Who Should Light The Cauldron At Opening Night Of Olympic Games In Vancouver?
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 5:16 PM PST
in Rants
Email
PrintI'm trying to be as diplomatic about the Steve Simmons quote as possible. Sure, it's Vancouver's choice on who they pick, and Trevor Linden is one of our major local heroes. But what has he done at the national or international level? Well, he did score the tying goal in Nagano against Hasek and the Czechs in Nagano when it appeared nobody could. That was a beauty moment hearing Bob Cole scream like that. But the Canadians sagged out of the medal round after that loss. Linden's charitable work in BC is both inspiring and amazing in itself.
Let's look at the bigger picture though, beyond Simmons and his underhanded shot at the Canucks' history. There are other people who I'd pick before Linden. But before I say who, check out who has all lit the cauldron in the past. There are some great stories there. Muhammad Ali (Atlanta 1996) and the Miracle on Ice team for the USA (Salt Lake City 2002)? Absolutely brilliant on their part. A person born on the day Hiroshima was bombed (Tokyo 1964)? Moving stuff.
More after the jump.
This isn't about BC vs Ontario, so Simmons, who has a bit of a valid point in my opinion, needs to tone it down and stop stirring the pot. This is about CANADA, yes. It's also about BC, who fought hard to get the games here. But I think the torch lighting needs to inspire an entire nation. So with that in mind, here are my picks (not in order):
-Betty Fox, mother of Terry Fox. Born in Winnipeg raised in Van. This concept is gaining momentum.
-Rick Hansen. The Man in Motion. Born in Port Alberni raised in Williams Lake.
-Marc Gagnon, from Chicoutimi Quebec, short track speed skater has won 3 golds and 2 bronze.
-Cindy Klassen, speed skating, from Winnipeg, has won more medals than any Canadian.
-Burnaby Joe Sakic. Mario Lemieux may have been captain of Team Canada in Salt Lake City, but it was Joe Sakic who dominated and destroyed the Americans in the gold medal game. He was named the tournament MVP. No kidding! That was a game I'll never forget.
I think all these people, should have some part in the final leg of the torch run up onto the podium. But if I had to choose one over the other, it would be Betty Fox or Cindy Klassen. How about both at the same time? Bingo. I'm in. Then you have a BC flavor AND a Canadian flavor all tied into one beautiful moment.
This of course is just my opinion. There are other ideas for providing inspirational ways to officially open the Winter Games. In the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, a 12 year-old promising Calgarian figure skater named Robyn Perry lit the torch. The gesture was done to symbolize youth and inspire future Olympians. Not bad. I think we should up the ante though. 60,000 people at McMahon Stadium and 6 billion people worldwide watched her do that. The torch-lighting is a monumental moment in Olympic history.
I'm not catering to a Leaf-loving journalist or any that follow him. I'm talking about a defining moment not only for British Columbians, but for Canada. Let's get this party started right, and then kick some butt, Canada!
46 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
might wanna fix the poll there, sean.
we do need a strong BC element to it. for example, in montreal they had two teenagers, one English Canadian and one French Canadian, light it together to show the unity of the two languages and cultures.
i think betty fox would be an excellent choice.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
nvm, you fixed it while i was typing.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
I had it closing on January 2009! haha. Yikes
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 5:23 PM PST up reply actions
Blast from the past
Hahaha, Sean you linked to the only YouTube video I have ever posted (check the name of the person who posted it)! The clip comes from a much longer highlight package that is on YouTube. Lacking video editing software to isolate the Linden goal, I set my point-and-shoot camera on a pile of books and just recorded that clip. Thus the terrible, terrible quality. I only did it because apparently no-one else had posted that goal to YouTube and I wanted it up there.
