Canada Breaks Gold Medal Curse

Alexandre Bilodeau brought home gold for Canada in the men’s moguls on Monday.

This may not seem truly significant at first glance, but if we think about the historical context, it’s quite an accomplishment.

Canada has never brought home a gold medal when they’ve hosted the Olympics and Bilodeau’s recent mogul success breaks that dreaded curse that the media has created.

The Canadian scored 26.75 points in an upset against the defending Olympic champion Dale Begg-Smith, a Vancouver native who now competes for Australia.

“I don’t think I really realize it,” Bilodeau said. “It’s too good to be true.”

Canada now has 2 gold medals after

Perhaps even more thrilled about the medal win is Bilodeau’s coach, Dominick Gauthier.

“It’s so big for Canada,” said Gauthier. “Now the first gold is won. The media won’t talk about it anymore. It’s done.”

This win accompanied by Maelle Ricker’s gold in the women’s snowboard cross on the following day put Canada on the map as a top competitor.