http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBGNHJPuRB4
Canada returns from Sochi with 10 gold and an impressive 25 medals – good enough for fourth place in total medals, third in number of golds.
But sometimes it’s the stories behind the medals that really remind us why we love the Olympics. Here are some of the moments from the Games that Canadians shared the most.
What was most memorable to you? Tweet us @GlobeOlympics
Women’s hockey comeback victory
John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Canadians were taken on an emotional roller-coaster during Team Canada’s 3-2 overtime win against the U.S. When Canada was down 2-0 with just four minutes to go, it looked like all was lost. But Canada’s women battled on and pulled off a thrilling comeback that will live in Canadian sports history (and fans’ memories) for years.
Alex Bilodeau wins gold in moguls, again
CTV screencap, Dylan Martinez/Reuters. Composite by The Globe and Mail
When Alexandre Bilodeau earned his second consecutive gold medal in men’s moguls and celebrated at the bottom of the hill with his brother Frédéric, Canadians were brought back to a similar moment the two shared in Vancouver, 2010. Bilodeau described the historic run as “perfect” – a great way to also describe the end to his stunning Olympic career.
Canadian coach comes to the rescue of Russian skier
NBC screengrabs via Deadspin
When a Russian cross-country skier fell and broke his ski during a race, Canadian coach Justin Wadsworth ran onto the course to help. The country rallied around the perfectly Canadian moment and lauded Wadsworth for showing what the Olympic spirit is all about.
Dufour-Lapointe sisters both get to podium
The Dufour-Lapointe sisters became Canada’s new family of skiing all-stars when Justine won gold and Chloé won silver in moguls. The eldest sister Maxime also competed in the same event and placed 12th. On the podium, the sisters laughed, they cried – and Canadians did the same along with them.
Photo credit: John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Gilmore Junio gives up his speedskating spot
Photo tweeted by @wick_22
Denny Morrison was not scheduled to compete in the 1,000 m long-track event after falling in the Canadian qualifier. But teammate Gilmore Junio gave his spot to Morrison, who had a better shot at winning. The move paid off, with Morrison winning silver and Canadians hailing Junio as an Olympic hero.
Tessa and Scott end career with a silver
Canada’s figure skating sweethearts won silver, but their Olympic story line included a rift with their coach (who also coaches their U.S. rivals) and a raging debate over the results. But as Globe columnist John Doyle pointed out, it wasn’t Scott and Tessa who lost anything – it was us.
Photo credit: John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Jennifer Jones leads undefeated curling team to gold
John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Canada’s team, led by Jennifer Jones, not only pulled off the gold-medal victory few had predicted, but set an Olympic record by going through all 11 matches of the Sochi Games undefeated. Proving that Jones, as her teammate said, is “one of the greatest skips of all time.” (The men’s team secured Canada’s reputation as a curling force to be reckoned with, when they took home the gold medal a day later.)
Men’s hockey team dominates gold-medal game
In its 3-0 victory against Sweden, Canada went on an undefeated 6-0 run to take the gold, becoming the first team since the Soviet Union in 1984 to do so. Anticipation ahead of the game was at an all-time high, with some cities passing special rules to allow bars to open and serve during the 7 a.m. ET game.
The kiss
Charles Hamelin and long-time girlfriend Marianne St. Gelais became a hit couple in the 2010 games after a video of her cheering his gold medal win went viral.
Here they are again after Hamelin won gold again in the 1500m in Sochi:
Charles Hamelin of Canada, right, embraces Marianne St. Gelais. (Ivan Sekretarev/The Associated Press)
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