The Clipper

Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Andy Macdonald A luge racer barrels down the track at Whistler Sliding Centre. Racers topped 90 miles per hour in the luge event.

The world watched in awe as top athletes from around the globe embarked on their quest for gold during the 21st installment of the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was among the fans who made the trek north to take in the atmosphere and culture of international competition on the world's biggest stage.

Although you can't look in any direction in Vancouver or Whistler without seeing someone wearing Team Canada gear or having "Go Canada Go" in the windows, there was a definite international feel in the air. This is the Olympics, and the athletes are the best in their respective sports- sports many of us only take notice of once every four years, with the exception of hockey.

Speaking of hockey, I really wanted to go to an Olympics hockey game, but was unable to procure a ticket. Lame. I was however lucky enough to secure a ticket to the men's luge final runs at Whistler Sliding Centre on Feb. 14. I was excited to be able to take in the games and experience it in person, but I did not anticipate the event that would unfold before I caught my bus up to Whistler.

That event was the shocking death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili during practice runs on Feb. 12, an event that put a black mark on these games. Kumaritashvili was honored in the opening ceremony the evening of his death and was given a moment of silence before the start of the luge.

This made the event one of the most talked about events in the Olympics, as much as Shaun White's dominance or Lindsey Vonn's bruised shin. Although many, including myself, would have rather had the event fly under the radar and not have had a tragedy to spark a controversy over what many believe to be the fastest track in the world.

As per Olympic policy, no on-site parking was offered for any events, so I had to take a bus from Burnaby to Whistler. This was much better than driving, since I was able to take in the spectacular sights along the Sea to Sky highway.

The bus dropped me off in Whistler Village, which was packed with fans from all over the world and merchants eager to cash in on the name of the Olympics. There was no snow falling that day, in fact it was raining, but that couldn't wash away my memories of being part of the games. The only access to the Sliding Centre was either by a shuttle bus or gondola. I opted for the gondola for its direct route and speed, but the view of the village from above was an added bonus.

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