Even though there is one day of competition yet for the Beijing Olympic Games, Canada’s involvement has ended on Saturday with one more medal, silver for Adam Van Koeverden in the men’s 500m kayak race. That brings Canada’s medal total to 18 overall, its third best showing ever after the 44 medals won at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and 22 at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

By all measures, Canada as a team, exceeded expectations and predictions. Not everything went right for Canada. There were many disappointments like Marie Premont having to leave the women’s cross country race that she was favoured to win a medal. But these few disappointments were more than offset by the athletes who through skill, determination and in a few instances, a bit of luck, were able to exceed their best hopes for themselves.

I tried to keep up with most of the successes of the Canadian team as they occurred. What I could not see live or on delayed basis I followed up with the video section of the NBC Olympics site. My long nights and Internet surfing for Olympic results will take a spell now for 18 months until the 2010 Vancouver Winter games. Television as they say, will return to its regular braodcasting schedule.

What is for me, the most singular Canadian Olympic moment for these Games. There are several good moments. Seeing Eric Lamaze winning individual equestrian jumping gold after a history of failed chances dued to drug abuse was undoubtedly a feel good moment. So too was seeing his teammate Ian Millar finally winning an Olympic medal, silver in team jumping, after so many appearances in the Games since 1972. Carole Hyunh’s win emotional response in winning her gold in women’s wrestling was also gratifying.

Still, the moment that is indelible for me and one that will linger on after these games are long gone was seeing Simon Whitfield charging on the final stretch of the triathlon run, catching up with the lead group of four which included the world champion and then passing them to take the lead but then found himself overtake by a lanky German thus giving him silver. More than anything else, Whitfield’s drive to excel at these games which started immediately after a subpar Athens Game showing in 2004, showed what it takes to be the best in the world. In his mind, he was not satisified with just a personal best or a decent placing but rather he set out to win gold which he nearly did. With that determination, he showed other Canadian athletes that they should never be satisified with second best but drive always for the top of the podium. More often than not, they will not suceed in doing so but be never accused of giving anything else but their very best.

This has been a good Olympics overall and not just for Canadian athletes. There have been some great performances from athletes like Michael Phelps and Ursain Bolt. Quite a few good moments for viewing along with the ability to catch up with some sports that one sees just every four years like modern pentathlon and volleyball. There are quite a few sports that deserve more time on broadcast television like diving, rowing and some of the team sports. Problem is that American audience are conditioned to just getting the major league sports and college football on television. It is a pity that people do not have time for sport compilation shows like ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

Now, the clock starts anew for London in 2012.

Canada’s medals at 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Gold (3):

• Carol Huynh - Freestyle Wrestling Women’s 48 kg (105.5 lbs.)
• Canada - Rowing Men’s Eights
  
• Eric Lamaze - Equestrian Individual jumping