Westhampton - There is nothing quite like covering or attending the Olympics. The personal stories of the athletes and their determination and ability to overcome all kinds of obstacles to pursue their dreams, are heart-warming and inspirational.

I have had the privilege of working at six Olympic Games for the radio network rights holder as a play-by-play broadcaster for alpine, a studio show host and as a reporter, covering a wide variety of venues for both the Winter and Summer Games. And so when the Winter Olympics in Vancouver ended, it was with mixed emotions to say goodbye. It is good to have your life back after being completely absorbed in the Games but the experience is so enriching and the performances so engaging.

And as I look back, I feel strongly that our neighbors to the north can be very proud of their performances – both with hosting the sports extravaganza and with their own athletes achievements.

They are gracious hosts. They handled a most difficult task – staging an Olympic Games for the world to enjoy and they pulled it off in their usual understated, humble and efficient manner.

Ice skater Joannie Rochette. (www.newsimg.bbc.co)

How tragic the Games started with the death of the Georgian luger. Once the competitions started, the emphasis shifted from the tragedy to the other performances, but the Vancouver Organizing Committee handled it as well as could be expected. I think the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should apologize for blaming the death of the luger on the luger. That was insensitive and harsh.

No need for Canada to apologize for the weather. The weather is often a factor at the Winter Olympics – particularly in the alpine events where lack of snow, blizzards, poor visibility, can often steal the headlines and delay the competition.

No need to apologize for winning a Winter Olympic record 14 Gold Medals. Many of the performances were inspirational and courageous – particularly Joannie Rochette who skated despite the sudden death of her mother two days before. She captured the bronze medal and the hearts of many who watched. And Alexandre Bilodeau made a lot of new friends, handling his gold medal performance in the men's moguls freestyle so graciously and dedicating the victory to his brother who suffers with cerebral palsy. You couldn't help but really like this kid. He sounded so humble and sweet in interviews following his big win.

No need to apologize for Team Canada beating Team USA in both men's and women's hockey. There are few things as exciting as when the outcome of an Olympic hockey championship game is decided in sudden death. As great as Ryan Miller played throughout the Olympics, earning the tournament MVP, Sidney Crosby's brilliant shot, seven minutes, 40 seconds into overtime, to win it for Canada, was one for the ages!

And there was certainly no reason for the Canadian women's hockey team to apologize for celebrating on the rink, after they won their gold medal over Team USA.

Hockey player Ryan Miller. (www.radioparadise.com)

I can't believe that the IOC would make a stink about this. So what if they drank champagne and smoked cigars? So what if they got a bit rowdy on the rink, after the fans had cleared? They were not hurting anyone. It was a joyous occasion. Let the women have their fun!

It sounded like a typical celebration to me – one that is very acceptable after World Series victories, NBA Championships, NHL Stanley Cups. What's the big deal with having some harmless fun?

And why would anyone – be it a writer or official – want to make a fuss and ruin the party by apparently making it a point to tattle to the IOC? And why did the IOC feel it was necessary to put the Canadian hockey federation in a position to apologize - how unfortunate and nitpicky.

The IOC could have handled their concerns behind closed doors, not force a public apology.

What a kick in the face to the host country. It did not seem as if the celebration was in bad taste or was unsportsmanlike. After all, the fans in the arena gave Team USA a standing ovation. And the Canadian players were good sports towards the Americans afterward.

But Hockey Canada did what Canadians do. They apologized:

"The members of Team Canada apologize if their on-ice celebrations, after fans had left the building, have offended anyone... In the excitement of the moment, the celebration left the confines of our dressing room and shouldn't have. The team regrets that its gold-medal celebration may have caused the IOC or COC any embarrassment... Our players and team vow to uphold the values of the Olympics moving forward and view this situation as a learning experience."

No need to apologize Canada. The world thanks you for being such wonderful hosts. You pulled off a wonderful Olympic Games under very difficult situations.

Now pop open a Molson and enjoy your success!