you are the man! Where’s the sound though? Ah well. Thanks! haha
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 10:09 PM PST up reply actions
That goal was sweet. Bullet to the top corner. I thought we were doomed before that. Of course, the shootout was a killer.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah it was a sweet goal. I remember thinking that this would be a moment of glory for Linden, who flew under the radar outside Vancouver for almost all his career. Then Canada had to go and lose the damn shootout, and now 99% of Canadians wouldn’t be able to tell you who tied the game so it could even get to a shootout
by nucksandpucks on Dec 14, 2009 8:01 AM PST up reply actions
There is sound, it’s just a) not in English and b) poor quality that is enhanced by the way I recorded the video. I think this is the clip I recorded it from—so I recorded my computer screen showing a video of a TV broadcast. The sound was one of the many victims of this ghetto video production process!
by nucksandpucks on Dec 14, 2009 8:05 AM PST up reply actions
If you’re going to pick an athlete to do the lighting why not pick the most decorated Canadian athlete at the Olympics. Hockey players do represent us at the games but that’s just 1 event and they are part of a team. I think Klassen would be the best choice.
she was my vote over Betty Fox in the end. …just barely. I’d like to see them both do it.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions
The pinnacle of Canadian winter sport greatness is Wayne Gretzky. Surely it’ll be him.
by Beantown Canuck on Dec 13, 2009 7:48 PM PST reply actions
Pamela Anderson.
WTF people like David Suzuki for? The big a$$ planet saver has 2 big SUV in his backyard, but i guess is trendy…
I hear ya. I don’t like him either. I just saw his name as an option in a story somewhere
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 10:12 PM PST up reply actions
Rick Hansen
I will NEVER understand why Rick Hansen’s achievement — wheeling around the world — is not only not respected more by Canadians, but is not considered one of the greatest athletic achievements in human history. Most people not in wheelchairs would be lucky to get to the nearest intersection if they had to rely solely on upper body power. He made it up mountain ranges.
I get that people find Terry Fox inspiring — and so they should. It took tremendous fortitude to even attempt his run. But he only made it across half the country before he sadly had to stop. Hansen successfully made it around the globe. By hand. In a manual wheelchair.
Having him light the flame would also tie the Olympics and Paralympics together in a deep and meaningful way. For once it would not celebrate an athletic achievement that’s good for a disabled person, but rather stands at least on par with anything any Winter Olympian is ever likely to achieve.
you’ve got a very good point there.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
yeah, you’re making me rethink my vote. Nicely said Thomas!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 13, 2009 10:13 PM PST up reply actions
My choice is Betty Fox, but I would be just as happy if Rick Hansen got the honours. Either one would bring attention back to their individual accomplishments, as well as to the reasons why they did them, and that’s not a bad thing at all.
Thomas – A big part of the reason why Fox gets more of the attention is the classic Greek Tragedy element of the attempt: watching him at the beginning of his run, and even when he comes back after the first delay, is so astoundingly refreshing to modern eyes. There is no media savvy there at all – the utter innocence of his personality and the simplicity of his desire combined with the herculean task he put to himself with such casualness is staggering. It was kind of like hearing your five year old tell you he was going to build a car and raffle it off for the local animal shelter. You laugh, and then find a pile of assembled engine parts in his room…
http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/exploits/topics/71/
That his cancer beat him only added to his story; that the same cancer no longer kills anywhere near as many people (from an 80% mortality rate to less than 10% stage 1), and only rarely takes their limbs, adds to his legend.
Oh, and really, REALLY don’t pull a “Well, Terry Fox failed, so why’s he so great?” ever again. That may not be what you intended to say, but that’s certainly what comes across. Don’t do that. No only does it cheapen your argument, but you know that it’s something Hansen himself would never say. Hansen was inspired by Fox, even as Fox was inspired by Hansen (they played basketball when Fox first lost his leg).
But he only made it across half the country before he sadly had to stop
I know you didn’t mean for it to sound the way it did but when I first read it I thought you were saying Hansen’s achievement was better than Fox’s cause Fox didn’t finish.
If it’s Linden, Boucher, Manley, Nash, Gretzky or any other hockey player or winter Olympian I will be pissed. Mohammad Ali lit the torch in Atlanta. We should be looking for someone of his stature not someone who won a bunch of medals. No opening ceremony since Atlanta has come close to the magical moment that was Ali lighting the torch. That’s why I think Betty Fox and Rick Hansen should be doing it together. Let’s have two of the greatest ever Canadians honoured during our opening ceremonies.
by Section 312 on Dec 14, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions
Then I’m glad you reread it and found that I didn’t mean anything of the sort. Of course the fact that Terry Fox had to abandon his quest was unspeakably sad and totally out of his control.
