Home games: What it’s like to become a champion in Canada
On Saturday afternoon it was announced that a potential Toronto 2024 Olympic Games bid will be explored.
It’s interesting: For athletes the most memorable ‘thing’ about a home games is so immediately visceral and intimate. Some tell of ‘goosebumps’ from the thundering crowds, others spill with emotion over friends from their hometown finally seeing them race.
What’s for sure is having a major games at home has an indelible impact on those who live it.
Ellie Black – Artistic Gymnastics
“It’s spectacular, to come here in front of the home crowd, to be able to hit my best competition, I think ever, is unreal. To finish off with the gold is incredible, just having the whole of Canada behind me feels amazing.”
Ellie Black of Halifax celebrates her gold medal in floor exercise in artistic gymnastics competition at the Pan American Games.
Damian Warner – Decathlon
“The decision was tough to do the decathlon here but I’m extremely glad I did it because to be able to share that with my family and friends and the people that supported me is something that I always thought would happen but I’m glad it was able to happen here.”
Jen Kish – Rugby
“The fans have been great, it’s like that 13th man on the field with us. It’s a great experience.”
Women’s rugby stars Jennifer Kish and Ashley Steacy – who have already qualified for Rio 2016 – at the athletes’ village opening for Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.
Ryan Cochrane – Swimming
“I’m the only one swimming the race but I think I have so much support from across the country that that’s going to make the difference.”
Ryan Cochrane smiles after receiving his Pan Am gold medal in the 400m freestyle, he also won the 1500m freestyle.
Hugo Houle – Road Cycling
“I’m from a small town in Quebec I have 10 people from my village they did the trip. It’s great to give those feelings to all the people around me who support me. Thanks to all of them because without them I’m nothing.”
Hugo Houle on the podium after winning gold in men’s road cycling – individual time trial.
Kia Nurse – Basketball
“I just tried to not think about it. I just tried to play unconsciously and that’s when I’m usually at my best.”
Kia Nurse during the second half of the gold medal game versus the USA on Monday, July 20, 2015. Canada won gold.
Tory Nyhaug – BMX
“I can’t even describe it. My parents are in the stands, and to win this on home soil is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. We’ve had so much fun this week at home. I didn’t feel any extra pressure from it, I knew they were supportive. I knew no matter what my parents were gonna give me a hug at the end of the race. I’m so happy they were here.”
Tory Nyhaug celebrates his gold medal win in men’s BMX.
Emily Overholt – Swimming
“It was an amazing feeling swimming on home soil it’s just…it’s so unreal to have the whole crowd cheering for you and I really wanted to win the gold.”
Canada’s Emily Overholt is overjoyed after swimming to gold in the women’s 400m freestyle at TO2015 Pan Am Games.
Melissa Bishop – Athletics (800m)
“I knew the crowd was going to be loud no matter what, so I was just trying to put myself in a good position to be able to run in and let the crowd do its work, and let the training come through. I’m really happy it worked out. It’s so nice to win a gold medal at home.”
Melissa Bishop, of Canada, left, celebrates winning a gold medal in the women’s 800m final during the athletics competition at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto on Wednesday, July 22, 2015.
Kelita Zupancic – Judo
“It feels surreal. Words can’t describe it. I’m so proud to be Canadian. I’m proud to represent my family, friends, coaches, teammates, everyone.”
Kelita Zupancic beat the defending women’s 70kg Pan Am Games champion Onix Cortes of Cuba to give Team Canada its first judo gold medal of Toronto 2015.
Some of the champions here at TO2015 say home helps, a whole lot. While still very preliminary, if successful, Canada’s athletes may get to compete at home once more at a major international event, within the next decade.
Canada’s Sidney Crosby celebrates his game winning goal at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver on Feb. 28, 2010.
