Day 12 of Competition

Never in my life could I have imagined how I would feel watching a Canadian win a medal at home at the Olympics. I will treasure that feeling for the rest of my life, and the medal could not have gone to a nicer Canadian. Clara Hughes is the opitome of what you would want her to be. She always has a smile on her face, is kind, generous and always has time for you--no matter what the circumstances. When she did her victory lap in shoes after the flower ceremony, it was as if she was thanking every single one of us individually. It must have taken her 20 mins. to make the trip around. Not one person left the stadium before the ceremony was over.
I was sitting at the end of the last corner in a sea of orange. The Nederlanders certainly do love their speed skating! They were pretty obnoxious whenever a Dutch skater was skating, but they also cheered for any good skater. I was so shocked when I saw how fast they skated. I had read somewhere that at top speed they are going faster than the speed limit on city streets. That is 50km per hour, and when they are doing it right in front of you it is just phenomenal! Martina Sablikova, who won the race was incredibly smooth. Her upper body was motionless, even at the end. All the power was in the legs. My only disappointment was the venue. Inside it is an absolutely beautiful building, but all around the outside they have temporary tent-like structures which funnel people in only 2 gates which are open, and the washrooms are portapotties!!! I assume that is all for security reasons but it sure detracts from the building. I would love to come back and see these venues when they are no longer shrouded in all this security stuff!
I guess this has been Wonderful Wednesday! It sure beats Super Sunday which was a bust! Imagine coming 1st and 2nd in an event--4 medals altogether--and all of them from women!
Tomorrow is my last day at the Boathouse. I stopped in on my way back from the Oval to say goodbye to some of the girls I won't see again. I am going to be sad to leave. I will certainly miss the thrill and excitement, but I must admit that it has been tiring and I am looking forward to relaxing in Florida and spending time with my family.
I almost forgot to tell you that I went to the O Zone this morning before I went to the Oval. It was interesting but not exactly hopping! I guess I went too early, but I didn't want to be late for the race.