The World Competes

The biggest (competitive) event of Vancouver day 17 for most North American viewers had to be the gold medal hockey game between the United States and Canada. It went into overtime, with Canada winning 3-2. Sidney Crosby made the wining goal for Canada.

The Vancouver games were not perfect. There were a couple of flaws, including the door that would not open during the torch lighting, the “green” faux Zamboni machines that broke down, the lack of snow, and some problems with timers. But overall, the Olympics turned out well.

The games were good for Canada as well. Canada received a grand total of 14 gold medals, which was more than any other country in all of Olympic history. A few teams have received 13 gold medals, including the Soviet Union in 1976 and Norway in 2002, but none had ever won 14. The United States did well too, in the overall medal count, with 37 medals total. That isn’t the highest ever; I believe that honor goes to Germany in 2002, with 46 total medals, but it is the highest that United States has ever received. Their previous record was 34 in Salt Lake City.

The only event left on the Olympic schedule is the closing ceremonies… I also have to catch up on some of the broadcasts that I Tivo’d and didn’t have the chance to see in the past couple of weeks. They should be excellent. Good job Canada!