Wow, what a time these Games have been for Canada and its people. What a time for me.  After the hustle and bustle of the Games I finally have a minute to myself to sit back and reflect on what they meant to me. If I were to describe it in one word then it would have to be amazing. 

Although I was a forerunner and not a competitor, it was still quite the experience. All aspects of the halfpipe contest were memorable but the best part was having those bright lights above me with my Olympic bib on and a huge ecstatic crowd below. Just hearing the cheers gave me a sense of elation. 

I looked down at the rings upon my chest and thought of the journey that brought me to that one moment. Four years of challenges, hardships, accomplishments and joy. I was proud to be where I was; at the top of a halfpipe listening to my Walkman and feeling the snow crunch under my board as I moved left to right warming up my muscles. Then I finally dropped in. 

The opening

My first hit was a straight air and then into a 540, followed by another 540, another straight air and ending off with a front flip 180. It was a decent run and at the end I felt a smile creep across my face.

I foreran all components of the contest including the finals; I rode my best that night. My forerunning coach told me that in his eyes I won the forerunning and maybe even did better than some members of the Olympic team.

That filled me with a sense of satisfaction. My role in the Games was not exactly what I wanted to do, but I was able to ride in front of my parents and close friends and I did it well. So, I was provided with what I needed. There was no pressure of judging and I represented Canada in the sport I loved.

The rest of the Games were a whirlwind for me. My parents and best friend were in town keeping me on my feet. We travelled to either the city or Whistler almost every day seeing events and the celebrations which were going on. The feeling was electric up and down the sea to sky corridor and we wanted to be apart of it. 

Proud to be Canadian

Seeing everyone dressed in their red and whites to display their love for Canada made me feel proud to be Canadian. Nothing could top the finale to the Games; Canada vs. USA in hockey, victory, followed up with that closing ceremony that I will never forget. 

I was invited by the B.C. premier, Gordon Campbell, to attend the ceremony and it really was something else to be in the crowd of 55,000 people. The patriotic sensation flying around BC Place was contagious. We could all feel that these were the best Games for Canada, not even including the fact that we won the most gold medals. People were just pumped on being proud of our athletes and a part of this outstanding country which just welcomed the world. 

The closing ceremony made me think about Sochi 2014. Maybe I won't be too old to keep following my dream. If Maelle Ricker can win a gold medal at 31 then why can't I? Only time will tell; at least I have another four years to materialize my aspiration. By then I will be wiser, stronger and more ready to kick butt and win myself an Olympic medal.

At least there is one thing that will be a constant, my love for being a Canadian.