The legend of Falcons Security begun when Sean suggested – in December 2001 – that it would be a great idea for him, Nick, and Kerry to go down to Salt Lake City in February for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Category Archives: Torino 2006
Torino Olympics wrap up…and the magazine
The Torino Olympics are over. It was an amazing time for us and for Team Canada in general. Torino (or Turin if you may – although Torino sounds better) is a spectacular city, with perhaps the best collision of geography, food, and culture on earth, and I’m not kidding. Check it…
- Torino is nestled in the Italian Alps, surrounded by beautiful mountains
- on the banks of the river Po, with astounding architecture spanning many centuries
- the car capital of Europe, home of Fiat and Alpha Romeo
- located in Piedmont region of Italy, famous for Barolo, Barbaresco, and sparkling Asti wines. And speaking of Italy, it’s also a place known for pretty good pasta, pizza, and gelato.
- the home of Juventus – one of Europe’s most storied soccer clubs
- has an astounding number of chocolate makers, and is the birthplace of bicerin, a glorious chocolate-coffee beverage
Mountains, food, wine, chocolate, cars, sports…it’s basically an adult fantasy land. Thank you Torino.
On my flight home I found a Macleans magazine tucked into my seat pocket. It had Cindy Klassen on the cover, and a photo of the 4 Falcons on the inside. A perfect way to wrap up our Olympic experience.

Torino – February 24 – curling gold!
M curling final
Our first Olympic curling experience was the men’s curling gold medal match, Canada vs. Finland in the adorable Italian town of Pinerolo, a short train ride outside of Torino. We settled in early and then watched Brad Gushue, Russ Howard, Mark Nichols and Jamie Korab win the gold with a crazy 6 point 6th end.
Torino – February 22 – hockey disaster and speed skating glory
M hockey Canada vs. Russia QF
W 1500 speed skating
In the early afternoon we took in our first long track speed skating event, and we picked a good one. It was amazing to see a venue filled with 80% orange-clad Dutch fans. The Dutch and their speed skating is quite the spectacle. They’re fun, they sing, they play music, they cheer loudly during every race (even if no Dutch skaters are involved), they’re incredibly knowledgeable, and above all else, they display wonderful sportsmanship.
Canadians Cindy Klassen and Kristina Groves went 1-2 while Ireen Wüst of the Netherlands got the bronze. This was one of Cindy’s 5 medals during the 2006 Olympics, a record for a Canadian athlete.
The rest of the day didn’t fare so well. We watched Canada get drubbed 2-0 to the Russians in the QF men’s hockey match. The Russians fans were an especially aggressive and unfriendly bunch. After experiencing the pleasantness of the Dutch skating fans, this was the polar opposite.
Edit: Payback would be sweet as Canada and Russia meet up again in the QF in Vancouver 2010.
Torino – February 21 – Men’s hockey Canada vs. Czech Republic
M hockey – Canada vs. Czech Republic
After embarrassing 2-0 losses to Switzerland and Finland, Canada got their act together to beat the Czechs 3-2.
Torino – February 20 – Women’s Hockey Gold Medal game
W Hockey gold medal game – Canada vs. Sweden
After the U.S. team lost to the Swedes in the semifinal, the gold medal game was pretty much a 60 minute coronation for Team Canada. Martin Brodeur sat behind us with his dad and sister, and we partied with the Swiss women’s team after the game.