Where Were You When: Cherished Olympic Moments

Every Olympic cycle, whether summer or winter, Canadians come together to cheer for the athletes who proudly wear the maple leaf on the world stage. We celebrate the medals, the records, and the podium moments, but it’s often the stories behind the competition that stay with us longest. The early mornings, the setbacks and comebacks, the families and communities who quietly supported the journey. The courage it takes simply to show up and compete.

My first Olympic experience was the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary when my family travelled from Saskatchewan to be part of the excitement. I remember watching Elizabeth Manley’s short program in figure skating, standing in a blizzard at the Canmore Nordic Centre as cross-country skiers pushed through punishing conditions, and gathering at Olympic Plaza for the medal ceremonies. The energy was electric, and the sense of pride unforgettable.

In 2010, I had the privilege of volunteering at the Paralympics in Whistler. I met people from around the world, connected with athletes, and witnessed moments that redefined perseverance. Watching visually impaired skiers race down the mountainside while their guide called out cues was awe-inspiring. Seeing Brian McKeever surge ahead to win gold was a reminder that limits are often meant to be challenged. Joining with sixty thousand enthusiastic Canadians in downtown Vancouver for the Paralympic opening ceremonies is a memory I will always treasure.

Even if most of us will never step onto an Olympic field of play, we carry our own Olympic memories. Where were you when Sidney Crosby scored the “golden goal” at the Vancouver Games? Did you tune in to watch the Jamaican bobsled team defy expectations, or cheer for Eddie the Eagle as he soared off the ski jump in Calgary? Have you ever found yourself captivated by a flawless figure skating routine, or suddenly become an expert in speed skating, snowboard cross, or mixed doubles curling for two unforgettable weeks?

The Olympics remind us that sport has the power to unite, to inspire, and to create moments that become part of our collective story.

Now we would love to hear yours. What Olympic moment has stayed with you? If you captured these moments with photos, we’d love to see them too. Share your cherished Olympic memories with us by submitting your story and pictures to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com for a chance to be featured on our socials and in the Town Crier.

Marylee Boston