Antipodal Posting – No Man Is An Island

Antipodal Posting – No Man Is An Island

No man is an island, John Donne famously said.

We live in a world of increasing connectivity and mechanised social interaction, where isolation is more and more difficult to achieve. Ironically perhaps, the Winter Olympics demonstrates both the proximity that we share and the importance of engaging. In fact it also provides an example of a positive outlet for nationalism.

Nationalism has long been the source of conflict and xenophobia; justifications for continued isolation. But now, with the Winter Olympics marking the first time that we’ve had television service since leaving Calgary, Spencer is reminding us of the celebration that the Games are supposed to be.

Spencer has delighted in the special occasion of a) having television, b) watching winter sports that she has no idea of, c) getting to eat meals while watching television and d) being able to cheer at the events of the day. In particular Spencer has learned to identify specific flags with people and places: Canadian flag – our family; German flag – our au pair; French flag – Paris etc.

Oh, Canada

In addition to the billion questions that freely flow from Spencer, she is also announcing the results to us. “Mom! Canada is number one AND number three. Canada is winning and that’s good for us, because we’re winning too!”

This is the first time that I’ve really recognized that Spencer has identified with Canada, because she typically relates to her home being where we’re living. A desire to fit in or make sense of our world I suppose. Regardless of the motivation it has reminded us of the examples that we see around us and how spectacular the Olympics can be. They provide an outlet to inspire each other to be the heroes we want to be. A Nation of exemplary people without resorting to violence, segregation or isolation. A place where the innocence of children informs the decency of adults. Beyond the thrill experienced by our daughter here are the highlights that make me proud to be Canadian:

·      Gilmore Junio stepping aside for his teammate Denny Morrison who would have otherwise been left out of the 1,000m race due to a fall during trials. Junio didn’t race, Morrison won silver;·      Denny Morrison who campaigned for teammate Gilmore Junio to be the flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony;·      The jubilation, mutual celebration and camaraderie that appears to exist in the freestyle skiing and snowboard events (in particular) where the athletes celebrate each others performances as peers and friends, without regard to nationalism;·      Canada's cross-country ski coach, American, Justin Wadsworth lending ski to Russian skier Anton Gafarov, allowing Russian athlete to complete race after crash;·      Latvian goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis turning away 55 shots in a losing effort in ice hockey against Canada. Latvia lost 2-1, after being discounted as the underdog against the Canadian favorite and being out shot 57-16 (a margin greater than 3-1);·      Alex Bilodeau pulling his brother across the barrier to celebrate his Gold medal performance together (again). Bilodeau has found inspiration in his brother’s 15 year struggle with cerebral palsy and has in turn inspired others. 'Just like you or I, he has dreams and most of them are not realisable to him but he does dream about it, he talks about it and he never complains that it's not realistic to him,’ Alex said of his brother.
·      Oh, yes and of course, everytime we (Canada) trashed the US (them).

Success isn't a measure of how much there is still to do, but rather than which has been accomplished. Sochi marks the first occasion that Olympians from North America have competed in an Olympic Games hosted in Russia (or the Soviet Union).

We should also all be very proud of the Harper government who’ve shown drastic improvements, not only in support of Canadian athletes, but being able to do so without proroguing Parliament and democratic functions in order support the athletes, like in Vancouver four years ago. This recent Olympic Games really should be considered a triumph for all Canadians.

The excitement of it all has been best articulated by Spencer, “If I was there (at the Olympics) I would buy a Canada flag and wave it around all crazy too.” Thanks to Team Canada and Spencer for making these last few days so much fun.

It’s not what we achieve, but how we conduct ourselves that inspires others. Let's hope that the heroes continue to encourage new heights after the Games. 

I hope that you all enjoyed the Games and the after glow of your 8am (MST) Gold Medal Men’s Ice Hockey hangover.

Reflecting upon our own gold