Now I know I don't normally write for the sports section, but I just couldn't contain it any longer - I am SO EXCITED for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy this Fenruary. In just a few short weeks, Canada's best athletes will face their toughest competition in what is likely the most-watched, most-loved sporting event in history.

But in addition to showcasing our nation's talent, the Olympics is a magical time for another reason; it is a time where, no matter where you came from or what your background, everyone feels so Canadian, and so proud of those lucky enough to represent us on the podiums in Italy. Even people that don't really follow sports can find something they love to watch or an athlete to cheer on.

Naturally, the most anticipated event of this year's winter Olympics will be hockey, and everyone will have their eye on the Canadian team. It is, afterall, our nation's passtime. Who wouldn't want to watch the men's and women's team face off against the best in the world? Especially when we know how effin' awesome our team is going to be this year. Maybe we'll even get to see a repeat of the last Winter Olympics where the Canadian teams won the gold medals after beating the US teams.

One thing I hope we do not see this year, however, is the acts of disrespect that have seemed to plague the Olympics the last decade or so. The figure skating scandal is still very fresh in all of Canadians' minds, and I'm sure we all recall the handful of incidents involving spectators messin' with the athletes during the last summer Olympics. It would be nice if this year, the Olympics were not overshadowed by the scandals it fosters, but rather for the talent, focus and determination of not only the Canadian athletes, but of everyone across the globe who will be competing for the ultimate prize in ameteur sports: the Olympic gold.