| 10. Doing the Bump ›› |
The 2010 Winter Olympics rebounded dramatically from the disasters that unfolded at the beginning. The weather began to turn for the better, Canada started to live up to its motto “Own the Podium,” and the ratings turned out pretty good for NBC despite the massive complaints about its coverage.
In his speech closing these Games, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) did an “outstanding job” and added, “these were excellent and very friendly Games.” This is a far cry from what had been written at the beginning of these Games.
Shameful Absolution, Money Poorly Spent, Anger At Olympic Flame Fenced Off, Weather Throws Cold Water on Ticket Holders, Mishaps Plague Games.
These are all titles of articles written by the Canadian press during the first few days of the Games. It’s clear they weren’t drinking the Kool-Aid served by the organizers. Renee Smith-Valade, the head of communications for VANOC called the Games "a great success" and that was after the opening weekend that saw most of the major problems and little of the great stories that have since unfolded.
The IOC and VANOC can claim these Games a success, with the home country winning the gold medal count and concluding with a memorable hockey gold medal game, but let’s not forget the many problems that plagued the Games along the way. Maybe they must be reminded of the Top 10 Problems from the 2010 Winter Olympics.
| 10. Doing the Bump ›› |