The Olympics are a time for the country to come together a cheer on our athletes as they compete on the world’s biggest stage.
This year in PyeongChang, South Korea, we have already seen some amazing performances and Canadians have medaled in several different events.
While of course, we all want to see our athletes make the podium, for many getting to the Olympics and being able to compete in the sport they love is a victory in itself.
The perfect example of this is Northern BC’s own Denny Morrison. Currently competing in his fourth Olympics, the four-time medalist had no less than two brushes with death since competing in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
In 2015, he was in a near fatal motorcycle accident that left him with a long list of injuries including a broken femur and punctured lung. Not even a year later he suffered a stroke.
I know that he has been a role model for many in our region throughout his career, but the way that he has handled the adversity he has faced in recent years has shown a new level of character.
As he recently stated: “I had broken bones but my spirit remained unbroken.”
It has been remarkable watching him once again compete in long-track speed skating at the Olympics knowing what he has been through.
Of course Denny isn’t the only athlete from our region competing in PyeongChang. His wife Josie is also competing in long-track speed skating in her first Olympic Games and finished 21st in the women’s 1500 metre.
Sarah Beaudry, from Prince George, finished in 29th place in the women’s biathlon 15-kilometre race in her Olympic debut after having to replace Megan Tandy, also from Prince George, who had to withdraw due to sickness. Megan placed 57th in the women’s 7.5 kilometre sprint.
Tess Critchlow, who was born in Prince George, competed in the women’s snowboard cross and finished ninth overall. Unfortunately, Meryeta O’Dine, also from Prince George, had to withdraw from the same event after suffering a concussion during training.
Jamie Macdonald from Fort St. James is competing in short-track speed skating.
To all of our local athletes who are competing in PyeongChang, know that you have the whole region and country behind you cheering you on regardless of the results. What you have done in getting to the Olympics is a remarkable achievement and we look forward to celebrating you all when you return to Canada.
Go Canada Go!
