You know when major things happen in life and folks ask you “Where were you when it happened?” Well today I’m remembering where I was when I learned that Vancouver and Whistler had been awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Where Were You When
On July 2, 2003 I wasn’t in Prague for the official announcement. Nor was I at Whistler or in the packed downtown Vancouver stadium. Nope. I was where I always was at 8:30 in the morning on a summer weekday. Poolside. Sleepily slipping coffee, anticipating the last thirty minutes of my 8 and 9 year old children’s early morning swim club practice at the small, neighbourhood outdoor pool.
While it was a beautiful sunny morning and my kids were happy, I was admittedly Ms Grumpy Pants. I’d been up since dawn, I was tired, and I was bored as all the other swim moms were either on holiday or working. But most of all I was upset that I”d miss the live announcement. I was stuck at the pool with no way to hear or see it. Back then I didn’t own a cell phone and twitter was the sound birds made …
By the time my guys would be out of the pool and dressed it would be old news. Just typikel.
Matt, the swim coach also looked tired. This was two months into the heavy swim club schedule and I could tell he was beginning to flag. I wasn’t surprised when he stop pacing along the length of the pool and disappeared into the guard shack; probably in dire need of a coffee refill himself. However he popped out not ten seconds later unwrapping the electrical cord coiled around a brown, dusty radio. Flashing me a huge grin, he plugged it into a wall socket conveniently placed next to the lifeguard table.
He clapped his hands for attention.
“Ok everybody. Stop swimming and listen up. A very important announcement is about to be made.”
All five swimmers froze mid stroke. Curious, they swam slowly to the edge closest to the radio.
I’ll never forget the heavily accented voice of the IOC’s President Jacques Rogge as he slowwllly announced at 8:41 AM PST:
“The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing that the 21st Olympic Winter Games in 2010 are awarded to the city of … (Huge pause for dramatic effect. Huge.) … Vancouver.”
Poolside pandemonium. With Matt and I cavorting about in absolute happy dance fashion, the kids reacted with special moves of their own.
It was magical. We won in a squeaker. Vancouver got 56 votes to Pyeongchang’s 53.
As the news sunk in and everyone calmed down Matt had a further announcement.
“Everybody out of the pool. Now. From now on – you’re all doing a Winter sport.”
Bless him.
This short clip that follows captures Jacques Rogge’s announcement. One I did hear live, thanks to Matt.
Enough about me and my Olympic announcement experience. I’m curious about you. Where were you when they made that special announcement and was it important to you? Is there another special day that is meaningful to you in the Where Were You When department? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
22 Responses
I have no idea where I was…but that I did get a chuckle out of your post and its accompanying videos. FUN!!!
Aw – thanks for reading Marcie.
I also do not remember where I was but I loved the post ! I do remember watching the gold medal mens hockey game though, and almost having to turn it off, as I feared that I might have a heart attack, it was so stressful !
Wasn’t that the most stressful thing ever Jane? Man alive. I remember thinking “oh good he’s tossed his mouth guard” milliseconds after Crosby scored. My brain was that shocked – I was thinking dental work and photographs …
Aw! What a great story!! I love that Matt the swim coach just “got” it and you all got to have that moment. One of my favorite things is watching those split screens where the winning city GOES NUTS!! It’s just pure joy. It kind of makes me tear up. I love it!!! –Lisa
I’m the same Lisa. I tear up over that kind of stuff too. Matt was and is a gem.
What comes to mind for me was the moment I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. Oddly, I was in the bathroom at Nordstrom’s at the Mall of America – 2nd floor. I remember because my then boyfriend at the time and I were meeting his family for a special dinner and we suspected that it was true but I hadn’t taken a test yet to confirm it. So, for lack of time, we ended up buying a pregnancy test on the way there and that was the most convenient place to test it. Yes. I was indeed pregnant. So we announced it to his family right then and there. My sweet daughter is now 12 and I’ve loved every minute of her life so far. Like wine, it just gets better each year!
Oh Amy this is just such a special “Where Were You When” moment. Thank you for sharing it. Yes, like wine it does just keep getting better, doesn’t it?
All I can remember, Kel, is that my T.V. voice announcement was very fuzzy…I intuited “Vncouver” but couldn,t be sure until the news afterwards! Kept looking for any of the five members of our family who were there! And then, how we enjoyed having the Olympics in our back yard! Today, am anxious about the threat for Socchi. And hate the fact that the people who were dispersed from their homes, without compensation, are in limbo somewhere. Do you think it’s a go?
I do. They’ve invested so much money they can’t not hold them. Matter of pride etc. I am worried for them all though. Can’t imagine it’ll be the freedom that I had zipping up Grouse Mountain at 2:00 AM to catch The Today show filming. Didn’t know you were “on hold” re Vancouver being chosen. I’d have called and let you know!
Usually the “remember where you were” moments are for bad things, so this was so nice to remember something good. I remember sitting at Passover Sedar when our realtor called to tell us we got our house – the house where we are raising our family. My city will never be chosen for the Olympics – not enough hotel space. Oh well – I’ll live vicariously through you!
That’s a lovely “where were you when” Dana. Thanks for sharing.
Our city was blessed yes. It’s probably a one off however it was grand while it lasted.
I could feel the infectious collective exhilaration of that announcement! How lucky to have been part of a moment like that. As a non-sports fan from Colorado, even I hope to remember the Super Bowl party where the Broncos win next week! ((Fingers crossed)) Love the Seinfeld dance. 🙂
Yes – the Super Bowl! How exciting. I know zip about American football except that while we have 3 downs you have 4.I am a bit torn – Seattle is a mere three hour drive from here. However, if you’re cheering fro Denver then I shall raise a glass in their honour.
Hanging head in shame, but I don’t remember where I was for the Vancouver announcement, or the Los Angeles Summer Olympics announcement. However, I remember vividly when the torch came through just one block from one studio on its way to LA, and also how blessedly empty the freeways were on the Opening Day. I think everyone was afraid there’d be pandemonium and they stayed home.
Same here Linda – it was very quiet downtown during the torch relay just days prior to the opening. Everybody stayed home and I got to zip into a store on a street the radio was declaring “shut.”
Ohhhhh, Kelly. Still laughing at the Seinfield happy dance.
The more I read your blog the more connections. I am also a swimming mom. Why yes, up at 4:30 AM to drive my daughter to practice. I met so many wonderful families. But that’s not what you asked. Where was I? I have no idea where I was, I’m practicing finding myself right now, this minute : ))
Of course you were! I too have met some wonderful families. Had dinner last night with three new friends I met through another swim mom. So fun. What? You can’t remember where you were 11 years ago on July 2nd? Hahaha! I completely understand. I have trouble remembering where I just put down my glasses … :))
HAHAHAHA on the coach’s “winter sport” comment. 😀 This brought me joy.
The coach’s comment still brings me joy all these years later Arwen.
I don’t remember where I was when they announced where the Olympics would be held but I love that your kids swim coach got it and pulled out the radio. That’s awesome!!! Loved the videos too!!
Exactly – the coach did get it. He is a gem and provided many stories over the years, I must say.