The energy that Canada had in reaction to these Olympic Games was phenomenal. Even though I live almost on the opposite end of this country, every morning I would arrive to school amid the chatter about which Canadians dominated which sporting even the night before. For those of you who don’t know (and as a Canadian commercial for McDonald’s boasts) Canada this year won the most gold medals that any other country has won in the Winter Olympics. We finished third overall for the medal count, but we dominated when it came to gold medals. This is pretty impressive, considering that Canada had never before won a gold medal on home soil before, in the Montreal and Calgary Olympics. Alexandre Bilodeau has become a national hero by being the first Olympic athlete to obtain this honor – but he was followed by 13 other athletes in teams in all sorts of sports, from hockey to figure skating to speed skating. Altogether, Canada won 26 medals.
7. Ashleigh McIvor – Women’s Ski-Cross
This is one gold medal that I didn’t watch personally, but I’ve been hearing some great things about Ashleigh ever since she won. There were also many shots of her during the closing ceremony, although I think she wasn’t actually wearing her medal, which was strange.
6. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir – Pairs Figure Skating
Virtue and Moir are an excellent pair both on and off the ice, and it was definitely a pleasure to watch them win gold! Their performance was absolutely breathtaking!
5. Women’s Hockey
Almost as great as seeing the men win the gold! Thanks to these girls, we’ve definitely shown the world that we are the masters of this winter sport. It’s nice to that our women are golden! (:
4. Jon Montgomery – Skeleton
Montgomery’s skill and win made him one of the most beloved Canadian athletes of these games, as did his antics before he stepped up onto the podium with one beer in his hand – truly a Canadian.
3. Alexandre Bilodeau – Men’s Freestyle Skiing
Bilodeau became a national hero when he became the first Canadian to win a gold medal on home soil. He is now a legend anywhere you go in this country, and is highly revered by everyone.
2. Joannie Rochette – Women’s Single Figure Skating
Technically Joannie won the Bronze medal for women’s singles figure skating, but her win impacted all Canadians in an amazing way. Joannie’s mother died two years before she went on the ice, and her story added an emotional touch to her performance and win. She also had the honor of carrying the Canadian flag during the closing ceremony.
1. Men’s Hockey
Definitely the most defining moment of the whole Olympics for us Canadians. I’m personally not a huge sports or hockey fan, but I got very involved in this match! The Americans came extremely close to beating us – they tied the game and led us into overtime with 24 seconds left in the third period, but Sidney Crosby scored around 7 minutes into sudden death overtime, leading the whole country into a huge celebration. There was nowhere in Canada up to an hour after this gold medal win that there wasn’t some extreme partying going on. This is a game that everyone is going to be talking about and celebrating for weeks. Congrats, Canada! This gold medal was definitely the best conclusion to these amazingly patriotic and enthusiastic winter games.
It’s really inspiring that Canadians are on a roll in the Winter Olympics
Now that’s what I call team spirit! So much nationality in the way they represent the country! 
Too bad I haven’t been watching the Winter Olympics lately!
I feel so honoured to be a Canadian right now. Everyone did so wonderfully. Though I didn’t really watch the Olympics that much (aside from the hockey), judging by clips and recaps, I’m so proud of everyone involved in the games.
I know what you mean, Krissy! Never before have I felt so proud to be a Canadian. (: I find that these 17 days really brought our country so much more respect and honor, as well as this new unity that I hope will last even though the games are now over. (: