With all the gold medals Canada’s teams collected at the 21st Olympic Winter Games, there was still one missing.
The gold medal for the team of volunteers who worked so hard to ensure the event was a worldwide success.
Among those 25,000 volunteers was Elaine King of Pike Lake, who was assigned to work at the Richmond Speed Skating Oval during her magical time in Vancouver. Her experience and skill with computers and technology assisted her in helping set up computers, television monitors and internet support for the press, as well as additional technical support.
“I was thrilled to be working at the Oval. It was just a great team to work for, and it is a fabulous, fantastic, stunning facility,” she said, adding that it could be deafening with cheers, yet so quiet at times you could hear the clacking of the skates blades.
Mrs. King was also happy to sit in as a “seat warmer” on occasion, stepping up as one of the individuals called upon to fill vacant VIP seats for the benefit of cameras and onlookers,
She participated in the full dress rehearsal for the “absolutely amazing” opening ceremonies of the Games, among an army of thousands all pitching in and enjoying the full spectacle of the gala, minus only the athletes of the participating nations.
Mrs. King also helped out with rehearsals for medal presentations, including an opportunity to climb atop the podium where athletes would later receive their medals.
“They announced our names as if we were the actual winners,” she said. “It was a thrill just knowing that this is where the athletes will stand. It kind of gave you a chill.”
When not required to be at work, Mrs. King enjoyed plenty of touring around the various Olympic venues. She strolled countless kilometres amid the throng in downtown Vancouver, and got to touch the Canadian flag fluttering atop the mountain at Whistler/Blackcomb.
“Everywhere was hyped with people. Just being there, being a part of all that red and white, was a little overwhelming,” she said. “I was a part of this, but we all made it happen. I’m just so happy to have been a part of it.”
Her visits included soaking up the party atmosphere at Robson Square, a look at the great golden rings blazing above the harbour, and a picture with the Olympic cauldron.
“The fans and crowds were everywhere,” she said. “They poured out their hearts. It’s something I will never forget. It made me feel proud to be a Canadian just to be there, and know that I helped a little bit.”
Still moved by her Olympic visit, Mrs. King remains humble about the experience and describes herself as just one little person out of 25,000; one little person who stood proudly back home in her living room on Sunday night, singing our national anthem as the Games drew to their dramatic close.
“It was all just so exciting.”