Joy for Team O’Dine

I’m not the parent of an Olympian, like my friend Virginia, but I was so nervous last Tuesday night.

A group of friends of Virginia and her daughter Meryeta took over the Westwood Pub to watch ‘Eta’ race in the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

As the Westwood crowd erupted in cheers, Virginia broke down in tears of pride and relief after Meryeta’s strong time trial run, where she recorded the third fastest time in the entire field of 32 women and the fastest time of the four Canadian women. A group of Meryeta’s friends at a nearby table squealed in delight when she Facetimed them from China a short time later.

Virginia took to the mic during the long break while the seeding order for the next races were being decided and explained what would happen next. The athletes went down the course alone during the time trials but in the races to come, they would go down in groups of four, with only the top two moving on to the next races. Virginia also kept everyone entertained (she is a stand-up comedian in her spare time) with some trivia.

How many countries has 24-yearold Meryeta been to? 30. How old was Meryeta when she won her first sports trophy? Four (BMX racing).

Meryeta easily won both her first heat and the quarter-final heat, cranking up the tension in the room. The semifinal was a heartstopper, as she came from the back of the pack halfway through the heat to take first and book her spot in the Olympic final, where three of the four racers would take home a medal.

Everyone was nervous now, not just me. So when it was time for the final, I stood next to the big screen, so I could watch the race out of the corner of my eye while also taking some photos of my dear friend. She took a deep breath of anticipation as the finalists were introduced, willed Meryeta on as the race got underway, covered her face as it became clear that Meryeta was going to medal and then raised her arms in joy.

So much hard work and sacrifice and pain for so many years, all made worthwhile in a glorious moment.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO Virginia O’Dine, centre, celebrates with friends at the Westwood Pub last Tuesday after her daughter Meryeta won the first of her two Olympic bronze medals.