Inspirational vets pad Canada's medal haul

So the Canadian team has rebounded from a slow start in the first week of competition to run its medal count up to double digits in the past four days and best its haul from Greece four years ago. The me, the most remarkable performances have come from three veterans members of the Canadian team who are returning to compete in the Olympics for at least the third time.

First, kudos go out to equestrian team rider Ian Millar who was competing in his 9th Olympics and is finally coming home with a medal. Although Canada lost the gold to the US in the jump-off round, their earlier performances were stellar with little room for error, given that Canada's fourth mount had pulled up lame. Apparently Ian's wife lost a battle to cancer back in March and described him as a "late bloomer". I guess she was smiling down on him!

Second, kudos go to trampoline gymnast Karen Cockburn who was competing in her third Olympics and has medaled each time. That is a rare accomplishment.

And last but not least, kudos go out to triathlete Simon Whitfield. I found Simon's gold medal performance 8 years ago as a 24 year old rookie to be one of the most stirring moments in Canadian Olympic sports history. But his comeback silver medal this year as a 32 year old was even more inspirational. He appeared to have lost touch with the leading group of three. Just when I was starting to abandon all hope of him coming back, he suddenly tossed the cap from his head and started to bear down, kicking into overdrive to start his finishing kick. He surged to the front and actually had the lead with 200 metres or so left. It was astonishing to me that anyone could still have the mental toughness to push past the pain after all that swimming, cycling and running... to dig down deep and will his body to deliver a medal in a final sprint like that. Most incredible!

With honourable mention to veteran diver Alexandre Despatie who claimed another silver for Canada in a springboard competition

Way to go Team Canada!