Consider these fine stores with locally designed clothing and jewelry:

Shop Cocoon – located at Cambie and 17th Avenue, nearby the Athletes Village

Favourite Gift Shop – located in Londsdale Key (where you catch the bus to get to Cypress)

Granville Island Organix – located on Granville Island, nearby the Atlantic House, Swiss House, and Place de la Francophonie.

Whatever the cause, Kristina Groves’ surprise and gutsy bronze medal in the women’s 3,000 metres Sunday came after one of those heart-stopping finishes that all too often in the past have ended with a Canadian on the wrong side of the equation.

This time? It was a visibly shaken Daniela Anschutz Thoms of Germany bent over, staring downward as she circled the ice while an ebullient crowd of 6,558 shook the Richmond Olympic Oval, agony and ecstasy separated by a mere three-hundredths of a second.

“Kristina was saying, ‘She got me, she got me by a little bit,’” said teammate Clara Hughes, who joined Groves in the oval’s infield to watch the final pairing of Anschutz Thoms and Dutchwoman Ireen Wust. “I said, ‘You did the best you could,’ and then we looked up and it said fourth beside Anschutz Thoms, it was great. …

“I got to watch my training partner, my teammate and my friend skate the 3,000-metre race of her life and come in third and win the bronze medal and it was beautiful. It was a great day for our team.”

That it was — and the message from the Canadians to their rivals on this day was clearly: “We’re ready, bring it on.’

Groves, the fifth-placed Hughes and Cindy Klassen, who was 14th, each skated their best possible race and would have had cause to leave the oval with their heads held high even with lesser results.

The big question at an Olympics is always whether the athletes bearing all the pressure to perform actually deliver when it counts the most. And the speedskaters have been carrying more than their share of pressure, with team officials privately feeling the team can win nine medals. Through the men’s 5,000 and women’s 3,000, two of Canada’s weakest events, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.

“Everyone has done everything they possibly can to prepare the best for these Games,” said Groves of Ottawa. “There’s been so much attention and so much focus on performing and doing it at home. To be able to do it here, the team has got off to a great start. We have an incredibly strong team … I think we’ll do really, really well.”

Groves, an all-rounder whose best events are the 1,500 and the 1,000, already is picking up a medal at a distance in which she’s generally a shade just behind the top girls. The first two steps on the podium went to form with Czech Martina Sablikova blowing away the rest of the field in a time of four minutes 2.53 seconds and German Stephanie Beckert, who chased down Groves in the final 200 metres of a white-knuckle pairing, taking silver in 4:04.62.

Groves finished in 4:04.84 and was convinced she hadn’t done enough to win a medal. She then settled in with Hughes and coach Xiuli Wang to watch the final pairing, knowing she’d given it her all.

“I knew I had done the best race I could and that’s all I can control,” the 33-year-old said when asked if it was tough to watch. “I obviously wanted the best race possible today and I think I did that. So it was a little nerve-wracking to watch, but that’s OK. It was only a couple of minutes.”

The Olympic medal is the third for Groves, who won silver in both the 1,500 and team pursuit at the 2006 Turin Games. More are likely. A five-time medallist at the 2008 world championships, Groves is a top contender in the 1,500 and 1,000. She also leads a pursuit team miles ahead of the competition and will skate in the 5,000.

Like her teammates, Groves said she got a charge from an oval alive in a sea of the customary orange of Dutch fans, who wildly cheered each skater as they zipped around the corners of the gruelling endurance test. There was also a strong and boisterous collection of red-clad Canadian fans, perhaps anticipating the long-track team’s first medal at the Games, stomping their feet and chanting, “Canada, Canada” when Klassen, Hughes and Groves stepped to the line.

“When I was sitting to put my skates on, Cindy was just starting her race and they announced her pair and they announced her and it just gave me goosebumps listening to the crowd,” said Groves.

“I’ve never really experienced that crowd that loud for Canada. It was deafening, just deafening.”

Added Hughes, who comes from Glen Sutton, Que: “I just felt like this is the greatest thing that we’ll ever feel as Canadian athletes.”

