The 22nd Winter Olympic Games are underway in Sochi and if you are like us, you are glued to the TV trying to see our fellow Canadians take home the gold.  Not long ago, in 1988, our very own backyard — Calgary — was home to the Winter Olympics.  Those games were an exciting time in the region and we talked with Steven Young, Director of Golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and Robin Sadler, Superintendent at Silvertip Resort share their favorite Winter Olympics moments and what events in Sochi they are watching.

  • What do you remember most about Calgary hosting the Winter Olympics?

Sadler: What an amazing sporting event it was. The amount of events, athletes and volunteers involved in the event to make it successful was surprising but a really good story.  It was a very successful event for our country and the entire Olympic movement. Eddie the Eagle and the Jamaican Bobsled team stand out as great memories and the true essence of sport.

Young: As a proud Canadian I remember Elizabeth Manley’s sliver medal performance in ladies figure skating. She was from Ottawa where I lived 

[at the time] so watched with great pride.

  • What surprised you about the Canadian Rockies during the Olympics?

Sadler: The amount of community and volunteerism that was brought forward in order to make the event successful in one of the most majestic places in the world.

Young: All the growth that took place from that moment onward that changed this place to a residence for many of the Olympians – past and future.

  •  What can you still see in your area from the Olympic Games?

Sadler: Canmore Nordic Center, Nakiska, Ski Jumps and Bobsled/Luge Track at Canada Olympic Park, Olympic Oval, and the Saddledome.  Creating these facilities for the Olympics has been instrumental in the development of winter sports in Canada.  Athletes gained facilities to train and develop on a world class level attributing to a higher level of success and competitiveness on the world stage.

Young: A staff housing wing at the hotel [The Fairmont Banff Springs] was made into hotel rooms that still are today.  Nakiska and Nordic center as facilities and all the athletes that are around the area that are past and current Olympians.

  • What’s your favorite sport you’ll be watching this year?

Sadler: Hockey

Young: Curling, Men’s Hockey & Speed Skating

  • If Canada takes gold home in only one sport this year, which sport should it be?

Sadler: Hockey

Young: Curling!

  • What do you think of golf coming to the Olympics in 2016?

Sadler: It is about time.  I think it will be a huge success while hopefully playing a role in growing a great game worldwide.

Young: Long overdue.  Fits the profile and way the modern Olympics are going.  Best athletes in the world in recognizable sports.

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