BEIJING – The Olympics of 2008 have very likely taught me more about myself as an athlete, and why I’m an athlete, than any other experience of my life.
A great friend told me yesterday: "Our time in the valleys helps us truly appreciate the views from the mountain tops," so I’m fortunate and grateful for two things, above all else: I have had some really great mountaintop views throughout my career; and there are more to come, because nothing helps me appreciate victory more than failure.
All of that aside, I am not disappointed with my performance here in Beijing. I am proud of my Olympic silver medal; it was tough to bounce back and rise from the ashes after the 1000 metres – but I managed to pull off a pretty good race in the 500 despite feeling like I got hit by a train the day before.
The Olympics are really tough, they’ve got to be. Olympic medals are not Boy Scout badges or participation ribbons; they’re Olympic medals. I cherish mine with pride and distinction as a representation that I work really hard, believe in myself, and love and respect my sport above all else. Sharing the podium with guys like Tim Brabants (GBR), Ken Wallace (AUS) and Eirik Veras Larsen (NOR) is an honour, and a privilege. All of us are Olympic champions, and we’re great friends. Per Aquas ad Fraternatum indeed, gentlemen! (That cheesy line means through the waters to friendship in Latin, and it’s true.)
Canada had an awesome Games. We’ve got a lot to be proud of, and still have so much room for improvement. The future is bright for Canadian Olympians; kids across Canada should be excited that the life of a potential Canadian athlete is improving. I won’t tell them to put down their hockey sticks ALL year, but there are so many incredible sports to enjoy and try, so toss off the gloves and give a javelin a toss, paddle a canoe, ride a mountain bike, do a triathlon, run a 5K, play water polo, find out what exactly a modern pentathlete is, and become the best ever Canadian one! The more available those activities become for Canadian kids, the more medals we can expect at the Olympics in years to come.
Instead of taking a break from my kayak, I’m heading out to Dartmouth, N.S. to race it around on Lake Banook for a few days at the Canadian National Championships. I’m stoked to see everyone, share stories and hang out for a couple days, and it will be awesome to be back in Canada.
Thanks to everyone for their kind support and generous encouragement. Even when I doubted myself, I never doubted that my friends, family and fellow Canadians were behind me 100%.