Hughes, the defending 5,000 Olympic champion and flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies, couldn’t wipe the smile off her face after putting up a time of 4:06.01. Her eyes screamed determination and focus and she zipped around the oval and pumped her fist several times after crossing the line.

“I skated the best I’ve skated in years technically today and it was just a little short for me,” said Hughes, who will race the 5,000 on Feb. 24 before ending her illustrious career. “When I finish a 3K and I wish it was a 5K, it means I’ve got good skating legs. You have to be satisfied when you give your best.

“There’s a lot of talk about medals, gold medals and medal count, and this and that, but for me it’s about how I feel on that ice and today I just feel very proud, very satisfied.”

For Winnipeg’s Klassen, simply competing at the Olympics was like victory in itself. Her knees will never be the same after surgery and she’s spent all season trying to reinvent herself as a skater, focusing on the finer points of technique with her trademark power a thing of the past.

The country’s most decorated Olympian with six career medals also had to overcome personal adversity, as well, after her sister was nearly killed when her car slid off an icy bridge into a frozen river in February 2008. Klassen ended her season early to be by her sister’s side as she made an amazing recovery.

“I guess the last four years, my faith in God is what grounds me,” said Klassen, a devout Mennonite.

“I didn’t even know if I’d qualify for the Games and I’m just so thankful to be here and it’s an honour to be able to represent Canada.”

Note:The start of racing for the final seven pairings was delayed for about 10 minutes after one of the ice-resurfacing machines spilled water near the inner lane’s finish line. Officials and coaches conferred while what appeared to be a rough spot near the centre-line was repaired. Skaters seemed unaffected by the mishap. … Jeremy Wotherspoon of Red Deer, Alta., leads a Canadian contingent of four skaters in the men’s 500 on Monday. He’s in the 12th of 19 pairs

“The party is just starting for Canada,” said Bilodeau, who dedicated his triumph to his older brother, who has cerebral palsy. “My brother is my inspiration.

“This is too good to be true.”

Speaking of his 26.75-point run, he said: Everything was perfect. I just let it happen. I just let it go.”

British Columbia’s Premier Gordon Campbell congratulated Bilodeau in a statement.

“Canadians have been dreaming of this moment for decades and Alexandre’s

spectacular performance was a breath-taking moment for millions across our country,” Campbell said.

“This gold medal performance will be chronicled as one of the greatest

moments in Canadian sport history. It will inspire millions of young people fromacross our country to work hard and pursue their dreams.”

North Vancouver’s Dale Begg-Smith, skiing for Australia, wins silver (26.58). Bryon Wilson of the U.S. bronze (26.08). Canadian Vincent Marquis posted a score of 25.88 for fourth. Fellow Canuck Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau was fifth with 25.83. Canadian Maxime Gingras (24.13) was 11th.

Up to the minute medal standings for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Canada is attempting to ‘own the podium’, and is expected to be a Top 3 finisher.

Cheers erupted as she bowed to accept her Olympic bouquet after winning Canada’s first medal at the Vancouver Olympics on Saturday night.

It was a moment of deserved celebration for the freestyle star from Spruce Grove, Alta., but also one framed in disappointment. The silver medal that she won was not the one she, or the country, was looking for.

Heil represented Canada’s best shot at winning the nation’s first Olympic gold medal at home when she entered the moguls finals as defending champion.

“I know how much hard work goes into winning any Olympic medal,” she said later. “For me, I didn’t see the difference in the value of what date a medal is won. Canadians can be assured that that medal is coming on home soil.”

Canada is the only multiple Olympic host not to win gold at home, missing out at the Montreal Summer Games in 1976 and the Calgary Winter Games in 1988.

Heil was the penultimate skier in the final run, and for a brief moment she sat in first position after an electrifying run that gave a point total of 25.69.

Only American Hannah Kearney was left, and the 23-year-old ripped down the course in a near-perfect run. We held our breath and Kearney’s score came in: 26.63.

“I think the qualifying run was the key to my success today,” Kearney said. “In some ways, it was redemption for the absolute failure I experienced in Torino.”

