Norwegian Olympians - A Success Story

Most people are probably tired of the Olympics, of the politics involved (or avoided) and the whole nationalist thing that is the competition, but I love them. Especially since Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010. The whole vibe of the city was amazing and it felt so good to be part of something positive and exciting. 

The PyeongChang games have been challenging for our country. Our hockey crown was knocked off and our curling dominance erased. It's a tough pill, but necessary for us to rise to the occasion and come back stronger and, maybe, a bit more humbly. (I know, Canadians aren't roundly criticized for our lack of humbleness, but when it comes to hockey and curling, we're a bit puffed up sometimes. We have to be good at something, right? Besides being nice, of course.) It's been hard for us, as the Games weren't broadcast here in Ecuador and we've had to try to keep up with online Ecuadorian commentary and sporadic coverage.

The games though, for me, were about a tiny country in northern Europe. Little Norway. Population of just over 5 million people. They're always a power house in the cross country fields; things like biathlon, long distance skiing and perform well in downhill categories, but this year, they blew the competition out of the water. They led the medal standings from the get-go and never looked back. Not only that, but they did it with grace, humility and quiet pride. I'm impressed. I hope that their countrymen are proud and that they go home with heads held high. (Maybe the world will appreciate this little piece of sporting achievement more.) 

Not only do their curling teams sport some pretty fancy pants, 

 (and occasionally, none),

If these aren't Norwegians, I do apologise.

but they excelled in almost every field of competition. Norway isn't just the home of a popular cruise line; with 109 athletes (Canada had 226, to compare), they've won an impressive 38 medals (Canada - 28, so far) and I don't think they're quite done. They must have an amazing athletics program. (Side note: they're a constitutional monarchy, like Canada. Side/Side note: they have a coalition called "Red Green"...I wonder where they stand on duct tape.) I do find myself asking "how did they manage it?" (such Olympic dominance), but they might say that's just jealousy.

Forever proud of our team #iamcanadian!

To our Canadian Olympic team: well done. I will always be proud of your accomplishments as long as they are achieved with a sense of fair play, good sportsmanship and, hopefully, good Canadian self-deprecating humour.  You've represented us well. See some of you in 2020. Thanks for the amazing ride, you're always gold in my heart.