Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Many happy returns

By ANDREW SMITH -- Calgary Sun
 One by one, Canadian athletes arrived in Calgary yesterday and one by one, they realized how much their accomplishments in Salt Lake City meant to the Canadian nation.

 Eighty athletes, coaches and officials arrived back on home soil after enduring long delays in Salt Lake only to be greeted by a huge throng of media, family and fans. And while the bags under their eyes matched the bags over their shoulders, seeing how much Canadians appreciated their efforts helped raise their drained spirits.

 "We had heard that so many Canadians (6.5 million) watched the (women's hockey) final, even if it was just a few minutes and certainly coming here, it is great to see the support," said Canadian women's hockey star Jennifer Botterill.

 "We had so many e-mail and calls from people at home that we had a little sense of how much this meant but now we're starting to realize it."

 The gold medal winners were the last to be introduced to the crowd, receiving a huge cheer from those who came out to Calgary International Airport to show their gratitude.

 Their win last Thursday primed many fans for Sunday's men's gold medal game and a sweep of hockey gold.

 Women's hockey coach Daniele Sauvageau -- who fell off the Canadian bench while celebrating her team's win -- believes the long-term effects of their accomplishment are yet to be felt.

 "Today and in the next few weeks is when we're going to see the impact of that game in Canada," said Sauvageau. "When you're there, you're in your own little world at the Olympics and you don't really realize what's going on and how many people are watching you."

 Each athlete said they were overwhelmed by the way the Canadian public supported their efforts in Salt Lake, win or lose. That included short track speed skater Marc Gagnon, whose two gold and one bronze medal helped him become the most decorated Canadian athlete in one single Olympic Games.

 He commented the support from all Canadians, especially the athletes in Salt Lake, helped contribute to the entire team's success.

 "I want to thank all of Canada for all their support and all the athletes for helping us bring home the most medals from any Winter Olympics, without you it wouldn't be possible," said Gagnon. "I think it was great how all Canadian athletes got together and helped cheer other athletes in their performance. It was unbelievable and I believe it really made a difference."

 Short track and Gagnon played a huge part in Canada's record-setting haul of 17 medals, taking home six of the coveted golden prizes.

 While some athletes considered locks to reach the podium came up short, others like long track speed skater Cindy Klassen and cross country skier Beckie Scott, came out of nowhere to earn Canada medals in sports where Canadians rarely breach the top-10.

 Chef de mission Sally Rehorick pointed out success can't always be measured in medal counts but should include performances like Chris Moffat and Eric Pothier's fifth-place finish in doubles luge, a results she believes will up participation in the sport.

 The Canadian team hoped to finish third in the overall medal standings going into Salt Lake, up two places from their fifth place finish in 1998 at Nagano.

 Canada just missed their goal, placing fourth behind Germany, the U.S. and Norway but nonetheless deemed the Games a huge success.

 With all eyes now on 2006 Games in Torino, Italy and the potential for a Vancouver-Whistler Games in 2010, many athletes and coaches believe the best is yet to come.

 "I'm pretty excited about the future," said Klassen, who also placed fourth in the women's 5,000-metre behind fellow Winnipegger Clara Hughes.

 "When you look at our results, how many were in the top-10, it's looking good. We have some good athletes coming up."

 Good news, because it's only three years, 349 days until the Winter Olympic flame is lit once again.

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2002 Games News Coverage