Rick Hansen didn’t cross one country, he crossed 34 countries and four continents. There is a great bit in Jim Taylor’s autobiography where he mentions how people go on about Lance Armstrong attacking the Pyranees during the Tour de France. Again, well they should. But Hansen attacked those same mountains using only his arms..
Here’s a link to the legacy site for Man in Motion — http://www.rickhansen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=47 Just try to get your head around some of the numbers in the facts section — 10,000,000 wheel strokes, 85 km/avg wheeled per day, each day, for more than two years. It’s positively Herculean.
There’s a great picture on that site of Rick Hansen visiting the Terry Fox Garden in Israel, so clearly there was much respect, admiration and inspiration there. He also lists that as his most homesick moment during the tour I guess picking one person implies to some that I am denigrating other possible choices. I’m not in the slightest. My interest is simply seeing Rick Hansen recognized for the enormity of his athletic and personal accomplishment.
I voted for Betty Fox, but really, either Hansen or Fox would be fantastic choices. Maybe Linden could light a torch, pass it to Hansen who who use it to light his torch and pass that on to Fox who would use it to light the official one, symbolizing the traditions that they pass on to others?
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
Totally. It just maybe could have been worded a bit better? But it is clear what you met once you re-read it. I think it should be both of them. Fox and Hansen. Since us BCers are footing most of the bill I think we should have people from BC who still live in Canada lighting the flame.
by Section 312 on Dec 14, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions
No Worries
But I do get a bit touchy about Terry Fox – I had a recent argument with an in-law who was of the opinion that Fox didn’t do much because people still die of cancer. It’s really frustrating arguing with people who don’t bother thinking about their argument, you know? 8)
Anyway, I think a couple of things tip the scales in Fox’s favour in the public imagination: other than the whole “Greek Tragedy” thing (which really builds a mythology nicely) he pretty much invented the concept in Canada. Doing it first gets you the glory. Remember Steve Fonyo? He actually finished running across Canada (also with one leg) after Fox died, raised $13 million for cancer research, and the aftermath nearly killed him. An astounding feat, but no one runs marathons in his honour.
As for Rick Hansen, the man is amazing: not just for his mind-bending feat, but for his continuing political work; his unfailing effort with people and communities; and (you knew this was coming) his work with Terry Fox. Without Fox’s time in hospital, meeting and talking with Hansen, he may never have tried the run; but if he didn’t, Hansen may never have tried to circle the globe.
Both these guys are living (ahem) proof that Yoda was full of shit: there is ONLY try.
Honestly I would never have even considered Linden as they guy to light the flame…until that Simmonds guy wrote that BS. I’m all in favour of local heroes like Linden and Steve Nash being a part of the opening ceremonies, but I agree a more national figure would be more appropriate.
I do think, however, that this person should be from BC. Rick Hansen would be a great choice for that reason.
olympic torch
It will be Nancy Greene Raine. Though Betty Fox would be a great symbolic choice.
Could also see Elizabeth Manley up there.
And who can forget Gaetan Boucher !!!
New idea
Just had a thought – what about getting the chiefs of the Four First Nations groups that were part of the bid to light it. Vancouver is a landmark Games in terms of aboriginal support and representation in the planning process, so why not celebrate that along with BC’s/Canada’s First Nations heritage?
I actually emailed Steve Simmons...
regarding this quote, after you guys had Tweeted about it.
The results can be seen here
Sort of a long read, but I figure it’d be of interest to some folks. I also delve into Simmons constant mentioning of Mike Gillis being associated with David Frost.
Please feel free to delete this if you guys view it as spamming. I found out about this through you guys, hence why I decided to share.
Not spamming at all. I encourage anyone and everyone to go read your piece.
Wow, those return emails from Simmons were pathetic in nature.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 14, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah. I mean, I was being a bit of a jerk, but for someone who is a professional and who interacts with the public as part of his job, you’d think he’d have either ignored my e-mail or been a little more polite.
Thanks for the endorsement!
even if he was a dick in his return email, at least he emailed! Fuck, I should try emailing him.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 14, 2009 11:43 AM PST up reply actions
So I did email Simmons and..
I said:
I’m a little curious as to your tone about the Canucks’ Trevor Linden and the Canucks’ history:
“My Vancouver spies insist that Trevor Linden will play a significant role of some kind in the flame lead-up at the 2010 opening ceremony and I sure hope that’s not true. Linden’s presence does not resonate outside Vancouver and if he’s significant in this, it will make the organizing committee look small and all too local. This is a world, international event, not a celebration of the rather inept history of the Canucks.”
I can understand the opinion that choosing Linden would perhaps making the OC look small and too local, but then are you disagreeing with what Calgary did for the torch-lighting in 1988? That young girl was chosen to represent youth and inspire future Olympians but nobody outside of Calgary knew who she was.
Why the comment about the “inept history of the Canucks”? Why does that matter? Do you hate them?
Anyway, I wrote a bit of a rebuttal piece in response to your article and the anger of Vancouver fans.
http://www.nucksmisconduct.com/2009/12/13/1199075/who-should-light-the-cauldron-at
Who would you pick to light the cauldron?
Simmons replied:
Alreadt wrote _ two greatest canadian hockey players ever – orr and gretzky – should do it together
Huh. Intriguing picks, but both are from Ontario. Gee, that will only fuel the eastern bias that he is being accused of.
Sakic makes a lot more sense if you want a local hockey player, but I’d argue why should it be a hockey player at all? Linden and Sakic are both excellent choices: they’re local, they’re both class acts and they’re both former Olympians (Sakic having enjoyed greater success both in the Olympics and in general.)
In my eyes, Orr and Gretzky would make Canada look rather juvenile on the world stage by reinforcing the stereotype that Canadians only care about hockey. It’s partly why I don’t think Linden/Sakic would be the ‘best’ choice, either.
I hear ya. It would have to be at least 1 hockey player and one other form of Olympian (speed skater for example.)
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 15, 2009 3:29 PM PST up reply actions
Or no hockey player at all. Wouldn’t bother me. But Canada’s hockey golds in Salt Lake were pretty sweet though!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 15, 2009 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
I get what you are saying and don’t necessarily disagree but my question is this. Should we really care about what the rest of the world thinks? Or should we pick the people who are most deserving? I am not sure who is most deserving, I guess it depends on the criteria, but if it is a hockey player so be it. Like I don’t think it’s necessarily bad to go with the obvious choice. Or more to the point we shouldn’t NOT pick a hockey player just to avoid looking like all we care about is hockey. If England chooses Sir Bobby Charlton to light their torch for the 2012 Summer Olympics because he is the greatest living English Footballer then so be it since it is their most popular sport. We shouldn’t pick a speed skater so we can say, “look we care about other sports too.” We should just pick the best or most deserving person. And I think it’s Fox and Hansen together. But if it’s Gretzky I can live with it.
by Section 312 on Dec 15, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions
Hmmm. Yes we should care. They are our guests after all. So your picks are cool because we can share with the world what these fine individuals did. I think I misunderstood your question.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 15, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
My point is we should pick whoever we think is best for Canada and not care what other countries think of that choice. I don’t think we should rule anyone out just because we don’t want to do something that reinforces stereotypes or whatever. Like we shouldn’t rule out a hockey player just cause it’s “too obvious” or whatever.
by Section 312 on Dec 15, 2009 4:03 PM PST up reply actions
I hear ya. I see you referring more to what tpresiloski was saying.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 15, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
Don Cherry / Ron Mac
Ron and The Don should be involved in the lighting of the Olymipic Torch!
Only if Cherry is in it.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
Wouldn’t that be funny if Ovechkin shows up and chucks Cherry into the cauldron just as MacLean lights it?
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 15, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Nucks Misconduct
Related FanShots on Nucks Misconduct
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Nucks Misconduct Store
Your clothing sucks. Go fix it.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
