This year, Canada and 203 less cool nations will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. We're sending 222 athletes. Among them is Art Jr Oliver. Hamilton's very own will be competing in the brand new Olympic sport of tenpin bowling! Does that mean *I* could have been an olympian? We're also sending a quartet to compete in another new event, water skiing. Again, why wasn't I notified? I could have been a double olympian.
Of course, Canada will be cheering for superstars like Alexandre Despatie, Mary Spencer, flag bearer Simon Whitfield and Derek Zandstra who should get a bronze just for sporting a handlebar moustache only an olympian could carry.
Before the cauldron is lit, let's take a look back at Canada's Olympic contributions and successes:
- We've hosted the Olympic Games 3 times - '76 in Montreal (Summer), '88 in Calgary (Winter) and 2010 in Vancouver (Winter)
- Canada has participated in all 21 Winter Olympics Games and missed 2 Summer Olympic Games (1896 and 1980)
- Best Summer performance - We took home 44 medals during the 1984 Summer Games in LA
- Best Winter performance - We skated home with 26 medals during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver
- Total:110 Gold, 139 Silvers, 156 Bronze. Our forums community gave us their predictions for this year's taking.
- The 1976 Summer Games in Montreal was the first stamp released by Canada Post to commemorate an Olympic event. The $0.08 piece was issued in the Fall of 1973
- Cindy Klassen, Clara Hughes and Marc Gagnon are Canada's top 3 medal earners. Cindy brought home medals in speed skating, Clara excelled in cycling and speed skating and Marc sprinted to the podium in short track
- Clara Hughes also holds the distinction of being the only Olympian in the world to win multiple medals at both Winter and Summer Games
The opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin this Friday at 4pm ET. Follow all the action live on TV or get instant Team Canada updates on Facebook and Twitter. Go Canada, Go!
