Oops – I might have given a skewed impression in my last post Olympic Today Show. Not all of the 2010 Olympics sites were that loosey-goosey in the security department. Not by a long shot.
Case in point: the Olympic cauldron lockdown.
Allow me to offer up a quick refresher. Our 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies were held in an enclosed stadium. In order for everyone to see the official flame during the Olympics an outdoor cauldron was secretly built a few miles from the stadium. After the inside flame was lit our national treasure Wayne Gretzky rocketed about in an open truck and the pouring rain to the outdoor site to light this cauldron. Perfect. Let the Games begin.
Except it wasn’t perfect. The Olympic cauldron was in lockdown.
Yes, to our horror a wire fence was erected to keep excited throngs back. Way back. Excuse me?
Due to public backlash at the inability to get a decent photograph without wire frames the powers that be did a redo.
They moved the fence closer and installed several peek-a-boo plexiglass strips.
Oh my.
Locals and visitors had to rely on either “professional” photos or helicopter rides to get the true picture.
Four years later things are very different. The wire is long gone. Water has been added to her base. People are free to climb, play, splash and photograph all over her.
There are two days until the unveiling and igniting of the Sochi 2014 Olympic cauldron. Will it be another case of Olympic Cauldron Lockdown or will she be freely available to all? I can’t wait to find out. Let the games begin!
Enough about my thoughts on the Olympic Cauldron Lockdown. I’m curious about you. What do you think? Should the cauldron be available for all to see or should she be kept protected? Perhaps you don’t care and would rather light the flames of more important things in your life? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
Kathy G says
When were in Vancouver in the summer of 2010 (the second part of a vacation to Seattle) we waltzed right up to the cauldron. I hadn’t heard anything about the fence issues. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly says
Too bad I didn’t know you were here! We could have met for coffee at the cauldron! I had no idea myself how different the cauldron area is from the Olympic days until I was comparing photos from then and now. It was mind blowing. They added stairs, took away planters, basically made the whole area way more friendlier and enticing…
Kathy G says
If I’d known you back then I’m sure I would have been in touch!
Kelly says
Lovely. Next time!
Dana says
Ok, since you gave me the option, I will say that I don’t really have an opinion either way. I’m not a huge Olympic watcher, although now that my kids are into it, I will watch a bit more. And of course I am getting an education with your posts, Kelly – so thank you!
Kelly says
Well thank you for reading Dana! I hope you enjoy the bits you do watch. Can’t believe they ae almost here. Where did the last four years go?
thedoseofreality says
WOWZERS! I had no idea that they kept it locked down like that! Based on the tweets I have been reading from journalists at Sochi, I don’t have high hopes for the torch security there! ;)-Ashley
Kelly says
It’ll be interesting. Mind you we had our fair bit of negative reporting here in the early days. So many things to tweak in those first few days.
Jane says
I thought it was terrible that they kept it in lock down , made the citizens feel a bit like criminals I thought ! Really looking forward to watching the Olympics, setting my PVR for the opening ceremonies on Friday. Darn work gets in the way though !!
Kelly says
Where’d the four years go, ‘eh Jane?
Deborah Weber says
Love your series of Olympic tales Kelly. And goodness – plexiglass peek strips?!! But what a delight it’s getting its due in up-close appreciation now. And how cool that it’s lit for special occasions. I hold it as a symbol of unity and celebration and think it should be openly available to all. Looking forward to seeing what happens in Sochi.
Kelly says
It is cool that it’s lit on special occasions Deborah. The man who was the mentor for the head guy running the Vancouver end of things died shortly after the torch was lit in Greece. The plaza where the cauldron sits in named in his honour.
Linda Watson says
I love that the cauldron is open and available to everyone. Such great memories it provides.
Kelly says
Each and every time Linda. It is a great legacy.
Beth Teliho says
I like the idea of being able to walk right up to it, definitely!
It’s almost here, Kelly!!!!! Squeeeee! Let the games begin!!!!
Kelly says
Tomorrow Beth. Tomorrow! However the events have already started with snowboarding slopestyle leading the way. Jumbo Squeeeeeeee!
Karen Main says
No way I cannot believe they installed peek a boo perspex. Hilarious.
Kelly says
And they were really quite small … so umimpressive …
Mo says
It’s wonderful that the host cities have lasting artifacts from the time they invited the world to compete on their doorstep. Very special times!
Kelly says
They sure are special Mo. Yesterday a whole slew of 2010 Volunteers and athletes got together with the head guy of Vanoc – the Vancouver Olympic organizing group – and had a mini celebration down by the cauldron. So cool. Everyone on camera said they had the best experience at 2010 and will treasure the memories. Here’s hoping you can one day create Olympic memories for yourself in Chicago!