Despite being the favourite in 2006, Kearney had failed to win a medal as Heil took the gold.

Mixed with pride

The electricity that Heil had sent jolting through fans from coast to coast diffused into that strange mix of pride and sadness we’ve grown use to.

It was, in many ways, a fitting end to a day that brought moments of heartbreak, frustration and joy.

Canada’s Chloe Dufour-Lapointe was a bright spot on a rainy day. The 18-year-old from Montreal ripped down the course in the finals and briefly sat in first position — a sign that the future of women’s moguls in Canada is in good hands.

Meanwhile, medal contender Kristi Richards turned a devastating fall in the finals into a memorable moment in Canadian sport.

The 28-year-old B.C. native pulled herself out of the snow after a rough tumble before the final jump. Stepping back into her skis, she paused and stared at the finish line, as if to acknowledge what could have been.

The crowd erupted and Richards flew down the final quarter of the Cypress Mountain course and pulled off a perfect back-flip. Gliding across the finish line, she smiled and the crowd roared.

But the Americans wrote powerful storylines of their own Saturday.

Shannon Bahrke pulled off an unexpected run that put her on the podium in third place, while Kearney fought off the demons of her Olympic past to claim the gold. In Turin, the moguls star had stumbled out of the starting gate in the qualifying round and didn’t reach the finals.

Canada’s high expectations sat on Heil’s shoulders Saturday night and she carried them well.

Through the complicated disappointment of winning a silver medal but losing a dream, she smiled with pride on the podium.

“I wanted the gold. I won the silver,” she said smiling through tears later. “This is Canada’s medal.”

Vote for the Top 10

The Royal Canadian Mint and Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium are inviting Canadians to celebrate Canada’s history at the Olympic Winter Games by voting on the Top 10 Canadian Olympic Winter Moments of all time. Each vote provides a chance to win one of two trips for two to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“Canadian Olympic athletes have the profound ability to make an emotional connection with fans and instill a tremendous amount of national pride,” said Keith Pelley, president of Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. “We celebrate and pay tribute to Canada’s Olympic heroes who have helped shape the Olympic Winter Games for Canadians nationwide.”

Featured on the Canadian quarter

Once the votes are tallied, the top three moments will each be featured on 25-cent coins and will enter into circulation in the fall of 2009. They will then be revealed in a one-hour prime-time broadcast special, in English and French, in September 2009 on CTV, TSN and RDS.
The Top 10 Canadian Olympic Winter Moments finalists, as selected by an independent voting panel are (in chronological order):
•Nancy Greene — gold medal and silver medal, alpine skiing, Grenoble 1968
•Gaétan Boucher — two gold medals and one bronze medal, speed skating, Sarajevo 1984
•Marc Gagnon — gold medal, short track speed skating, Salt Lake 2002
•Catriona Le May Doan — gold medal, speed skating, Salt Lake 2002
•Men’s Hockey Team — gold medal, Salt Lake 2002
•Women’s Hockey Team — gold medal, Salt Lake 2002
•Jamie Salé and David Pelletier — gold medal, figure skating, Salt Lake 2002
•Beckie Scott — gold medal, cross-country skiing, Salt Lake 2002
•Cindy Klassen — one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals, speed skating, Torino 2006
•Clara Hughes — gold medal, speed skating, Torino 2006

From the 10 finalists above, Canadians can rank their favourites and share their personal memories from each moment. A random draw will take place in early April to determine two winners, each of whom will each receive a trip for two to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“We’re proud to give Canadians the opportunity to determine the most extraordinary Olympic Winter Games moments to complete our Vancouver 2010 circulation coin program,” said Ian E. Bennett, president and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Canadian Mint.

The knit Red Mittens — with their soft fleece lining and white maple leaf on the palm — are $10 (plus taxes) with all net proceeds going toward supporting Canadian athletes. Manufactured by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Red Mittens are sold through the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters. They’ll also be available at Olympic Stores, The Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com, and in select areas along the Torch Relay Route.

