sports made sure all countries had more then the set amounts. But it made for great TV and promoted the USA's speed skating team.
It seems that when you look at Canadians as a whole they are very polite but quick to fight in sports and bars. Not so bad I guess when hand guns are not in every second or third pocket. The vast majority of us also like Americans and want you to come and visit your Northern allies; you deserve the break and we could use the money. Just bring a please and thank-you, you will find Canadians bending over backwards to make your visit a fantastic vacation.
Mens Hockey starts today, and Canadians are getting pumped to watch. Canada and the USA's men teams are threats to win medals. The USA's and Canadian woman's teams will meet in the finals unless there is a freakish upset. Good luck to all teams, and here's hoping for more great results for Canada and the USA.
Thanks for reading.
Medal leaders:
USA 8
GER 6
FRA 5
CAN 4