Torch Relay and Red Mittens

The Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens were first seen in Whistler on February 12, 2009 during the one-year countdown celebrations when the 2010 Olympic Torch was unveiled for the first time. Next to the mostly white torchbearer uniform, these hot little mittens will certainly become a stand-out piece.

VANOC has heard of torch relay celebration communities getting a jump on the Red Mitten craze. For one, Tara Semchuk of Drumheller, Alberta, sewed a special (unofficial) pair of red fleece mittens for their 86-foot-tall, 65,771 kilogram Tyrannosaurus Rex. Talk about community spirit! The world’s largest replica dinosaur will be wearing her Red Mittens during the winter holiday season and of course January 3 to 16, around the time that the Olympic Flame comes through town. Another sign that torch relay communities are getting creative and ready for some fun.

To celebrate today’s grand opening, there is live music, athletes, as well as the unveiling of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 team uniform with representatives from the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The expansive space (20,000 square feet) is located on the main floor of The Bay’s iconic downtown heritage building. Based on past Games’ Olympic Superstore traffic, 10,000 people are expected to visit the location each day of Vancouver 2010.

Anchor Location

The Olympic Superstore at The Bay will serve as the anchor retail location for the 2010 Winter Games. Official licensed merchandise can also be purchased at Olympic Stores at the Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, BC, online at vancouver2010.com, and in all competition and non-competition venues.

“The store is quite simply amazing and we owe a great deal of thanks to all our partners, especially the Hudson’s Bay Company for providing us with this fantastic downtown location,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer.

This is the first Olympic Superstore housed within an existing retail establishment, rather than a temporary Games-time structure. The concept of the Olympic Superstore was first introduced at the Sydney 2000 Games. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Superstore will operate during The Bay’s regular business hours leading up to the Games, with extended hours starting February 12, 2010 when the Games begin, making The Olympic Superstore a great stop to pick up a pair of the iconic Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens.

Team Canada Uniform Preview

As part of the opening day festivities, the Hudson’s Bay Company and Canadian Olympic Committee gives a sneak peek of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 uniform. The fashion show is a glimpse of how Canadian athletes will be outfitted in this new a line of bold, modern, fashion-forward clothing designed by Hudson’s Bay Company. Fans can purchase replica 2010 Canadian Olympic Team apparel at The Bay, Zellers and HBC online.

“For more than 338 years, the Hudson’s Bay Company has been a part of this country’s proudest moments — including supporting Canadian athletes at home and abroad,” said Jeff Sherman, CEO, Hudson’s Bay Company. “From the first time our Canadian Olympic winter athletes wore Hudson’s Bay Company clothing in 1936, to its ongoing fundraising efforts in support of Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, our company is fully committed to supporting the hopes and dreams of Canada’s athletes.”

Silly Human Tricks

Participants don’t have to be natural-born athletes to take part, but continuous cartwheeling skills or experience in one-handed umbrella twirling could be an advantage. For example, Swedish track and field Olympian, Carolina Kluft, showcases her distance handstand walk, and American swimming great Michael Phelps sinks 12, five-foot golf putts in 60 seconds.

And what’s a contest without prizes? A range of prizes will be awarded to anyone who simply uploads a video or proposes their own challenge, and special prizes will go to those who beat or come close to beating an Olympian’s challenge. Prizes include:

• A trip for two to watch the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
• A trip for two to watch the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games
• T-shirts signed by Olympians
• Official Olympic video games
• The Best of Us Challenge posters

The Digital Era

The Best of Us challenge was created in part because of a resolution from the recent Olympic Congress that the Olympic Movement should actively engage the next generation of Olympic fans through digital media. The challenge will appear on thebestofuschallenge.olympic.org, olympic.org and on the IOC YouTube channel.

Another IOC Competition

In addition to The Best of Us Challenge, the IOC also created a medal design competition in preparation for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games next summer. The public is invited to vote and determine the 10 best medal designs and an IOC jury will then select the best design from the top 10. The winning designer will get a trip to the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games and receive a gold medal replica of their design. The design deadline is December 4, 2009.